Master of Development Studies
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8942
- CRICOS code 083236D
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2024 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $16,000*
-
2024 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $32,500*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $42,000*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $88,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Research-led teaching
-
Recognition of prior learning
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Strong industry links
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- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Master of Development Studies at UNSW Sydney is a full-time interactive degree designed for individuals seeking to understand and address the challenges of global development. The degree focuses on equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle some of the most pressing contemporary issues faced by communities worldwide.
You will learn critical development studies theories and methods that emphasise human rights, gender and intersectionality, and social, racial, indigenous and environmental justice to develop frameworks that explain the causes and drivers of both global and local inequalities. All while considering the diverse contexts in which global and local development occurs.
Guiding you through your studies is an academic team with significant practical experience and expertise both in Australia and globally.
What is development studies?
As a development studies student, you will gain a critical understanding of some of the most complex issues found in the world today:
Forced migration
Gender-based violence
Human rights abuses
Global health
Disaster justice
Food security and insecurity
Environmental governance
Climate change
Community development
What is the role of development studies?
Be a leader in driving change: You will be able to lead in driving positive change through your education on relevant issues, setting clear goals, developing the necessary skills and collaborating with others to help you create the changes you aspire to see in the world.
Enhance your development skills: Throughout this postgraduate degree, you will develop transferable skills in critical analysis, policy formulation, advocacy and effective consultation across institutional levels. By gaining these skills, you will contribute to creating a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world.
Address global challenges: You will learn to navigate and address major global challenges by working collaboratively with affected communities to drive solutions at local, national and international levels. You will also gain access to networks and key stakeholders within the development sector.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2024.
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
There are three different streams of the Master of Development Studies. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to development studies.
If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
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%.
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%.
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
Relevant disciplines include: Social Sciences; Humanities; Business; Economics; Law; Public Health; Communications; Social Work; Psychology/Psychological Science.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
There are three different streams of the Master of Development Studies. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to development studies.
If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
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%^.
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%^.
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
^Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).
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.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
This master’s degree can be completed in two-years full-time study (or the part-time equivalent).
This program is structured to acknowledge and recognise the unique skills and experience you bring to your postgraduate education. If you have relevant previous experience, you may be able to undertake a streamlined degree, which can be completed in one-year or 1.7 years full-time.
If you’re coming to the program with limited professional experience, you’ll undertake the full two-years study.
What is a Master of Development Studies?
The program includes three different streams to choose from including:
Development Studies A – 1 year stream
Development Studies B – 1.7 year stream
Development Studies C – 2 year stream
Future careers
Our graduates work with organisations that solve global challenges such as human rights violations, forced migration and global health.
You’ll be qualified to work in a wide range of fields from local community development to international aid work, advocacy, and human rights. When you graduate from the Master of Development Studies you’ll have the skills and expertise to promote a fairer and more equitable future for individuals and communities across the world.
Potential careers
- Practice-based roles to Research and Policy within academia, government and civil society
- Local and International Development Agencies
- The United Nations
- Policy and Advocacy think tanks
- Community-based organisations and government bodies locally and internationally
Undertaking a research project
Students who maintain a distinction average in their first term of study can apply to undertake a Professional Practice Research Project* worth 12 units of credit.
This involves completing an empirical or conceptual research project with a topic directly related to professional practice in the field of International Development or Refugees and Displacement.
*Entry to research project courses is at the discretion of the program convenor.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$16,000*
$32,500*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
