Master of Global Development at James Cook University

James Cook University

Australia, Townsville

University Rank:#440

Duration2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 25,578 / Year

Next IntakeSeptember 25, 2026

Master of Global Development

The Master of Global Development at James Cook University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus across its Cairns and Online campuses in Townsville, Australia, the program is taught in English and takes 2 year(s) to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. Tuition fees are USD 25,578 / year, with the next intake on September 25, 2026.

About Master of Global Development

Consolidate and extend your expertise in Global Development and join a new generation of ethical global citizens and change-makers. JCU’s central, tropical location gives Global Development graduates a unique platform for engaging with pressing global development issues.

Benefit from a multi-faceted approach to learning. Undertake an individual research project, and take advantage of a domestic or international internship that will expand your professional network. Develop and apply leadership skills by partnering with leading global organisations.

Finish your Master of Global Development faster. With credit for previous study, you can finish your degree in less than two years. Finish 6 months sooner if you have a Bachelor or Graduate Certificate in a related discipline, or 1 year sooner if you have a Bachelor (Honours) or Graduate Diploma in a related discipline.

Create a brighter future. JCU Master of Global Development graduates have the strong intercultural competencies and self-reflexivity required to work effectively and ethically in developing countries.

View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent

English language requirements

Band 1

If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.

English Requirements

PTEMin 52
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 74

English Program Requirements

International students must attain an IELTS Academic with an average level of 7.5 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components; and a score of 8.0 or more in the components of speaking and listening. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

English competency requirements may also be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

Bachelor degree or master degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, or
Undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University.

Career

As a graduate of the Master of Global Development, you will have strong skills in project and resource management, leadership, planning, critical evaluation and advanced research as well as extensive practical experience.

The Master of Global Development prepares you for a career with unlimited potential. Your knowledge and skills are highly applicable in many areas of education, welfare and development, allowing you to enter a wide variety of positions. Highly regarded by employers, development graduates are sought after within a range of national and international NGOs, government departments, local councils and private sector operators working in international development.

Your future career will have a national and international scope through JCU’s strong ties across the Asia Pacific and Tropics, which you will first experience in your professional placement. The connections you make with the organisation facilitating your placement could lead to employment opportunities post-graduation. These organisations can include local and state government, such as the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), international NGOs such as ActionAid and Oxfam, and UN bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

25,578 / year

How to Apply

1 — Select your course

2 — Confirm entry requirements

3 — Check application due dates

4 — Meet your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements

5 — Check if you’re required to apply via an agent

6 — Prepare your documents

7 — Submit your application

Master of Global Development

James Cook University

Australia, Townsville