Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 5th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
Understand the challenges of sustainable human development on a local, national and global scale. This program provides theoretical foundations and opportunities for practice-based understanding of development policy, programs and outcomes. You can intern at local or overseas organisations, undertake a field school, and complete a research-based supervised dissertation.
Address issues in development policy and debate with experts in anthropology, international relations, political economy, human rights, peace and conflict studies, linguistics, public health, human geography, economics and sociology.
Benefit from workshops, seminars and conferences in a research-driven environment, and from our strong commitment to building industry relationships in a global city.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Development Studies requires:
You can progress from the Graduate Certificate to a Graduate Diploma or Masters, or from a Graduate Diploma to Masters in the same subject area, after successful completion of the shorter course.
You can intern at local or overseas organisations, undertake a field school, and complete a research-based supervised dissertation.
The Graduate Diploma in Development Studies equips you for a career as an administrator, planner, educator or manager. Work within non-government organisations such as the Australian Council for International Development, Coffey International Development, Devex, GRM International, Oxfam, the United Nations, the World Bank and World Wildlife Fund.
