Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)

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 program 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 program 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.

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.

200 Point program

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

• Eight Compulsory subjects (100 points)
• Elective subjects (100 points)

150 point program

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

• Six Compulsory subjects (75 points)
• Elective subjects (75 points)

Please Note: The Minor Thesis option is available as an elective in the 200 Point and 150 Point Programs only.

Students enrolling in a minor thesis subject must consult the course coordinator with regard to the requirements and subject planning at an early stage in the first semester.

100 point program

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

• Four Compulsory subjects (50 points)
• Elective subjects (50 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.

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 at least H2B (70%) average, or equivalent.

For the 150 point program

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

For the 100 point program

• an honours degree in any discipline with at least H2B (70%) average or equivalent, including a research component of relevance to development and gender; or
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least H2B (70%) average and at least two years of 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.

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 minor thesis may be eligible to enter a research masters or the PhD.

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