Is social change and development for you?

The program is designed for you, if you wish to pursue a career with government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms, with the knowledge and skills to understand the processes of social change and development. Read more ...

What you will study

The program can be completed over one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. Students may graduate with a Master of Social Change and Development or a Master of Social Change and Development with a specialisation. Read more ...

Your future

The Master of Social Change and Development can lead to you working with overseas aid organisations, local government in Australia or a developing country, the Ministry of Finance in a developing country, sustainable food security projects, or community development. Read more ...

Is social change and development for you?

The degree is designed for you, if you wish to pursue a career with government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms, with the knowledge and skills to understand the processes of social change and development and to improve your effectiveness as an administrator, researcher, development planner, educator, or manager. 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, as well as in government departments engaged in development work, both in Australia and in developing countries.

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 degree 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 Master of Social Change and Development is available in the following areas of interest:

• general program – follows your areas of interest
• organisational leadership and capacity building
• trade and development
• sustainable agriculture and food security for rural development.

What you will study

The University of Newcastle now has an established reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a provider of this high-quality postgraduate coursework program. 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 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 can be completed over one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. You may graduate with a Master of Social Change and Development or a Master of Social Change and Development with a specialisation in trade and development, landcare or organisational leadership and capacity building.

Some sample areas of study include:

• social program evaluation
• gender and development
• social change and development
• social science research methods
• corporate governance and social responsibility
• capacity building and human services
• food security and sustainable agriculture
• issues in developing economies
• international trade and investment
• economic planning and project evaluation
• international HRM
• negotiation and advocacy.

You have the option of doing original research work to create a research project. If you are an overseas student, you may elect to carry out field work in your own country as part of a research project.

Your future

The Master of Social Change and Development can lead to you working with overseas aid organisations, local government in Australia or a developing country, the Ministry of Finance in a developing country, sustainable food security projects, or community development. Be equipped to make a difference in the world.