University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The International Development major draws on anthropology, politics, economics and development studies to give a broad understanding of how development processes operate at local, national and global levels. Core themes include development theory, comparative social policy, governance and institutions, gender and development, environment and sustainability, and research methods.

Typical modules you may encounter include:

• Introduction to Development Studies — history and competing approaches to development.
• Development Economics — basic economic concepts applied to growth, poverty and inequality.
• Governance and Public Policy — institutions, policy design and implementation in developing contexts.
• Gender, Rights and Social Justice — intersections of gender, human rights and development practice.
• Environment, Resources and Development — sustainable resource management and climate impacts.
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods — tools for social research, impact evaluation and fieldwork.
• Capstone or Practicum — applied project, internship with a development agency or supervised field research.

The degree structure typically allows you to combine the International Development major with other Arts majors, minors or electives across disciplines, and includes opportunities for international exchange, internships and an honours year for students who wish to undertake supervised research.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on successful completion of secondary school qualifications or equivalent tertiary pathways. Domestic applicants are usually considered on the basis of their secondary school results (or recognised alternative qualifications such as interstate/territory certificates). Mature-age applicants and those with prior tertiary study may be eligible through alternative entry pathways.

International applicants must meet the Universitys academic entry standards for undergraduate admission and demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests (for example IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) or prior study in English. Applicants with background studies in humanities, social sciences, or economics will have relevant preparation, although the programme also admits students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Career prospects

Graduates of International Development move into a wide range of roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Program officer or project manager with international aid agencies, NGOs and community organisations.
• Policy analyst or adviser in government departments concerned with foreign affairs, international development or social policy.
• Research assistant or analyst in think tanks, research institutes and development consultancies.
• Roles in humanitarian assistance, emergency responses and disaster management.
• Corporate social responsibility, sustainability and ethical supply-chain roles in business.
• Further study pathways into honours, specialised masters programmes (for example development studies, public policy or international relations) or professional qualifications.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers this programme within a research-active humanities and social sciences environment, giving students access to staff with expertise in development policy, gender, environment and applied research methods. The programme emphasises practical skills, with options for internships, fieldwork and international exchange so you can gain direct experience of development practice.

Studying in Adelaide provides access to a compact capital city with government agencies, NGOs and community organisations that support placements and engagement. The Universitys global partnerships and established exchange networks also make it straightforward to undertake study abroad, while the small-class teaching model for many Arts subjects supports close engagement with academics and research supervisors.