Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)

Course 097GD (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus: 2010 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Coordinator

Dr Salim Lakha
School of Philosophy, Anthropology and Social Inquiry
Email: salim@unimelb.edu.au

Contact

Arts & Music Student Centre
Email: arts-gradstudies@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview: The Master of Development Studies (Gender and Development) provides specialist training and a professional qualification for graduates who are working, or seeking to work in the development field. It is especially relevant to those with an interest in pursuing careers in fields related to gender and development. The course is designed to give students a firm grounding both in recent theorising about gender and development and in practical concerns surrounding planning for gender in development projects within government and non-government organisations. The course does not necessarily lead to higher degree study, but high achieving students who complete the thesis option may qualify for entry to a masters by research or PhD.
Objectives:

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.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

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.

Subject Options:

200 Point Program

First 100 points

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Compulsory subject:

12.5 points

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.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
January, Semester 1, Semester 2
25
January, Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Not offered in 2010
12.50
Not offered in 2010
Semester 1
12.50
Second 100 points

Compulsory Subjects:

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

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.

150 Point Program

Compulsory Subjects

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

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

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.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

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.

Entry Requirements:

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.

Core Participation Requirements: 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/
Further Study: Students who complete the minor thesis may be eligible to enter a research masters or the PhD.
Graduate Attributes: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html
Links to further information: http://www.pasi.unimelb.edu.au/gender/

Download PDF version.