Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 35,500 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program handbook
Description
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, local officers, educators, or managers. As people and governments from the rich world take on the responsibility to engage with the developing world, 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. For those working now in developing countries, this program enhances your capacity to improve outcomes and make change effectively.
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.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Advanced knowledge and skills in writing about competing development paradigms and their associated problems and issues
- Advanced critical thinking and reasoning to demonstrate advanced understanding of recent development projects oriented towards social change
- The ability to apply critical thinking and reasoning to demonstrate advanced understanding of social change and development, and apply theories of organisational leadership to building the capacity of organisations
- The capacity to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise social change and development projects both autonomously and as part of a team
- An advanced capacity to demonstrate and apply specific theoretical and empirical expertise in areas of policy analysis to the economic problems facing developing economies
- The skill to interpret, justify and communicate development and social change projects, and apply critical thinking and reasoning to social change and development issues
- The ability to solve a range of social change and development problems using an evidence-based approach by investigating, analysing and synthesising complex information and available resources
Details
| Information correct as at | Apr 25, 2024 12:31 pm |
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| Program code | 40015 |
| AQF level | Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) |
| Locations and UAC codes | |
| Mode of delivery |
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| Duration |
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| Term type | Semesters |
| Fees |
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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| CRICOS Code | 088342F |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
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:
- Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; or
- Bachelor Honours Degree; or
- Bachelor Degree in a related field plus one year’s relevant work experience; or
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma plus five years' relevant work experience.
For admission into the 120-unit program, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
- Bachelor Degree in a related field; or
- At least seven years’ relevant work experience.
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.
English Language Requirements
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.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
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.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
120 units
Program duration
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 5 years maximum.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
The Master of Social Change and Development is an AQF level 9 Masters by Coursework program between 80 - 120 units in length.
- All students must complete 60 units of core courses.
- Students undertaking the 80 unit program must also complete 20 units from the course list.
- Students undertaking the 120 unit program must also complete choose 60 units from the course list.
The structure of the Master of Social Change and Development allows students to apply for credit to enter into the program by first completing the Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development (40 units) or apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.
Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered for studies in:
- areas such as sociology, geography, anthropology, development studies, social work, welfare, human resource management, politics, health, environmental studies, indigenous studies, economics, agriculture and education;
- relevant work experience such as working in a developing country or indigenous community in either a NGO or government department.
Note: There is no recognition of work experience if the qualification is in a discipline area.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Transition arrangements
Effective 2021 the Directed Course List A and Directed Course List B were combined to one Directed Course List. Directed courses completed prior to 2021 will count towards the program requirements.
2024
In 2024 ARBE6605, and ARBE6607 were discontinued. If you have successfully completed these courses then they will continue to count towards your program requirements.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
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Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| SOCA6240 | Project Design and Evaluation |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6571 | Development and Social Change |
| 20 units |
| SOCA6640 | Social Science Research Methods |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6670 | Social Change and Development Research Project |
| 20 units |
Course List
Students undertaking the 120 unit program choose 60 units from the following course list. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR6001 | Aboriginal Foundation Studies |
| 10 units |
| ABOR6004 | Community Development |
| 10 units |
| ARBE6618 | Disaster Governance and International Frameworks |
| 10 units |
| EDUC6260 | Education and International Development: Global Perspectives |
| 10 units |
| ENVS6500 | Business and the Natural Environment |
| 10 units |
| ENVS6510 | Environmental Legislation and Policy |
| 10 units |
| GSBS6007 | Managing Human Resources in International Organisations |
| 10 units |
| GSBS6380 | Health Economics and Finance |
| 10 units |
| GSBS6381 | Health Plan Design and Payments: Theory and Practice |
| 10 units |
| GSBS6383 | Health Systems, Policy and Governance |
| 10 units |
| GSBS6384 | Strategic Health Leadership and Management |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6020 | Environmental Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6038 | Law and Economics of Climate Change |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6104 | Human Rights and Climate Change-Induced Human Displacement |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6100 | International Health: Cross-Cultural and Critical Social Science Perspectives |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6190 | Gender and Social Change | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCA6310 | Key Issues in Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6320 | Shaping Organisations and Communities: Advocacy and Change |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6330 | Writing the Field of Equity |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6590 | Environmental Justice |
| 10 units |
| SOCA6690 | Rural Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture for Community Development | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Additional information
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.
International students
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.
Additional support
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.
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