Master of Social Change and Development

at University of Newcastle

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:
 

• Project Design and Evaluation
• Development and Social Change
• Social Science Research Methods
• Social Change and Development Research Project

In addition to the core courses, directed courses include, but are not limited to:
 

• Policy and Social Considerations in Disaster Management
• Issues in Developing Economies
• Comparative Education: Debates and Dilemmas
• Managing Human Resources in International Organisations

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.

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.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements
 

• All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement.
• Applicants for this program must satisfy a minimum English Language Proficiency Standard equivalent to an IELTS overall minimum of 6.5 with no subtest result below 6.0.

Fees

AUD 32,560 (indicative annual fee)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). 

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:
 

• policy analyst
• community and social developer
• advocacy and public policy coordinators
• overseas aid officer
• ministry of finance in a developing country

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.