Graduate Diploma in International Community Development

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Interpret community development theoretical concepts and related knowledge to think critically on appropriate approaches to address sociocultural problems in contemporary societies;
2. Utilise critical analytical skills to interrogate and interpret different schools of thought on globalisation and development and their impacts on communities, including through critical engagement with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
3. Deconstruct the role of civil society and grassroots social movements in relation to international community development;
4. Critique global and regional political structures, and their impact upon community development;
5. Creatively employ advanced skills in research and project management in international community development contexts.

VU offers expertise and guidance in several specialised research areas. Progressing to our masters or higher research degree (doctorate) will bring you into contact with our vibrant and innovative research community.

Related research themes include community resilience, liveable and inclusive cities, cultural diversity and wellbeing, and community, identity and displacement.

The Community, Identity and Displacement Research Network (CIDRN) promotes research into displacement, identity, community and change, focused on Melbourne’s west.

Our partnerships with educational, business and community organisations offer important research opportunities. We have agreements with other universities and NGOs, such as the National University of Timor Leste (UNTL). These give you fantastic options to learn and travel.

Students studying international development at VU have completed placements in the following countries:

• Timor Leste
• Fiji
• Cambodia
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• India
• Bangladesh
• Mauritius
• Kenya
• Botswana.

If you’re aiming for a leadership, management or public-policy role, our Master of International Community Development will give you the qualifications and skills to get there.

VU offers flexible study options, with courses designed to lead into one another. Completing the Graduate Certificate in International Community Development gains you credit towards this diploma.

From there, you’ll gain entry with credit points to the Master of International Community Development – and you’ll already be halfway to completing the full masters degree.

This program critically engages with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising and supporting Victoria University values.

These include respecting cultural diversity and supporting lifelong learning.

VU’s Strategic Plan includes ‘An unwavering commitment to progressive inclusivity’ and further states that:

"It is our responsibility to respect and listen to Indigenous voices and standpoints, upholding and privileging self-determination, sovereignty and authority."

To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. We also consider non-academic research and work experience for our research candidates.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline OR Completion of an Australian Graduate Certificate (or equivalent) in a similar discipline PLUS IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.