Global development
Leading-edge solutions for global challenges
Global Development looks at how nations and people change over time from political, geographical, cultural, and socio-economic perspectives. People in the development sector, like those at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the United Nations, and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) such as Oxfam or ActionAid, work with local communities to address real-world issues like poverty, social and gender inequalities, and climate change as well as providing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, or advocacy.
Study opportunities with real-world impact
Because development deals with complex problems that don't have easy solutions at UNSW School of Social Sciences we adopt a unique interdisciplinary approach to investigating and providing solutions for these dynamic issues through global-development in practice courses.
We also offer internship courses tailored to Global Development students, enabling you to have internship opportunities with development organisations and build up your work experience while completing your degree at the same time.
Learn from academics at the grassroots
Our team of academics are at the front line of development practice, from local community development to international organisations. We bring real-world experience and expertise to your educational progression.
In addition to the extensive advocacy work undertaken by the Centre for Refugee Research, members of our staff work with community-based organisations, NGOs, think tanks and a range of civil society-based organisations. We also support a range of civil society bodies, including the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and CARE Australia.
Graduate into a world of diverse opportunities
Graduating in global development at UNSW opens the door to a multitude of career options and equips you with the skillset to perform in a wide variety of roles. Our graduates are in a strong position to pursue career paths with government and non-government organisation such as:
- DFAT
- Australian Council for International Development
- Coffey International Development
- GRM International
- Oxfam
- United Nations
- World Bank
- Amnesty International
- CARE Australia.
Quick links
Study
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We offer an undergraduate minor and major in global development. You’ll gain an appreciation of development theories, policies and practices, contemporary issues, local innovations and global responses. You'll also learn how to become a critical scholar and a reflective practitioner of development.
Degree options
We offer the below undergraduate courses with a specialisation in Global Development:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce International
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Arts / Law
- Bachelor of Commerce / Arts
- Bachelor of Economics / Arts
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Environmental Management / Arts
- Bachelor of Media / Arts
- Bachelor of Media / Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine / Arts
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Social Sciences/Law
We offer the below undergraduate courses with a minor only in Global Development:
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In your final year of some of our undergraduate degrees, you’ll be able to deepen your knowledge through a self-directed research project. You’ll graduate with strong research skills developed through the completion of a thesis that will set you apart as you kick-start your career. Honours is part of the following degrees:
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The Master of Development Studies is a flexible and interactive program aiming to provide specialised insights and skills concerning development challenges and processes at the local, national and international level. This UNSW degree is underpinned by an understanding of human rights, social justice, community development, political economy and participatory approaches.
Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with substantial knowledge and a range of skills related to the politics, policy, planning, delivery and management of programs relevant to the following international, social and community development, humanitarian ‘aid’ work and human rights.
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Development studies is available to students interested in a Masters by Research (MRes) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). We welcome opportunities to work with engaged and critical thinkers.