Degree overview

Find solutions to global challenges

Development, poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability are some of the most important issues in the world today.  Study the causes and consequences of unequal development. Assess policy options for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Career opportunities

Work across international aid organisations, consulting firms and local, state and federal government departments and more.

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83.8% employed within four months of graduating.

Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-2021 - Undergraduate Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences

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$62,600 median starting salary.

Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-2022 - Undergraduate Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences

Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Social Science

UAC Code , Program Code 40095

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 40095

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 40095

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 40095

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply now

Course overview

Specialise your studies by choosing a major from each degree program:

Social Science majors:

  • Criminology
  • Global Indigenous Studies
  • History
  • Human Geography and the Environment
  • Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations
  • Human Services
  • Linguistics
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology Studies
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Tourism and Event Management.

Development studies majors:

  • Cultures and Citizenship
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Globalisation and Economic Development
  • Urban and Regional Development.
This is a combined degree

For additional information about this degree you can refer to the pages for the corresponding single degrees: Bachelor of Development Studies, and Bachelor of Social Science

2024 Program Handbook

The courses shown above are a guide, and don't reflect the exact year-by-year structure of the program, you should always refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Social Science might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Student experience

Meet Kirra, Bachelor of Development Studies student 1:41

Meet University of Newcastle student, Kirra and find out why she chose to study a Bachelor of Development Studies.

Career-ready placements

Every major has a course available that includes a 140-hour placement with relevant industry partners.

Students may also undertake international placement, available by enrolling in international study.

Fieldwork, in places like the sacred Aboriginal Baiame Cave, provides the chance to develop research skills.

Studying at Newcastle campus

How to apply

Apply as a domestic student

You are a domestic student if you are:

  • An Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
  • A permanent resident of Australia
  • A holder of a permanent Australian visa.

Apply via UAC How to get into uni

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