85.5% employed within four months of graduating.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-2023 - Undergraduate Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences
Degree overview
Make a positive difference in the world
Development, poverty, inequality , political instability, 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.
Students focus on key global issues in local, national and international contexts. You could find yourself employed for the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, helping developing countries address their internal constraints to trade. Or locally, you could work with an Indigenous community working to improve environmental sustainability.
No matter your focus, when you study Development Studies, you can go on to make a positive difference.
World top 100
?
for Geography
World top 300
?
for Arts and Humanities
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.
Not everyone uses their degree in the same way and the transferable skills gained through university study may allow graduates to pursue a range of careers that might not be directly linked to their study. Students may work in federal, state & local government, NGOs, consultancy or private business.
Professional outcomes:
- International Aid/Development
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Community Development
- Environmental Management
- Advocacy and Policy Development Work
- Research
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.
- Geopolitics 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
- International Relations
- Sociology
- Environmental studies
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
Living in Newcastle
Nestled on Australia's spectacular east coast and surrounded by some of the state's most popular destinations, Newcastle is an all-round wonderful choice as a safe and friendly place to live.
Read more
Campus Life
Our campuses are welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative places for students, staff, and the community. Explore our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle.
Read more
Scholarships
Our scholarships recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students. If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
Read more
Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're from across Australia or around the globe, your home on campus is where you'll form lifelong friendships and harness your potential in a supportive and diverse community.
Read more
Student showcase
Student Highlights
Policy and Evaluation; Jenna's experience
Jenna secured a graduate position before finishing her studies and has been working towards her goals ever since.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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 as an international student
Entry requirements — Senior secondary school qualification
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
English proficiency requirements
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
- IELTS overall minimum - 6.0
- IELTS section minimum - 6.0
- About English Language Pathways
Apply to the University via our online application portal.
In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.
If you are applying through an education agent, they can also apply through the application portal. Ensure your agent is contracted to the University to avoid delays with your application.
Once you have started your application you will be provided with a reference number. You or your education agent will be able to track your application as it progresses.
Similar degrees
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Learn more
Bachelor of Social Science
Learn more
Bachelor of Arts
Learn more
1 Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Learn more.
Looking for more information?
Ask a question
Call 1300 275 866
Sign up for updates
Looking for more information?
Ask a question
Call +61 2 4913 8300
Sign up for updates
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.