Become a world changer.
This two year program focuses on developing unique skills and knowledge to tackle poverty and development needs in many countries. Learn tools to help apply solutions to sustainability concerns, how to initiate and evaluate research into societies, and critical thinking on the problems of power relations to bring about social justice.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
This two year program focuses on developing unique skills and knowledge to tackle poverty and development needs in many countries. Learn tools to help apply solutions to sustainability concerns, how to initiate and evaluate research into societies, and critical thinking on the problems of power relations to bring about social justice.
In second year, take a practical focus. You’ll select an area that interests you and tailor your program to apply your knowledge. This is your opportunity to travel to a developing country and work with real problems on the ground.
A great mix of theory and unique practical work, this program equips you for employment with major international organisations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, FAO and the World Bank.
Admission requirements
Completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent. Applicants who do not possess an undergraduate degree but have relevant full-time equivalent work or other relevant experience equivalent to a bachelor degree may be admitted in exceptional circumstances only, and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Students who have completed a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent in the same discipline may be eligible to receive credit of up to 48 units (4 courses).
Career opportunities
Graduates can work in a variety of fields in the international development sector, with human rights organisations, government and non-government (NGO) aid agencies, development and consultancy corporations, donor agencies, research centres, and academic research.
Program structure
Program Structure
Required courses (10) 144 units
DEV700 Business Strategy
DEV701 Financial Management
DEV702 Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
DEV703 Human Resource Management(24 units)
DEV704 New Business Planning(24 units)
EDU775 Strategic Performance Measurement Systems
ENS703 Event Management
ENS760 Quantitative Data Analysis
SCS725 Leading and Managing Organisational Change
SCS730 Project Management
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 courses (48 units) from:
BUS707 Cultural Intelligence for International Business Managers
GEO700 Managing Knowledge Assets
MGT702 Leadership Development
MGT711 Marketing Strategy
PUB702 Property Management
PUB703 International Development and Aid
SCS790 Development Practice and Evaluation
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 192
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate students must:
- Successfully complete 192 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Students who have completed a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent in the same discipline may be eligible to receive credit of up to 48 units (4 courses)
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.