Program Overview

Postgraduate Diploma in International Development – PGDipIntDev

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Development is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills to help overcome poverty and enhance human wellbeing. This qualification is a good fit for those who want advanced knowledge and skills in international development, value cultural awareness, sensitivity, and empathy, and take ideas about ethics, engagement, and citizenship seriously.

Overview

• The Postgraduate Diploma in International Development is a one-year full-time (120 credits) qualification that can also be taken part-time.
• It is offered through distance and online learning, as well as on the Manawatū campus in Palmerston North.
• International students can enroll in this program either on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.

Type of Qualification and Level of Study

• This is a postgraduate diploma.
• The level of study is postgraduate, classified as NZQF level 8.

Entry Requirements

• To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in International Development, students must meet the university's entrance requirements.
• Specific requirements include:
  • Having been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Arts with a major in development studies, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average across the 300-level courses.
  • Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with a B- average across the 300-level courses, along with relevant field or industry experience.
• Students must provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at universities other than Massey University.
• Field experience can include voluntary work, other relevant work, or specific development experience.
• English language requirements must be met as per Massey University's standards.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in International Development

• The qualification requires 120 credits.
• It includes core courses (60 credits) and elective courses from the Schedule (60 credits).
• Core courses are:
  • Rethinking Development (30 credits)
  • Development Management (30 credits)
• Elective courses (choose 60 credits from):
  • Gender and Development (30 credits)
  • Sustainable Development (30 credits)
  • Globalisation and Development (30 credits)
  • Development Research Design (30 credits)
  • Development Practicum (30 credits)

Fees and Scholarships

• The estimated 2026 tuition fees are:
  • Domestic students: $10,652
  • International students: $38,840
• The Student Services Fee is additional.
• There may be charges for study resources, software, trips, and contact workshops.
• Information on student loans, the Fees Free scheme, and scholarship opportunities is available.

Careers and Job Opportunities

• Graduates will have the skills and experience to begin careers in a wide range of government, non-government, multilateral, and private sector spheres.
• Potential career paths include adviser, advocacy officer, community affairs officer, development officer, diplomat, human rights advisor, and policy analyst.

Accreditations and Rankings

• Massey University is ranked among the top 100 in the world for development studies in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

Related Study Options

• Graduate Certificate in Arts (Geography)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Geography)
• Bachelor of Arts (Geography)
• Diploma in Arts (Geography)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Geography)
• Master of Arts (Geography)
• Graduate Diploma in Arts (Geography)