Degree overview

Make a positive difference in the world

Development, poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability are some of the most important issues in the world today. This program provides the opportunity to study the causes and consequences of unequal development.  This program is the only development studies program in Australia to include economics and Aboriginal studies as core courses.

Career opportunities

Skills, abilities and knowledge learnt in the Bachelor of Development Studies are highly sought after by a broad range of employers, including international aid organisations, consulting firms and local, state and federal government departments.

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84.3% employed within four months of graduating.

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

Bachelor of Development Studies

UAC Code , Program Code 11368

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

CRICOS Code , Program Code 11368

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Degree duration
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Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 11368

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 11368

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

You will have the opportunity to choose from one of four majors:

  • Cultures and Citizenship – courses in this major will prepare you for fields related to Indigenous affairs, immigration and citizenship or community development.
  • Environmental Sustainability – as part of this major you will study courses to develop your analytical skills. You will also learn how to evaluate the impact of development on the environment and the community.
  • Urban and Regional Development – studying courses in this major will open up employment opportunities in the fields of planning, regional or community development.
  • Globalisation and Economic Development – by completing this major you could go on to work in fields related to economic policy and analysis.

You will study real-world issues such as globalisation, environmental change, sustainable development, refugee and asylum seeker migration, and social justice. Our interdisciplinary approach means that in addition to your major you are exposed to a wide range of topics including:

  • Aboriginal studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Environmental studies
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 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. From international travel opportunities to industry work experience, this degree is preparing Kirra for the real world.

Career-ready placements

Every student will complete a 140-hour placement with relevant industry partners in government, not-for-profit organisations, or private businesses.

Students may also undertake international placement, available as an option in every Development Studies major.

Fieldwork, including on Country with Traditional Custodians, provides the chance to develop research skills.

Studying at Newcastle campus

Student showcase

Student Highlights

Taking Urban Planning to new heights

Taking Urban Planning to new heights

After having an interest in urban planning, Adam realised this could be a career path worth achieving. Find out how more about Adam's story here.

Challenging thinking and communication methods

Challenging thinking and communication methods

Since working within the WaterNSW team, Alice has implemented her skills from studying to understand the changes and approaches to community development. Find out more about her story here.

Understanding the potential of Development Studies

Understanding the potential of Development Studies

Experiencing the wide variety of directions the Bachelor of Development Studies can take you, Caitlin changed her original plans and has landed in her dream career. Find out more about her journey here.

The Visual Appeal of Development Studies

The Visual Appeal of Development Studies

Conor took his understanding of environmental sustainability from the Bachelor of Development Studies and implemented this across his independent contractor visual work. Find out how he was able to use this to his advantage.

The jigsaw of study and career

The jigsaw of study and career

Being interested in the development of systems and international potential of this degree, Craig utilised his Bachelor of Development Studies to the best of his abilities. Read his story and career progression here.

Advocating for the disadvantaged

Advocating for the disadvantaged

When Elizabeth first started her degree, her focus was on policy and procedure. However since undertaking work placement, her career has been redirected. Find out more about her career change and what led to this here.

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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