The Graduate Diploma in International Development is a 36-unit program which is part of the Graduate Program in International Development offered by the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.

The course articulates with the 18-unit Graduate Certificate in International Development , the 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Gender Mainstreaming Policy and Analysis, the 54-unit Master of Arts (International Development), and the 72-unit Master of International Development, and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards.

The 36-unit Graduate Diploma in International Development is also offered by distance education with a limited range of optional topics.

The topics available for distance education are indicated by an asterisk (*). A computer with internet access is required for study in distance mode.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Credit arrangements

Applicants who have completed the Flinders Graduate Certificate in International
Development, the Flinders Graduate Certificate in Gender Mainstreaming Policy & Analysis, or courses that are deemed equivalent, are eligible for 18 units of credit.

Course aims

The Graduate Diploma in International Development is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers where knowledge is required on the theoretical and policy issues in international development. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of current development policy areas and the development theories underpinning them. Students will be able to pursue specialist knowledge in a variety of related disciplines including environmental studies, international relations, population studies, public health, public policy and management, and gender studies. Practicum topics are available which enable students to apply and reflect on their knowledge and skills.

The Graduate Diploma course provides a basis for continuing on to Masters level study within the graduate program, as well as providing a mid-career opportunity for practitioners to address major issues in development in greater depth and breadth.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course students should be able to:

  • demonstrate familiarity with contemporary theories in the field of development studies and a broad understanding of the socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental forces that shape developing countries
  • apply appropriate analytical tools and conceptual frameworks to contemporary development issues
  • contextualise socio-economic, political and environmental sustainability problems within the broader political and institutional context of development at the local, national and international level
  • demonstrate an awareness of gender and other inequalities that impact on development policies and programs
  • demonstrate a solid understanding of development issues and approaches in a specific field, such as international relations,environment, population studies, or public health
  • work collaboratively across cultures and linguistic diversity and with an awareness of gender and other aspects of diversity that affect development practices and experiences.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in International Development, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.

Core - Year 1 topics

 DVST8010  Development Problems, Policies and Programs  (4.5 units)*
 DVST9022  Theory and Evidence in Contemporary Development  (4.5 units)*
 INTR9077  Global Inequality  (4.5 units) *

Students must complete at least one of the following topics:

 DVST9031  Gender Analysis  (4.5 units)*
 DVST9032  Gender Mainstreaming  (4.5 units)*
 WMST8003  The Global Woman: Introduction to Gender and Development  (4.5 units)*

Elective - Year 1 topics

Students must make up the remaining units (for a total of 36 units) from the following. Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.

 DVST8701  Sustainable Development GE  (4.5 units)*
 DVST9035  International Development Practicum  (9 units)*
 DVST9035A  International Development Practicum  (4.5 units)*
 DVST9035B  International Development Practicum  (13.5 units)*
 GEOG8712  Asian Regional Development GE  (4.5 units)
 INTR9055  African Politics: Global Issues  (4.5 units)
 INTR9062  Contemporary Issues in Gender and International Development  (4.5 units)
 INTR9078   Governing East Asia in the 21st Century (4.5 units)
 PHCA9505  Primary Health Care Practice in Developing Countries  (9 units)*
 POAD9026   Management in Non-Government Organisations  (4.5 units)*
 POAD9030  Indigenous Issues in Public Policy  (4.5 units)*
 POAD9131  Development Administration  (4.5 units)*
 POAD9135  Project Management  (4.5 units)*
 PPHR9701  Population Studies  (4.5 units)
 PPHR9742  Population and Environment  (4.5 units)
 WMST8008  Engendering Justice, Rights, and Representation: Gender, State and Citizenship  (4.5 units)

*Available in distance education mode

Note: Other topics may be taken with the approval of the course coordinator.