Bachelor of Development Studies

Make a positive difference in the world

Development, poverty, inequality , political instability, and environmental sustainability are some of the most important issues in the world today. This program provides the opportunity to study the causes and consequences of unequal development. This program is the only development studies program in Australia to include economics and Aboriginal studies as core courses.

No matter your focus, when you study Development Studies, you can go on to make a positive difference.

Students focus on key global issues in local, national and international contexts. You could find yourself employed for the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, helping developing countries address their internal constraints to trade. Or locally, you could work with an Indigenous community working to improve environmental sustainability.

Course overview

You will have the opportunity to choose from one of four majors:

• Cultures and Citizenship – courses in this major will prepare you for fields related to Indigenous affairs, immigration and citizenship or community development.
• Environmental Sustainability – as part of this major you will study courses to develop your analytical skills. You will also learn how to evaluate the impact of development on the environment and the community.
• Urban and Regional Development – studying courses in this major will open up employment opportunities in the fields of planning, regional or community development.
• Geopolitics and Economic Development – by completing this major you could go on to work in fields related to economic policy and analysis.

You will study real-world issues such as globalisation, environmental change, sustainable development, refugee and asylum seeker migration, and social justice. Our interdisciplinary approach means that in addition to your major you are exposed to a wide range of topics including:

• Aboriginal studies
• Economics
• Geography
• International Relations
• Sociology
• Environmental studies

Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.

Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.

In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.

Skills, abilities and knowledge learnt in the Bachelor of Development Studies are highly sought after by a broad range of employers, including international aid organisations, consulting firms and local, state and federal government departments.

Not everyone uses their degree in the same way and the transferable skills gained through university study may allow graduates to pursue a range of careers that might not be directly linked to their study. Students may work in federal, state & local government, NGOs, consultancy or private business.

Professional outcomes:

• International Aid/Development
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Community Development
• Environmental Management
• Advocacy and Policy Development Work
• Research