Bachelor of Development Studies

On successful completion of the program students will have:

• Commitment to knowledge creation, ethical practice and critical perspectives about development and underdevelopment.
• A substantial and broad knowledge of development issues including: urban and regional; globalisation; economic; environmental sustainability; and cultural diversity.
• Demonstrated a capacity for logical, critical and creative analysis.
• High-level communication skills and/or the ability to engage in constructive public and professional discourse in community, cross-cultural and policy contexts.
• The ability to perform autonomously, collaboratively and/or productively with advanced skills in collecting, interpreting, organising, analysing and presenting information.
• The capacity to be engaged, responsible, sensitive and effective world citizens.

Admission requirements

English Language Requirements

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website and click on 'How to Apply for Credit'. 

2023 Revision

From 2023 there are changes to the program structure. For students who commenced the program prior to 2023, please refer to the 2023 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.

2021 Revision

From 2021 there are changes to the program structure and each major. For students who commenced the program prior to 2021, please refer to the 2021 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.

2020 Revision

Students commencing in 2020 are required to take a minimum of 60 units at 3000 level.

2015 Revision

Students who have commenced their studies in the Bachelor of Development Studies prior to 2015 may elect to change to the new program commencing in 2015 or choose to complete the Bachelor of Development Studies under the program structure in which they initially enrolled.

2013 Revision

Students who commenced the program prior to 2013 and successfully completed:

• SOCA3060 may not enrol in SOCA2065;
• SOCA3325 may not enrol in SOCA2325;
• SOCA3420 may not enrol in SOCA2400.

A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.

An Honours year is available to students as a separate program in the form of an additional year to those who meet the entry requirements.

For more information about Honours please follow the link below:  http://www.newcastle.edu.au/degrees/bachelor-of-development-studies-honours

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.