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Learning Outcomes

1.
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
  • Global Citizens
  • Professionals
2.
Provide evidence of advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills relevant to development.
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
  • Professionals
3.
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
4.
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.
  • Scholars
  • Global Citizens
  • Professionals
  • Leaders
5.
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

Available in Program(s)
Single degree program(s) in which this specialisation is available:

Master of Arts - MA8224 - Combined Arts/Social Sciences
Master of Development Studies - MDS8942 - Development Studies

Specialisation Structure
48 Units of Credit:

Students must complete 48 UOC.

Admission Block Credit

If you are in program 8942 Development Studies you will have been issued 48 UOC Admission Block Credit. You must complete a further 48 UOC.

Disciplinary Core Courses

You must take 12 UOC of the following courses.

COMD5001
6 UOC
International Development Policy
SOCW7851
6 UOC
Community Development

Research Core Course

You must take 6 UOC of the following courses.

SRAP5101
6 UOC
Research Methods and Project Design

Disciplinary Prescribed Electives

You must take 12 UOC of the following courses.

COMD5000
6 UOC
NGOs, Civil Society and Development
COMD5002
6 UOC
Development, Human Rights and Global Health
SOCW7857
6 UOC
Refugees and Forced Migration

Elective Courses

You must take at least 6 UOC, up to a maximum of 12 UOC of the following courses.

COMD5000
6 UOC
NGOs, Civil Society and Development
COMD5002
6 UOC
Development, Human Rights and Global Health
COMD5004
6 UOC
Climate Change Adaptation & Development
LAWS8185
6 UOC
Law and Society in the New Economy
POLS5121
6 UOC
International Organisations and Global Politics
POLS5122
6 UOC
The International Political Economy
POLS5125
6 UOC
The Politics of International Law
POLS5161
6 UOC
Developing Countries and the International System
SOCW7852
6 UOC
Politics of International Aid
SOCW7855
6 UOC
Rights-Based Project Design and Evaluation
SOCW7857
6 UOC
Refugees and Forced Migration
SRAP5001
6 UOC
Policy Analysis
SRAP5106
6 UOC
Academic Writing in the Social Sciences
SRAP5021
6 UOC
Policy, Advocacy and Activism in the Digital Age

Research Prescribed Electives

You must take at least 6 UOC, up to a maximum of 12 UOC of the following courses.

Note: SRAP5107 Research Project is completed over two terms (2 x 6 UOC) to the value of 12 UOC

SRAP5103
6 UOC
Research Report
SRAP5107
6 UOC
Research Project

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.

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)
Pre-2019 Handbook Editions