Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
This program prepares students for a broad range of careers both locally and internationally that contribute to social change. You will learn how to successfully undertake projects in close collaboration with community members, and graduate equipped with the skills to influence positive outcomes. With our hands-on learning opportunities, you don’t have to wait until you finish the program to make an impact.
Graduates can work in key areas including Indigenous affairs, organisational leadership and capacity building, roles within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms, trade and development, and sustainable agriculture and food security for rural development - in Australia as well as developing countries.
The University of Newcastle’s Master in Social Change and Development is designed to enhance students existing knowledge and open up further career opportunities in the global environment. The program will build on your prior learnings as you study a range of progressive subjects. All students must complete 60 units of core courses and 20 units of directed courses from Group A, with the option to complete an additional 40 units of directed courses from Group A and Group B - refer to ‘Course Information’ for further details.
Core courses to support your drive and direction include:
In addition to the core courses, directed courses include, but are not limited to:
Upon completion of the above courses you will have enhanced your existing knowledge of social change and development, and will have the relevant theoretical and practical knowledge to take on high-level roles in government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms.
Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.
These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.
There is a continuously growing need for qualified professionals to undertake roles in the community development and policy analysis of funded development projects and aid organisations. At the completion of your Masters in Social Change and Development you will have the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge to take on these roles within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms.
This program will open up new opportunities and see you possess the potential to embark on some of the following career pathways:
You will graduate with the ability to apply your social change and development expertise in real-world settings and position yourself at the forefront of the industry.
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
The Master of Social Change and Development is an 80 or 120 unit postgraduate qualification.
For admission into the 80-unit program, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
For admission into the 120-unit program, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
Relevant work experience includes administration, research, development planner, local officer, educator, or manager.
Work experience can be identified through: certified copies of all relevant qualifications, a detailed CV, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.
Related fields include sociology, geography, anthropology and development studies, agriculture, environmental studies, education, municipal community or social work/welfare, Indigenous Studies and economics.
All Applicants 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 here.
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
Alternatively you may complete a paper-based application.
This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open.