Master of Development Studies

The coursework masters provides specialist training for professional qualification purposes, usually to graduates working in the fields of development and environment, development and gender, development and urbanisation, and health policy and development, but may also be taken for general interest. This course does not necessarily lead to higher degree study, however high achieving students who complete the thesis option may qualify for entry to a masters by research or PhD.

Students who complete the Master of Development Studies (CWT) should:

• understand current practice and thinking about development;
• comprehend the relations between development and environmental conditions, gender and urbanisation and culture;
• know and be able to use some of the techniques employed in development planning.

200 Point Program

Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time

The Master of Development Studies (CWT) 200 point program requires:

Coursework Only Option

• compulsory subjects (100 points)
• elective subjects (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

• compulsory subjects (100 points)
• minor Thesis (50 point)
• elective subjects (50 points)

Please note: the minor thesis must be taken over two consecutive semesters

150 point program

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time

The Master of Development Studies (CWT) 150 point program requires:

Coursework Only Option

• compulsory subjects (75 points)
• elective subjects (75 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

• compulsory subjects (75 points)
• minor Thesis (50 point)
• electives subjects (25 points)

Please note: the minor thesis must be taken over two consecutive semesters

100 point program

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time

The Master of Development Studies (CWT) 100 point program requires:

• compulsory subjects (50 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

Please note: the Minor Thesis Option is available in the 200 point program or the 150 point program only.

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (25 points). Students must complete one capstone option -

Capstone Stream 1: Co-requisites: DEVT90002 Internship in Development (12.5 points) and DEVT90001 Project Management & Design (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to acquire practical skills in development practice and project management and apply this knowledge to solve problems that arise in a professional context and develop an integrated understanding of knowledge and practice.

Capstone Stream 2: DEVT90011 Minor Thesis - Development Studies (50 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a specific development research question.

Capstone Stream 3: DEVT90041 Research Methods for Development (12.5 points) and DEVT90048 Workshop in Research for Development (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to develop research skills and apply those skills in a workshop setting.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:

For the 200 point program

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent, with at least H2B (70%) average.

For the 150 point program

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent, in any discipline, with at least H2B (70%) average, and one year of documented, relevant work experience or equivalent.

For the 100 point program

An honours degree (equivalent to a four year Australian Honours Degree) or equivalent, in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) average;

or

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent, in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) average, and at least 2 years of documented, relevant work experience or equivalent.

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Documented evidence of relevant professional experience:
Applicants seeking admission into 100 and 150 point programs must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:

• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

Admission process

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Students who complete the thesis option may be eligible for entry into the PhD.

Students who complete the masters will:

• comprehend the relations between development, environmental conditions and health, globalisation and development, culture and development, and gender, globalisation and development.