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Postgraduate Course

Master of Community Development

Passionate about finding creative solutions to bring communities together? A Master of Community Development is for those wanting to make a difference through positive change to make their neighbourhood a better place.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: M1212
Study mode: Full Time or Part Time
Duration: 2
Selection rank
CRICOS code: 081029E
First year fee (domestic): $17,280
First year fee (international): $34,320
Full course fee (domestic): $34,560
Full course fee (international): $68,640

Apply

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

This course will introduce you to the community development ideas and practices used to create and foster community-led change in settings around Australia and beyond, like Anastasia who took her learnings from the course to make change in her home country, Indonesia.

This course is designed for community work practitioners and graduates with an interest in moving into emerging fields that embrace the ideas and practices of community development, and want to broaden their knowledge substantially through further postgraduate studies.

You'll study real and living community projects that build on cultural strength in remote areas, urban agriculture and sustainability projects, grassroots creative arts projects, activism work and much more. Combine case studies, documentaries, films and other creative digital forms that showcase examples of community work and attend workshops designed to teach creative ways of getting the community involved.

3 reasons to study a Master of Community Development at Murdoch

Put theory into practice by undertaking a community development internship in a migrant resource centre, state or local government offices, an international development agency or through an alternative education project or community arts project.
Be taught by leading academics who have themselves worked for community organisations and still carry out research on community-based projects including work with local government authorities, Indigenous Australian groups and in the cultural development, arts and film industries.
Undertake an independent research project or dissertation under the supervision of experienced researchers, in an area of community practice relevant an important to you.

What you'll learn

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

Community development in Indigenous communities
Building links between community, industry and local government
Social policy activism and community change
Sustainable and ecological community development
Understanding the dynamics of cultural diversity in the workplace and community

Your career

When you graduate you could work in many industry areas such as community and social services, local government, humanitarian organisations, NGOs, aid work, economic and social planning, sustainable development and Indigenous governance. Careers could include:

Community Arts, Development or Service Coordinator
Federal or State Government Policy Advisor
International Aid Worker
Engagement Officer
Place and Activations Officer.

Progress to structure

Study areas

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

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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 University regulations require completion of a minimum of 24 points at 600-level and a maximum of 24 points at 500-level for a 48-point Masters by Coursework degree.		48 credit points
Required Units		21 credit points
COD502	Community Development in Indigenous Communities	3
COD503	Narratives of Community Practice	3
COD504	Community, Policy and Change	3
COD505	Community, Industry and Local Government	3
COD545	Community Development Theory and Practice	3
COD601	Community Development Methods	3
SUS512	Sustainability, Ecology and Communities	3
Specified Electives		27 credit points
Option 1 Research Project		27 credit points
Required Units		3 credit points
DEV600	Doing Research for Development	3
Specified Elective Units		24 credit points
ART600	Special Project	3
	OR
AST558	Gender in Asian Societies	3
	OR
AST6501	Culture, Communities and Sustainability in Asia	3
	OR
COD501	Foundations and Formation of Community Practice	3
	OR
COD602	Projects in Community Development	3
	OR
COD603	Contemporary Practice in Community Development	3
	OR
COD608	Professional Placement	6
	OR
CRE500	Filmmaking for Development	3
	OR
DEV500	Child Development in Families and Communities	3
	OR
EDN546	Dynamics of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace and the Community	3
	OR
EDU616	Teaching, Learning and Working in Culturally Diverse Environments	3
	OR
GOV5111	Critical Approaches to Development	6
	OR
GOV6041	Corruption and Anti-corruption	6
	OR
GOV6131	Public Policy Perspectives	6
	OR
GRD5031	Design Thinking Tools	3
	OR
HIS500	Social Justice	3
	OR
SIK502	Wandju Boodja (Welcome to Country)	3
	OR
MBS589	Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose	3
	OR
MBS651	Leading and Managing Nonprofit Organisations	3
	OR
MBS662	Business, Society and the Environment	6
	OR
MBS684	Managing Strategic Risk and Projects	6
	OR
MCM682	Global Media: Asia-Pacific Perspectives	3
	OR
SUS5231	Cities and Sustainability	3
	OR
SUS601	Contemporary Issues in Development	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3
	OR
SUS620	Research Project	3
	OR
SUS6281	Development and Sustainability	3
	OR
TLC501	Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study	3
	OR
TOU502	Regenerative Tourism	3
	OR
TOU503	Regenerative Community Events and Festivals	3
	OR
WEB564	Web Research	3
	OR
WEB566	Social Media Analysis	3
OR
Option 2 Research Dissertation		27 credit points
Required Units		15 credit points
ART610	Masters by Coursework Research Dissertation	12
DEV600	Doing Research for Development	3
Specified Elective Units		12 credit points
ART504	Research Proposal and Design	3
	OR
ART505	Literature Review	3
	OR
ART506	Advanced Writing for Research and Publication	3
	OR
ART600	Special Project	3
	OR
AST558	Gender in Asian Societies	3
	OR
AST6501	Culture, Communities and Sustainability in Asia	3
	OR
COD501	Foundations and Formation of Community Practice	3
	OR
COD602	Projects in Community Development	3
	OR
COD603	Contemporary Practice in Community Development	3
	OR
COD608	Professional Placement	6
	OR
CRE500	Filmmaking for Development	3
	OR
DEV500	Child Development in Families and Communities	3
	OR
EDN546	Dynamics of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace and the Community	3
	OR
EDU616	Teaching, Learning and Working in Culturally Diverse Environments	3
	OR
GOV5111	Critical Approaches to Development	6
	OR
GOV6041	Corruption and Anti-corruption	6
	OR
GOV6131	Public Policy Perspectives	6
	OR
GRD5031	Design Thinking Tools	3
	OR
HIS500	Social Justice	3
	OR
MBS589	Social Enterprise, Social Innovation And Profit For Purpose	3
	OR
MBS651	Leading and Managing Nonprofit Organisations	3
	OR
MBS662	Business, Society and the Environment	6
	OR
MBS684	Managing Strategic Risk and Projects	6
	OR
MCM682	Global Media: Asia-Pacific Perspectives	3
	OR
SIK502	Wandju Boodja (Welcome to Country)	3
	OR
SUS5231	Cities and Sustainability	3
	OR
SUS601	Contemporary Issues in Development	3
	OR
SUS6111	Resilient Regions: People and Practice	3
	OR
SUS620	Research Project	3
	OR
SUS6281	Development and Sustainability	3
	OR
TLC501	Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study	3
	OR
TOU502	Regenerative Tourism	3
	OR
TOU503	Regenerative Community Events and Festivals	3
	OR
WEB564	Web Research	3
	OR
WEB566	Social Media Analysis	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).

Recognised Bachelor?s degree or higher, or equivalent training, though not necessarily in an area directly related to the course, or satisfactory preparation through previous study or professional experience.

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.

Other Requirements

There may be a reduction in choice of units if completing this course in the online flexible mode.

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)

Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
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

Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
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 Community Development

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

Other 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