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

• Generic
• Aboriginal Studies
• International and Development Economics
• Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development
• Organisational Leadership and Capacity Building.

The University of Newcastle now has an established reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a provider of this high-quality postgraduate coursework program, the Master 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 can be completed over one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. Please be aware that not all courses are offered in any one semester. The Faculty reserves the right not of to offer courses if there is insufficient demand. Some courses are offered on a trimester basis.

The program may be undertaken on campus or through distance learning. Please check timetable information for the availability of individual courses and their location of offer. All courses are offered at Masters level.

Qualification for the Master of Social Change and Development award requires the successful completion of 80 units of coursework.

All specialisations in the Master of Social Change and Development require that students successfully complete the core course, "Social Change and Development" - SOCA6570. In addition students are required to successfully complete another 70 units of compulsory and/or directed courses. The requirements for these 70 units of courses differ for each specialisation and other unlisted courses may be undertaken with approval from the Program Convenor.

Students may graduate with one of the five following specialisations:

• A Master of Social Change and Development (the generic specialisation); Or
• A Master of Social Change and Development with a specialisation in Aboriginal Studies; Or
• A Master of Social Change and Development with a specialisation in Food Security and Sustainable Rural Development; Or
• A Master of Social Change and Development with a specialisation in Organisational Leadership and Capacity Building; Or
• A Master of Social Change and Development with a specialisation in International and Development Economics.

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.