The University of Newcastle now has an established reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a provider of this high-quality postgraduate coursework program, the Graduate Certificate of Social Change and Development. The program has been in operation for eight years, with a continuously increasing number of participating students from Australia and the world. Students who have successfully completed this program report very high levels of satisfaction in terms of the quality of the course, and the enhanced employment opportunities it offers upon graduation. International students find Newcastle a very safe and friendly environment for their University studies.

The program is designed to provide students who wish to pursue a career with government agencies, non government organisations (NGOs) and private firms, with the knowledge and skills to understand the processes of social change and development and to improve their effectiveness as administrators, researchers, development planners, educators, or managers. As Australia engages more and more with developing countries in the region, there is a growing need for qualified professionals to work in the community development and policy analysis sectors of funded development projects and aid organisations.

While a base undergraduate degree in an area of relevant specialisation is useful for this kind of work, professionals in the field of international development need an understanding of the implications of wider social and political changes at a global level which affect local conditions and capacities. The program aims to equip professionals with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge which can meet the challenges of development work in a rapidly changing global environment.

The program can be completed over one semester full-time or the part-time equivalent, however please be aware that not all courses are offered in any one semester. Some courses are offered on a trimester basis.

Qualification for the Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development award requires the successful completion of 40 units of coursework, which comprises:

• a core course SOCA6570
• 30 units chosen from the list of Directed courses.

Please note, other electives may be studied with approval of the Program Convenor.

On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, graduates will be eligible for entry into the Master of Social Change and Development program with 40 units of credit in that award. The Master of Social Change and Development is an 80 unit program.

Students wishing to continue to the Master of Social Change and Development in a particular area of Specialisation should consider undertaking their Directed Courses in their chosen area of Specialisation (Aboriginal Studies; Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development; International and Development Economics; or Organisational Leadership and Capacity Building). Refer to the specialisations in the Master of Social Change and Development at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/11233.html

For further information, please contact a Program Officer.

With a Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development, you will be able to pursue a broad range of career opportunities, including positions such as:

• Overseas Aid Organisations
• Community Development Local Government Capacity-Building
• Ministry of Finance in a Developing Country
• Sustainable Land Care