Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)

Students who complete the Masters of Development Studies (Gender and Development) will:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of recent developments in feminist theory and the literature in gender and development;
• understand the issues involved in debates about the relationships between gender and the development process;
• develop an understanding of contemporary feminist debates about gender and development and the relationship of these debates to other areas of social enquiry;
• know and be able to use some of the techniques employed in development planning.

2 Year (200 Point) program:
Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time.

First 100 points

• two compulsory subjects: 131-546 Gender, Globalisation and Development; 131-547 Rethinking Rights
• elective subjects to complete total 100 points

Second 100 points

• Compulsory 131-520 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development (50 points overall, taken over two consecutive semesters)
• Elective subjects to complete second 100 points

1.5 Year/ 150 point program:
Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time.

• Two compulsory subjects: 131-546 Gender, Globalisation and Development (sem 1); 131-547 Rethinking Rights and Global Development (sem 2)
• Compulsory 131-520 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development
• Electives to complete 150 pts

1 year/ 100 point program:
Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time.

• 131-520 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development (50pts);
• 131-546 Gender, Globalisation and Development (sem 1);
• Electives to total 100 points.

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.

200 Point Program

First 100 points

Compulsory subject:

Elective Subjects:

Maximum 75 points.

Note: up to 25 points of language study may be included as electives in the first 100 points of the 200-point program or the first 50 points of the 150-point program.

Compulsory Subjects:

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Elective subjects:

Maximum 25 points
Refer to the list of elective subjects for the first 100 points. Students should complete at least 100 points of level five subjects over the entire program.

Compulsory Subjects

75 points
Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Elective Subjects:

75 points
Refer to the list of elective subjects for the first 100 points of the two hundred point program. Students must complete at least 100 points of level five subjects over the entire program.

100 Point Program

Compulsory subjects:

62.5 points
Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Elective subjects:

Maximum 25 points
Refer to the list of elective subjects for the first 100 points of the two hundred point program. Students should complete 100 points of postgraduate level subjects over the entire program.

1. 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 in any discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%), or equivalent.

For the 150 point program

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) and at least one year of full time documented relevant professional work experience, or equivalent.

For the 100 point program

• an honours degree in a cognate discipline with a research component of relevance to development and gender and a grade average of at least H2B (70%) or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) and minimum of two years of full time documented relevant professional work experience.

2. 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.