Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-03-04 | - |
| 2024-07-22 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies at Western Sydney University equips students with a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian and development principles and practices. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students gain the skills necessary for careers in the humanitarian and development sector, fostering a commitment to social justice and human rights. The program offers unique opportunities for interaction with experts and practitioners, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies at Western Sydney University is a unique degree in Australia. It was developed in consultation with NGOs to ensure that the curriculum is current and practical. The program provides students with knowledge and practical experience in disaster management, humanitarian response, and development assistance. Students will utilize state-of-the-art facilities and engage in experiential learning techniques that apply theoretical knowledge to embedded simulation activities, case, problem, and solution-based studies. The program offers regular opportunities for students to interact with experts and practitioners from United Nations agencies and international NGOs through guest speakers, seminars, and career panels.
Objectives:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian and development principles and practices.
- Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in the humanitarian and development sector.
- Foster a commitment to social justice and human rights in students.
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies is a three-year full-time program (available part-time) that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian and development principles and practices. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Humanitarian principles and ethics
- Disaster management
- Humanitarian response
- Development assistance
- Project management
- Monitoring and evaluation
- The program also includes a major component of field experience, which allows students to gain practical experience working in the humanitarian and development sector.
Outline:
Program Content:
- The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- - Humanitarian principles and ethics
- - Disaster management
- - Humanitarian response
- - Development assistance
- - Project management
- - Monitoring and evaluation
Course Schedule:
- The program is typically offered over three years, with students taking four courses per semester. The courses are typically offered in a mix of lecture, tutorial, and practical formats.
Individual Modules:
- The program includes a range of individual modules, including:
- - Introduction to Humanitarian and Development Studies
- - Disaster Management
- - Humanitarian Response
- - Development Assistance
- - Project Management
- - Monitoring and Evaluation
Module Descriptions:
- Introduction to Humanitarian and Development Studies: This module provides an overview of the humanitarian and development sector, including its history, principles, and ethics.
- Disaster Management: This module examines the causes and consequences of disasters, and the principles and practices of disaster management.
- Humanitarian Response: This module explores the different types of humanitarian assistance, and the principles and practices of humanitarian response.
- Development Assistance: This module examines the different types of development assistance, and the principles and practices of development assistance.
- Project Management: This module provides an overview of the principles and practices of project management, with a focus on humanitarian and development projects.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: This module examines the principles and practices of monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on humanitarian and development projects.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- - Essays
- - Reports
- - Presentations
- - Exams
Assessment Criteria:
- The assessment criteria vary depending on the assessment method, but typically include:
- - Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
- - Critical thinking and analysis skills
- - Communication skills
- - Problem-solving skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- - Lectures
- - Tutorials
- - Practical exercises
- - Fieldwork
Faculty:
- The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and practitioners from the humanitarian and development sector.
Unique Approaches:
- The program includes a major component of field experience, which allows students to gain practical experience working in the humanitarian and development sector. The program also offers regular opportunities for students to interact with experts and practitioners from United Nations agencies and international NGOs through guest speakers, seminars, and career panels.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the humanitarian and development sector, including:
- - Humanitarian aid worker
- - Development worker
- - Project manager
- - Policy advisor
- - Researcher
Opportunities:
- The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in the humanitarian and development sector. The program also offers a range of opportunities for students to gain practical experience, including internships, fieldwork, and volunteering.
Outcomes:
- Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in the humanitarian and development sector. They have a strong understanding of the principles and practices of humanitarian and development work, and they have the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in the field.
Indicative annual fee Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) AUD $28,928