Why study development studies at UoN?

Are you interested in the causes and consequences of unequal development? Are you interested in issues such as the environment, sustainable development and globalisation? Would you like to have the skills to assess policy options for a more equitable and sustainable future? Do you want to make a difference? Then development studies is the program for you.

Tackle contemporary issues

The need for environmentally sustainable and equitable development is one of the most serious issues facing the contemporary world. Our development studies degree is the first specifically designated development studies degree in Australia. It offers a unique interdisciplinary combination of geography, environmental studies, sociology, politics and economics. Consequently the degree addresses the diverse and unequal impacts of global development on places, people and environment, nationally and internationally, and explores the potential and limitations of policy solutions.

Responsive teaching and real-world experiences

The Bachelor of Development Studies will give you opportunities to study the causes and consequences of unequal development and assess policy options for a more equitable and sustainable future. Find out more

Global careers

Graduates with qualifications in development studies find a wide range of career opportunities both in Australia and overseas. Find out more

Meet our achievers

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Find out more

Responsive teaching and real-world experiences

The Bachelor of Development Studies will give you opportunities to study the causes and consequences of unequal development and assess policy options for a more equitable and sustainable future. Understanding the nature and operation of globalisation processes is critical to the development question. You will examine globalisation processes at a variety of scales, with a focus on urban and regional impacts, sustainable development and cultural diversity.

Four major sequences are available:

• Urban and regional development: opening up employment opportunities in the fields of planning and regional development
• Environmental sustainability: giving you a springboard to careers related to the environment and positions where you can use your skills to evaluate the impacts of development on the environment and the community
• Cultures and citizenship: fill positions in fields related to indigenous affairs, immigration and citizenship
• Globalisation and economic development: work in fields related to economic and policy analysis

Double majors are also available if you wish to further your career options.

Practical experience

You can do fieldwork to explore critical development issues and explore the impacts of development and related policies and programs on places, people and communities. Exciting field trip destinations include the Northern Territory. You can also undertake work-based placement to learn about development issues in an applied way to gain experience, develop your project management skills and improve your understanding and preparedness for the workplace. You are encouraged to undertake internship or volunteer work with national and international aid and development organisations, NGOs and community organisations.

Students have the opportunity to undertake placement as part of their elective course choices in their final year. This course involves professional placement with an outside organisation for 48 hours over the semester (four hours per week over 12 weeks). Students enter into an association with a co-operating host organisation where they further develop their expertise in management of environmental projects and issues. Development studies is completed over three years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) undertaken at the Callaghan campus.

Global careers

Graduates with qualifications in development studies find a wide range of career opportunities both in Australia and overseas. Global development is complex and graduates with high-level, interdisciplinary skills are increasingly in demand.

You are likely to find employment in diverse fields such as:

• international development
• urban and regional planning
• social and cultural planning
• social policy
• tourism
• community development
• environmental management
• consultancy and management
• advocacy and policy development work
• research

Possible employers include:

• International aid organisations such as IMF, UNHCR, World Bank, WHO
• Non-government organisations (NGOs) such as Greenpeace, Wilderness Society, Oxfam, Amnesty International
• Local, state and federal government departments in areas such as urban & regional planning, social and cultural planning, regional development, economic development, housing and human services, Indigenous affairs, environment, foreign affairs, immigration and citizenship
• Consulting firms undertaking project evaluation and social impact assessments

Meet our achievers

Josh

Present: Town Planner

Bachelor of Development Studies

I am currently working as a town planner in the private sector in Newcastle. My degree has allowed me to achieve more than I ever expected to. By completing it, I have been given the opportunity to work in a field of high demand due to the current shortage of town planners.

I chose Newcastle because it was the closest uni to my hometown that offered development studies. Secondly, Newcastle offered a great lifestyle. I left Sydney to study and I haven’t looked back!"

Initially starting a different degree, the Bachelor of Development Studies appealed to Josh so much he decided to change his study path. Josh’s advice for students thinking of a development studies degree is to go for it.

The degree covers so many important, contemporary concerns; it will really open your eyes to global issues and experiences of others in the world. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help, all of the staff are so supportive and approachable.

Jessie

Bachelor of Development Studies

My lecturers and tutors were fantastic, they really know their stuff and were always willing to assist.

Jane

Bachelor of Development Studies

The best thing about this program is how it  has become my way of life - living and behaving in a socially, environmentally and culturally appropriate way!

Carly

Bachelor of Development Studies

This program has shown me a myriad of ways of looking at and understanding the world of various contemporary issues.

Josephine

Bachelor of Development Studies

With this program I will be able to find work either in Australia or overseas, the opportunities seem endless!