Master of International Community Development

Victoria University

About

This unique, popular program offers you a personalised education.

It includes practical on-site learning and deep engagement with communities and experts in the field.

The perfect mix of study and practical experience will have you job-ready for a fulfilling career.

Key study areas include:

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.

We're one of the few universities in Australia that offers regional and contextual studies (e.g.

on Latin America, Africa and Asia).

Our masters is the final stage of three courses, following our graduate certificate and diploma.

Structure

To complete the Master of International Community Development students will be required to complete 192 credit points consisting of the following:

  • 72 credit points of Core studies
  • 72 credit points of Elective studies.
  • 48 credit points of either Community-Based Research or Research Thesis.

Course structure and units

Year 1

  • 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 of Elective studies

Year 2

OPTION A - Community-based Research

  • Community-Based Research (Part 1) Unit code ASA6005 Credits24
  • Community-Based Research (Part 2) Unit code ASA6006 Credits24

Plus 48 credit points of Elective studies

Or

OPTION B - Research Thesis

  • Research Thesis (Part 1) Unit code ASA6003 Credits24
  • Research Thesis (Part 2) Unit code ASA6004 Credits24

Plus 48 credit points of Elective studies

Electives

  • 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
  • Post-Colonial and Indigenous Approaches to Learning and Teaching in the 21 Century Unit code EED6013 Credits24
  • Foundations of Public Health Unit code HMG7100 Credits12
  • Global Food Systems and Food Security Unit code HMG7230 Credits12
  • Concepts in Humanitarian Assistance Unit code HMG7410 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 disciplineORCompletion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in a similar disciplineORApplicants without an undergraduate qualification may be admitted to the Graduate Diploma based on approved work experience. Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma, graduates will be eligible for admission to this course with credit granted for completed units.

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;  
  6. Devise and execute a substantial research based project or evidence-based capstone experience;  
  7. Resolve complex or emerging problems in professional practice and in contemporary international community development settings by applying knowledge and skills in a real world context.  

Institution