Master of International Development

About the course

The Master of International Development engages you with the contemporary challenges of addressing poverty and inequality globally through an emphasis on empirical evidence, real-world case studies, and debates. You will develop the knowledge and skills to approach practical and policy challenges in a wide range of contexts by drawing on expertise from development geographers, political scientists, resource economists and development practitioners.

This course is subsidised for Australian residents through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Visit our fee calculator for CSP rates and an estimate on your course fees.

Course details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: Please refer to the UWA Handbook
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 71550
• CRICOS code: D

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Core

• Take all units (36 points):
  • ECON5001 Economic Development in Theory and Practice (6)
  • ENVT5518 The Sustainable Development Goals (6)
  • GEOG5411 Regional Development in the Global Context (6)
  • LAWS5260 Intersections of Law, Policy and Governance (6)
  • POLS5010 NGOs, Governance and Development (6)
  • SOCS5672 Global Development Debates (6)

Coursework and Dissertation (focus area)

• Take all units (24 points):
  • GEOG5011 Dissertation (Geography, Planning, Environment and Development) Part 1 (6)
  • GEOG5012 Dissertation (Geography, Planning, Environment and Development) Part 2 (6)
  • GEOG5013 Dissertation (Geography, Planning, Environment and Development) Part 3 (6)
  • SOCS4100 Social Sciences Research Skills (6)
• "Coursework and Dissertation" students only: take units to the value of 12 points:
  • ECON5516 The Economics of Public Policy (6)
  • POLS5641 International Security (6)
  • PUBH5783 Health in an Era of Environmental Change (6)
  • SCIE5507 Food Fibre and Fuel Security (6)
  • SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship (6)

Coursework only (focus area)

• "Coursework" students only: take units to the value of 30 points:
  • ECON5516 The Economics of Public Policy (6)
  • POLS5641 International Security (6)
  • PUBH5783 Health in an Era of Environmental Change (6)
  • SCIE4403 Ethical Conduct and Communication in Science (6)
  • SCIE5507 Food Fibre and Fuel Security (6)
  • URBD5803 Sustainability and Cities (6)
• "Coursework" students only: take 1 unit (6 points) from this group.
  • SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship (6)
  • WILG5001 Work Integrated Learning Internship Program (6)

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—a relevant Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on—the relevant requirements under Rule 4.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Fees and scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

2025

$44,400.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

You'll be well positioned to pursue a career with aid agencies, government, non-governmental organisations, and international research institutions, such as the FAO or the United Nations.

Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further research studies.

Why study International Development at UWA?

• Ranked in the world's top 100 institutions for Development Studies (QS 2024)
• House in UWA's School of Social Sciences, this course offers a highly interdisciplinary curriculum, drawing from various schools across the university
• You'll become a member of the Ethnography Lab of Western Australia, which is breaking new ground participatory research methods for international development
• Internship opportunities with development organisations, through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship
• Study under the guidance of UWA's world-leading experts in international and community development

Ethnography Lab of Western Australia

As a student in this program, you'll become a member of the Ethnography Lab of Western Australia (ELWA), which is breaking new ground participatory research methods for international development.

Your membership in ELWA will provide you with further professional development opportunities, including access to its series of 'Masterclasses' in research methods.

You'll learn to

• comprehensively study development policy and practice, explore the intellectual history of development, and engage in internal debates within the field
• examine approaches to community development in Australia, including remote Indigenous communities
• develop proficiency in cutting-edge research methods for participatory development through hands-on experience in the UWA-housed Ethnography Lab of WA

Put theory into practice

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

The University of Western Australia

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Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

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Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

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Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

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Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.