Handbook

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Overview

The following information applies to students commencing from 2022. If you commenced prior to 2022, please refer to the program rules for the year you started. The Master of Development Studies (MDS) is offered by the School of Social Sciences and is a flexible and interactive program that provides specialist … For more content click the Read More button below. The program will provide you with the knowledge base and analytical framework to understand and negotiate the complexities of the geopolitical, economic, social, ethical and cultural contexts in which development takes place. You will be equipped with practical professional skills which may be applied to a diverse array of career options which relate to development. The Master of Development Studies will be of value to those who see themselves playing a role in understanding and promoting development, whether from a community, government, civil society, donor or other organisational role. You will develop substantial knowledge and a range of skills related to the planning, delivery and management of programs relevant to international and local social and community development, aid work (policy and practice) and human rights.

The following information applies to students commencing from 2022.

If you commenced prior to 2022, please refer to the program rules for the year you started.

The Master of Development Studies (MDS) is offered by the School of Social Sciences and is a flexible and interactive program that provides specialist studies in international development at the local, national and international level. It is based on a philosophy of human rights, social justice, community development and participatory approaches.

The program will provide you with the knowledge base and analytical framework to understand and negotiate the complexities of the geopolitical, economic, social, ethical and cultural contexts in which development takes place. You will be equipped with practical professional skills which may be applied to a diverse array of career options which relate to development. The Master of Development Studies will be of value to those who see themselves playing a role in understanding and promoting development, whether from a community, government, civil society, donor or other organisational role.

You will develop substantial knowledge and a range of skills related to the planning, delivery and management of programs relevant to international and local social and community development, aid work (policy and practice) and human rights.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate advanced knowledge relevant to international development and possess an ability to apply this knowledge in a diverse range of contexts and environments.

Leaders
Scholars

Show significant knowledge and skills in research methodologies specific to the discipline of Development Studies and through the application of these show an in-depth understanding of a core area of development theory and practice.

Scholars
Professionals

Provide evidence of advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills relevant to development.

Professionals
Leaders
Scholars

Communicate complex ideas to a diverse range of audiences, undertake both independent and collaborative enquiry, apply the principles, practices and skills learnt and be reflective, adaptive and ethical learners and professional practitioners.

Leaders
Scholars
Professionals
Global citizens

Demonstrate an understanding of both local and global issues in the field of development studies.

Global citizens
Professionals

Graduate Capabilities

For more information on Graduate Capabilities please click on this link

Program Structure

Students must complete 96 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

48 UOC specialisation (SOCWTS)

Research Core Course (6 UOC)
Disciplinary Core Courses (12 UOC)
Prescribed Disciplinary Elective (6 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (24 UOC)

72 UOC specialisation (SOCWUS)

Research Core Courses (12 UOC)
Disciplinary Core Courses (12 UOC)
Prescribed Disciplinary Elective (12 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (36 UOC)

96 UOC specialisation (SOCWWS)

Research Core Courses (12 UOC)
Disciplinary Core Courses (30 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (54 UOC)

Specialisation Requirements

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

The entry requirements are as follows:

For the 1 year stream (A)

Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience

For the 1.7 year stream (B)

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience

Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%

Relevant disciplines include: Social Sciences; Humanities; Business; Economics; Law; Public Health; Communications; Social Work; Psychology/Psychological Science.

Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance to these programs should enquire here: studyarts@unsw.edu.au.

*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.

For the 2 year stream (C)

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%

Limitations on Recognition of Prior Learning

For more information about admission requirements for various UNSW programs, visit the following website(s):

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Progression rules are in accordance with university policy.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Similar Program

Master of International Relations - MIR8233 - International Relations

Postgraduate Pathway

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1272 - Social Sciences

Professional Outcomes

Career Opportunities

The program is designed to address the continuing education needs of specialists in development as well as to provide a general orientation to social and community development for professionals wanting to enter the field.

Recognition of Achievement

Award with Excellence

For more information, please visit:

The Award with Excellence is awarded in coursework masters programs, including Masters (Extension) but with the exception of Masters (Extended) such as JD and MD, when a Weighted Average Mean (WAM) of at least 80% has been achieved and at least 50% of the requirements of the award are completed at UNSW. All eligible programs will award 'with Excellence' except in special circumstances where approval of Academic Board has been given for a program to opt out.

Additional Information

Further information

Contact the UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Student Services for advice.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)

Faculty
Faculty: The primary academic unit in which related disciplines of teaching and research are conducted.

Campus

Sydney

Study Level
Study Level refers to the academic level of a program, specialisation or course.

Postgraduate

Typical duration:

2 Year(s)

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Intake Period

Term 1, Term 3

Academic Calendar

Minimum Units of Credit

AQF Level

Level 9

Award Type

Masters (Coursework)

Award(s)
Award(s): Qualification upon completion (all awards offered by UNSW are accredited by UNSW and align with the Australian Qualifications Framework).

Master of Development Studies - MDS

CRICOS Code

083236D

Development Studies

8942

96 Units of Credit