Master of Development Studies

University of New South Wales

Australia, Sydney

University Rank:#20

Duration2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 31,563 / Year

Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

Master of Development Studies

About

The Master of Development Studies at UNSW Sydney is a full-time interactive degree designed for individuals seeking to understand and address the challenges of global development. The degree focuses on equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle some of the most pressing contemporary issues faced by communities worldwide.

You will learn critical development studies theories and methods that emphasise human rights, gender and intersectionality, and social, racial, indigenous and environmental justice to develop frameworks that explain the causes and drivers of both global and local inequalities. All while considering the diverse contexts in which global and local development occurs.

Guiding you through your studies is an academic team with significant practical experience and expertise both in Australia and globally.

Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
Learn through research-informed teaching
Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2024.
Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
Access world-class alumni connections
Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024)
Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities

Requirements

Entry Requirements

There are three different streams of the Master of Development Studies. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to development studies.

If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.

For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:

For the 1 year stream (A)

Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^, plus one year relevant professional experience.

For the 1.7 year stream (B)

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.

For the 2 year stream (C)

*Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.

*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.

^Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).

Relevant disciplines include: Social Sciences; Humanities; Business; Economics; Law; Public Health; Communications; Social Work; Psychology/Psychological Science.

Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance to these programs should enquire here: [email protected].

English Program Requirements

Faculty Undergraduate Postgraduate coursework Postgraduate research
Arts, Design & Architecture

6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

Exceptions:

Bachelor of Education (Secondary): 7 overall (min 6.5 in writing & reading, 7.5 in speaking & listening)
Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours): 7.0 overall (min 7.0 in each subtest)
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours): 7 overall (min 7.0 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking)

6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)

Exceptions:

Master of Teaching (Primary & Secondary): 7.5 overall (min 7.0 in writing & reading, 8.0 in speaking & listening)

7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)

Career

Future careers

Our graduates work with organisations that solve global challenges such as human rights violations, forced migration and global health.

You’ll be qualified to work in a wide range of fields from local community development to international aid work, advocacy, and human rights. When you graduate from the Master of Development Studies you’ll have the skills and expertise to promote a fairer and more equitable future for individuals and communities across the world.

Potential careers

Practice-based roles to Research and Policy within academia, government and civil society
Local and International Development Agencies
The United Nations
Policy and Advocacy think tanks
Community-based organisations and government bodies locally and internationally

Undertaking a research project

Students who maintain a distinction average in their first term of study can apply to undertake a Professional Practice Research Project* worth 12 units of credit.

This involves completing an empirical or conceptual research project with a topic directly related to professional practice in the field of International Development or Refugees and Displacement.

*Entry to research project courses is at the discretion of the program convenor.

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Fee Information

Tuition Fee

31,563 / year

Application Fee 150

Master of Development Studies

University of New South Wales

Australia, Sydney