Master of 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;
6. Devise and execute a substantial research-based project or minor thesis;
7. Resolve complex or emerging problems in professional practice and in contemporary international community development settings by applying knowledge and skills in a real-world context.

VU offers expertise and guidance in several specialised research areas. Postgraduate research 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 Social & cultural transformation research program is part of our Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities. We conduct high-impact and innovative research relating to social inclusion, community development, inclusive and transformational education, and social justice.

VU offers flexible study options, with courses designed to lead into one another. This makes it easy for you to graduate with the qualification that suits you, within a timeframe that suits you.

This degree is the final stage of a nested suite of three courses that make up the Master of International Community Development. The two previous stages are:

1. Graduate Certificate in International Community Development
2. Graduate Diploma in International Community Development.

Applicants with a four-year undergraduate degree can apply directly to this masters degree.

Alternatively, if you have a three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent you can apply for the graduate certificate or graduate diploma course and then proceed to the masters.

Completion of one stage gives you credit towards the next. You can also choose to exit the course at graduate certificate or graduate diploma level.

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.

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 Diploma (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.