Program Overview

Master of Social Change and Development

The Master of Social Change and Development is a program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a significant contribution to social change locally and internationally. The program focuses on undertaking projects in collaboration with community members, influencing positive outcomes through theoretical and applied knowledge.

Degree Overview

This program provides an opportunity for students to create their own research work as part of their studies and shape their career around an area of interest. It is flexible, with full-time and part-time study modes available, and can also be studied online, allowing students to balance work, life, and study.

Career Opportunities

There is a continuously growing need for qualified professionals to undertake roles in community development and policy analysis of funded development projects and aid organizations. Upon completion of the Master of Social Change and Development, students will have the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge to take on these roles within government agencies, non-government organizations, and private firms.

• Policy analyst
  • Community and social developer
  • Advocacy and public policy coordinators
  • Overseas aid officer
  • Ministry of finance in a developing country
  • Stakeholder engagement and evaluation

Program Details

• Program Code: 40015
• Duration (Full-time/Part-time): 1.5 years up to 5 years
• Next Start Date: 17 Aug 2026
• CRICOS Code: Not specified
• Indicative Fee: AUD 39,510

Admission Information

• English Proficiency Requirements: IELTS overall minimum - 6.5, IELTS section minimum - 6.0
• Application Closing Dates: Available on the university's website
• How to Apply: Applications can be submitted online through the university's application portal

What You Will Study

The program enhances existing knowledge and opens up career opportunities in the global environment. Students will study progressive courses that build on their prior learnings. All students must complete:

• 60 units of core courses and 20 units of directed courses from Group A
• Optional 40 units of directed courses from Group A and Group B

Core courses include:

• Project Design and Evaluation
• Development and Social Change
• Social Science Research Methods
• Social Change and Development Research Project

Directed courses include, but are not limited to:

• Policy and Social Considerations in Disaster Management
• Environmental Justice
• Comparative Education: Debates and Dilemmas
• Managing Human Resources in International Organisations
• International Health: Cross-Cultural and Critical Social Science Perspectives
• Shaping Organisations and Communities: Advocacy and Change

Similar Degrees

• Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development:
  • Indicative Fee: AUD 17,195
  • Full-time Duration: 0.5 years
  • Part-time Duration: up to 3 years
  • Locations: Newcastle, Online
• Master of Public Health / Master of Social Change and Development:
  • Indicative Fee: AUD 40,600
  • Full-time Duration: 2 years
  • Part-time Duration: up to 6 years
  • Locations: Newcastle, Online