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Social Development

The Master of Social Development is a flexible and interactive program which provides specialist studies in international social development, refugee resettlement and social and community development work within Australia.

The program is designed to meet the needs of professionals already in the field and those interested in entering the field of social development. These include teachers, social workers, health professionals, economists, engineers, agricultural scientists, journalists, project managers and many others. The program attracts a diverse mix of students from Australia and overseas, which provides a rich and stimulating classroom environment.

The program provides a knowledge base and analytic framework to understand and negotiate the complexities of the geopolitical, economic, social and cultural contexts in which social development takes place. Students are equipped with practical professional skills which may be applied to a diverse array of career options in development. The program is taught within a human rights framework, and is based on a philosophy of social justice and a community development approach.

Entry Requirements

A recognised Bachelor degree in a relevant area with a credit average
At least one years experience in a related field, either as a paid worker or a volunteer
A Curriculum Vitae and a letter providing details of experience and reasons for applying must be submitted with your application
Applications for the semester 1, 2012 intake close in October 2011 for International Students and in November 2011 for local students
In 2011 we have introduced a mid-year intake however the number of places available is limited. Applications close at the end of April

Download the 2011-2012 Social Development flyer (PDF) (2 Mb)

Information for Future Students

Master of Social Development Team Teaching Approach: The Master of Social Development is taught by a dynamic team of respected academics who are also at the front line of national and international social development practice. Some courses are taught by two members of the academic staff, others by different staff at different times. MSD Teaching Profiles (PDF) (2 Mb)

All MSD courses are taught in the late afternoon or evening between 5pm and 9pm. Intensive Saturday workshops also form a component of many courses. Students are expected to attend the workshops which are held in lieu of a set number of evening classes during the session.

Information for Current Students

Welcome to new Master of Social Development students: Welcome to the Master of Social Development program. This welcome letter (PDF) (86 Kb) will provide you with important information regarding your studies in Session 1.

The following Saturday workshops will be held in Session 1

Saturday 5th March 9.30am-4.30pm. All students enrolled in SOCW7850 Issues and Policy in Social Development, SOCW7851 Community Development, SOCW7852 Politics of International Aid and SOCW7855 Rights Based Project Design and Evaluation are required to attend this Saturday Human Rights Seminar.
Saturday 1st April 9.30am-4.30pm - SOCW7852 Politics of International Aid

Both workshops will be held in CLB1 – Central Lecture Block 1.

Social Development Internships: A series of both local and international internships will be offered for the Master of Social Developments in Session 1 and Session 2. The internship course aims to provide students with the opportunity to participate in a practical experience relating to social development, human rights and refugee studies. Interviews for internships will commence in March. If you are interested in undertaking an internship (SOCW7885) as part of your program, please review the attached documentation. Email enquiries regarding internship opportunities can be sent to Effie Mitchell at e.mitchell@unsw.edu.au