Master of International Development

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This degree is being phased out. No new enrolments will be permitted from 2025.
Students admitted will be able to complete their studies.
Students who are undertaking the course on a part-time basis are strongly recommended to complete the core subjects as soon as possible.

Overview

If you’re passionate about supporting our world’s most vulnerable communities, La Trobe’s Master of International Development will give you strong foundations to advance your career in the humanitarian and development sector. Build a meaningful career and learn how to create sustainable, positive change in areas where we need it most. … For more content click the Read more button below. You’ll learn how to build strong relationships in the development sector and have the opportunity to undertake an internship or placement with a local or international development organisation, helping you to further build your skills and networks. You'll learn:How to design and deliver development projectsUnderstand how to work in partnership with local communities, and learn how to create projects that address inequality.Policy and practice frameworksDevelop the knowledge and skills you need to successfully operate in the development sector.How to drive social changeFrom grassroots activism to governmental policy, you’ll learn how to engage with individuals, communities and organisations to create positive change.Development sector best practiceBecome familiar with the tools and techniques commonly found in development practice, including logframes, project proposals and 'theory of change' documents.

Build a meaningful career and learn how to create sustainable, positive change in areas where we need it most. You’ll learn from experienced experts as you choose from a wide range of specialisations and specially curated electives, allowing you to pursue your passion.

You’ll learn how to build strong relationships in the development sector and have the opportunity to undertake an internship or placement with a local or international development organisation, helping you to further build your skills and networks.

You'll learn:

How to design and deliver development projects
- Understand how to work in partnership with local communities, and learn how to create projects that address inequality.
Policy and practice frameworks
- Develop the knowledge and skills you need to successfully operate in the development sector.
How to drive social change
- From grassroots activism to governmental policy, you’ll learn how to engage with individuals, communities and organisations to create positive change.
Development sector best practice
- Become familiar with the tools and techniques commonly found in development practice, including logframes, project proposals and 'theory of change' documents.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

School

Course coordinator

Brooke Wilmsen

Location(s)

On-Line

Course instance contact

Brooke Wilmsen

Course duration (full time)

2 years

Course duration (part time)

4 years

Study level

Postgraduate

AQF level

Level 9 - Masters Degree

Available only as an exit award

Study options

Domestic

International offshore

Completion requirements

The Master of International Development is a 240 credit point course that consists of: Successful completion of 120 credit points of disciplinary core subjects; and Successful completion of 60 credit points of an International Development specialisation; and Successful completion of 60 credit points of an additional International Development specialisation or … For more content click the Read more button below. LTU0AIM is a not-for-credit subject that you are required to complete at the commencement of your first semester. The subject is designed to enhance your knowledge and awareness of issues concerning academic integrity

The Master of International Development is a 240 credit point course that consists of:

Successful completion of 120 credit points of disciplinary core subjects; and
Successful completion of 60 credit points of an International Development specialisation; and
Successful completion of 60 credit points of an additional International Development specialisation or elective subjects.

LTU0AIM is a not-for-credit subject that you are required to complete at the commencement of your first semester. The subject is designed to enhance your knowledge and awareness of issues concerning academic integrity

Additional explanatory information

Applicants with an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline or area and marks reflective of the capacity to work at the masters level will receive credit of up to 60 credit points.

The following subjects will be credited as advanced standing for cognate students:

DST5DIP DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE

DST5CTD MAKING DEVELOPMENT MATTER

DST5GMD GENDER MOBILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

PLA4001 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

Applicants with an Australian Honours degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline or related area will receive credit of up to 120 credit points, including the subjects listed above.

Applicants with over 2 years of relevant work experience may be eligible to receive credit of up to 60 credit points.

Course structure
240 credit points

Level one120 credit points

Core120 credit points

Level two120 credit points

Specialisations60 credit points

Sample electives60 credit points

Students to select subjects to the value of 60 credit points from the predefined elective list below.

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

Apply an advanced and integrated knowledge of complex interventions, procedures and professional practices to independently evaluate the international development sector.

Critically analyse complex development problems via advanced analytical theories from development studies and related disciplines, which may include geography, anthropology, public health, sociology and economics.

Research, synthesise and professionally communicate complex development knowledge, skills and ideas to a wide range of specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Independently assess complex sustainable development challenges and propose innovative solutions based on advanced interdisciplinary methodologies and approaches.

Apply specialised technical skills to design, implement, monitor and critically evaluate complex development activities.

Reflexively respond with advanced participatory practice to the contextual needs and conditions of beneficiaries/communities to support self-determination through the international development architecture.

Course features

Work based learning (placement) requirements

Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in an optional Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area.

Career outcomes

After graduation, you could work across a wide range of organisations, including multilateral development organisations, government and intergovernmental agencies, media organisations and not-for-profits, community-based and non-government organisations, and research or training institutions.

Possible roles include:

Project manager
- Lead development and humanitarian projects. Work closely with communities as you address economic and social inequalities.
Humanitarian delegate
- Represent marginalised and disaster affected communities. Work with leading organisations and governments to create sustainable solutions and human-centred policies.
Policy analyst
- Analyse, prepare and assess the performance of development and humanitarian policies.
Humanitarian/emergency relief officer
- Work closely with communities on humanitarian and emergency-relief efforts.
Campaign or advocacy manager
- Help amplify the voices of marginalised communities. Deliver public awareness campaigns and lobby stakeholders, including governments and peak bodies.

Handbook