Graduate Diploma in International Community Development

Victoria University

About

Take an important role in community development.

Get involved in social change, human rights and sustainable development at a global or local level.

You’ll gain expertise in key community development theories, building your knowledge and skills in these main areas:

critical consciousness and ethics of development community development project design and management participatory research and evaluation globalisation and social movements leadership in community development impacts of Trump and Brexit on governance of international organisations conflict resolution and peace-building.

You’ll develop valuable real-world experience.

We offer on-site learning and deep engagement with communities and experts in the field.

Our agreements with other universities and NGOs, such as the National University of Timor Leste (UNTL), provide benefits that include a study tour to East Timor.

This diploma is the second stage of three courses in our graduate program.

Successful completion leads into our Master of International Community Development.

Structure

To complete the Graduate Diploma in International Community Development students will be required to complete 96 credit points consisting of the following:

  • 72 credit points of Core Studies.
  • 24 credit points of Elective Studies.

Course structure and units

  • Research Methods Unit code AAA5002 Credits12
  • Community Development: Theory and Practice Unit code ASA5001 Credits12
  • Community Development: Project Planning and Management Unit code ASA5002 Credits12
  • Transnational Gender Issues and Human Rights Unit code ASA5010 Credits12
  • Building Capacity and Mobilising Civil Society Unit code ASA5023 Credits12
  • Conflict Resolution in Groups and Communities Unit code ASA5050 Credits12

Plus 24 credit points from the list below:

  • Interpreting 'Asia' and the 'Pacific' Unit code AAA5011 Credits12
  • Engaging Communities for Sustainability Unit code ASA5004 Credits12
  • Migration, Culture and Identity Unit code ASA5012 Credits12
  • Management in Non-Government Organisations Unit code ASA5024 Credits12
  • Regional and International Organisations and Policy Unit code ASA5055 Credits12
  • Study Tour Unit code ASX5000 Credits12
  • Planetary Health: A Place-Based Approach Unit code VPH6001 Credits12
  • Responding to Climate Change Through a Planetary Health Lens Unit code VPH6002 Credits12
  • Disaster Resilience and Response Through a Planetary Health Lens Unit code VPH6003 Credits12
  • Making a Healthy Planet: A Transdisciplinary Transformation Unit code VPH6004 Credits12

Entry requirements

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline ORCompletion of an Australian Graduate Certificate (or equivalent) in a similar disciplineORApplicants with a minimum three (3) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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  1. Interpret community development theoretical concepts and related knowledge to think critically on appropriate approaches to address sociocultural problems in contemporary societies;  
  2. Utilise critical analytical skills to interrogate and interpret different schools of thought on globalisation and development and their impacts on communities;  
  3. Deconstruct the role of civil society and grassroots social movements in relation to international community development;  
  4. Critique global and regional political structures, and their impact on development in the developing world as well as industrialised regions;  
  5. Creatively employ advanced skills in research and project management in international community development contexts;  

Institution