Postgraduate Coursework in the Department of Anthropology

Development Studies

The University of Sydney’s Master, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate of Development Studies provide a critical and multidisciplinary perspective on the global, national and local challenges in the achievement of sustainable economic development. Students can select units of study from a range of established social science programs that include international relations, political economy, human rights, peace and conflict studies, anthropology, linguistics, public health, economics and sociology. Upon graduating, students will be in a strong position to seek employment in transnational development organisations and aid agencies; local and national government and non-government organisations; and private sector firms. Development Studies also provides students with the skills to become more effective administrators, researchers, development planners, educators and managers.

Contact

Dr Robbie Peters
Phone: + 61 2 9036 9399
Email:

Entry requirements

Please refer to the degree resolutions in this Handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different award courses.

Degree Structures

Graduate Certificate in Development Studies
To be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Development Studies, students must complete 24 credit points comprising two core and two elective units (each unit is worth 6 credit points). This award is only available on a part time basis to be completed in a minimum of 2 semesters.

Graduate Diploma in Development Studies
To be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Development Studies, students must complete 36 credit points comprising three core and three elective units (each unit is worth 6 credit points). The Diploma may be completed in a minimum of 2 semesters.

Master of Development Studies
To be awarded the Master of Development Studies, students must have completed 48 credit points. The units that make up these credit points should comprise the three core units, a core elective unit and four elective units (each unit is worth 6 credit points) chosen from the Table of Postgraduate Units of Study. The Masters may be completed in a minimum of 2 semesters.

Elective Units of Study

Information on fees, scholarships and how to apply

International students should consult: http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/student/

Local Students and Permanent Residents should consult: http://sydney.edu.au/arts/future_students/postgraduate_coursework.shtmll

Frequently asked questions

Is the degree offered in distance mode?
The core units of the course are not offered in distance mode. One program from which elective units may be taken, The Master of International Education, is a fully distance education program. Some elective units from other programs such as Peace and Conflict Studies may also be taken in distance mode.

Can the degree be taken both part time and full time?
The course can be done both part time and full time. At some point you would need to be able to do two units of study in one semester to complete a part time degree. Most units of study are taught in two hour blocks scheduled from 4pm with some scheduled at 6pm.

Can I start the degree in second semester?
Yes. No core unit of study is a prerequisite for another. Some combinations of elective units may have prerequisites and students should make sure they have read the unit of study requirements carefully.

What is the workload?
Workload per unit of study is about 6-8 hours per week on top of the contact hours per unit of study. So a full time workload is in the region of 40 hours per week.

Is it possible for field experience to be credited towards the degree?
At present there are a number of local and international internship programs that can be credited towards the degree.

Does the University of Sydney require GRE scores for graduate admissions?
GRE scores are not relevant to the graduate admission process in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney.

Can I do a dissertation as part of the Masters degree?
No. This is a coursework degree and it is not possible to do a dissertation as part of it.

Can this degree lead to a PhD?
No. Completion of a dissertation is required for entry into a PhD. In the coming years, however, the course will be extended to 1.5 years to include a dissertation, thereby making it a pathway to PhD.

Is there a research Masters or PhD program in Development Studies?
There is currently no PhD program in Development Studies. Students with an interest in Development Studies must pursue a PhD through a particular department where there are academics specialising in Development Studies. The Development Studies Program is run through the Anthropology Department where, for example, there are several academics able to supervise a PhD in Development Studies.