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Postgraduate Course

Master of Development Studies

Build your knowledge and skills to effectively address the development challenges of poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability internationally with a Master of Development Studies.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: M1195
Study mode: Full Time or Part Time
Duration: 2
Selection rank
CRICOS code: 077165J
First year fee (domestic): $17,280
First year fee (international): $34,320
Full course fee (domestic): $34,560
Full course fee (international): $68,640

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The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Overview

Determined to pursue a career in international development and make a difference? This course will prepare you for a range of experiences and roles in the sector, in Australia and internationally.

You’ll examine the connections between politics, governance and development, social and environmental sustainability, food and health security, gender and empowerment, and state building and conflict, as well as evaluating different approaches to policy and practice.

You can choose from professional-based electives, including financial administration, leading and managing not-for-profit organisations, effective leadership, strategic health care management and project management.

You can also choose policy-based electives to specialise in global public health, public sector economics, security and conflict, environmental policy and more, or add up to two language units in either Indonesian or Japanese.

3 reasons to study a Master of Development Studies at Murdoch

Undertake a case study project, supervised internship or research thesis to put your learning into practice.
Travel to Indonesia as part of the Study Indonesia Australian Consortium for 'In-Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) program to pursue a semester or summer development practicum.
Choose full-time or part-time options to help you fit study into your working and or family life. If you’re an international student, you’ll need to study full-time to meet your visa requirements.

What you'll learn

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

Public policy and international affairs foundations
Critical approaches to development
Development and sustainability
States, social forces and development
Policy research and evaluation
Security, conflict and violence

Your future career

You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in international development in a broad range of settings, such as regional and international organisations, government agencies, consultancy firms, and non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in development. Careers could include:

Campaign and Advocacy Officer
International Programs Officer/Manager
Partnerships Officer/Manager
Gender Analyst/Consultant
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Water and Sanitation Advisor
Humanitarian Response Coordinator

Progress to structure

Study areas

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Apply to start

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Progress to structure

Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 48

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points
Course Core		48 credit points
Required Units		30 credit points
DEV600	Doing Research for Development	3
GOV511	Critical Approaches to Development	6
GOV604	Corruption and Anti-corruption	6
GOV611	Political Economy of Development and Public Policy	6
GOV635	Security, Conflict and Violence	6
SUS628	Development and Sustainability	3
Specified Elective Units		18 credit points
Option 1 - Supervised Research Thesis		18 credit points
Required Units		12 credit points
GOV6171	Supervised Research Thesis	9
ART504	Research Proposal and Design	3
Specified Elective Units		6 credit points
ART505	Literature Review	3
	OR
ART506	Advanced Writing for Research and Publication	3
	OR
ART600	Special Project	3
	OR
BIO688	Challenges in Food Security	6
	OR
COD5051	Community, Industry and Local Government	3
	OR
GOV600	Policy Research: Strategies, Methods and Design	6
	OR
GOV6051	Public Sector Management	6
	OR
GOV612	Global Governance, Security and Economy	6
	OR
GOV6131	Public Policy Perspectives	6
	OR
LLM601	International Law	3
	OR
MBS654	Industry Placement for Business	6
	OR
MBS684	Managing Strategic Risk and Projects	6
	OR
MCR603	Cybercrime and Digital Forensics	6
	OR
MCR607	Advanced Transnational Crime	6
	OR
SUS601	Contemporary Issues in Development	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3
OR
Option 2 - Applied Research Practicum		18 credit points
Required Unit		6 credit points
MBS643	Industry Project for Business	6
Specified Elective Units		12 credit points
ART600	Special Project	3
	OR
BIO688	Challenges in Food Security	6
	OR
COD505	Community, Industry and Local Government	3
	OR
GOV600	Policy Research: Strategies, Methods and Design	6
	OR
GOV6051	Public Sector Management	6
	OR
GOV6121	Global Governance, Security and Economy	6
	OR
GOV6131	Public Policy Perspectives	6
	OR
GOV6171	Supervised Research Thesis	9
	OR
LLM601	International Law	3
	OR
MBS654	Industry Placement for Business	6
	OR
MBS684	Managing Strategic Risk and Projects	6
	OR
MCR603	Cybercrime and Digital Forensics	6
	OR
MCR607	Advanced Transnational Crime	6
	OR
SUS601	Contemporary Issues in Development	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3
OR
Option 3 - Supervised Research Project		18 credit points
Required Unit		6 credit points
GOV600	Policy Research: Strategies, Methods and Design	6
Specified Elective Units		12 credit points
ART600	Special Project	3
	OR
BIO688	Challenges in Food Security	6
	OR
COD505	Community, Industry and Local Government	3
	OR
GOV6051	Public Sector Management	6
	OR
GOV6121	Global Governance, Security and Economy	6
	OR
GOV6131	Public Policy Perspectives	6
	OR
LLM601	International Law	3
	OR
MBS654	Industry Placement for Business	6
	OR
MBS684	Managing Strategic Risk and Projects	6
	OR
MCR603	Cybercrime and Digital Forensics	6
	OR
MCR607	Advanced Transnational Crime	6
	OR
SUS601	Contemporary Issues in Development	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12. TLC – Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.	Successful completion of the course.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in Year 12. TLC – Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
GCE A Levels	Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)	A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Admission to the Master degree is available to students who have a Bachelor's degree in any area.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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Progress to how to apply

How to apply

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Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

Change of name documentation
Marriage certificate
Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
- GTE Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

A copy of your visa documents (if available)
A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.

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Master of Development Studies

What type of student are you?

Overview

Study areas

Apply to start

Sign up to hear from us

Structure

Total credit points: 48

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

Recent Secondary Education

Vocational Education & Training

Work & Life Experience

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

English Requirements

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Scholarships

How to apply

How to apply