Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)

The Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development) provides specialist training and a professional qualification for graduate who are working, or seeking to work in development field. It is especially relevant to those with an interest in pursing 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) should:

• 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.

The Masters of Development Studies (Gender and Development) 200 point program requires:

Coursework Only Option

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

or

Minor Thesis Option

• eight compulsory subjects (100 points)
• minor thesis subject (50 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

Please note the following:

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.

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 Masters of Development Studies (Gender and Development) 150 point program requires:

Coursework Only Option

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

or

Minor Thesis Option

• six compulsory subjects (75 points)
• minor thesis subject (50 points)
• elective subjects (25 points)

Please note the following:

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.

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 Masters of Development Studies (Gender and Development) 200 point program requires:

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

Please note: the minor thesis is available only in 200 or 150 point program

Capstone Requirement

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

Capstone Option 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 Option 2: GEND90004 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development (50 points)

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

Capstone Option 3: DEVT90041 Research Methods for Development (12.5 points) and DEVT90048 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.

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/

Graduates may progress to a range of other graduate coursework programs. Those who complete the minor thesis elective may also qualify for entry to research higher degree programs, including the Doctor of Philosophy.

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