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Bachelor of Development Studies

Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 3 years full-time or part-time equiv.

SATAC Code 324391

2012
ATAR 65.7

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  • Program Outline

    This program investigates key global issues such as poverty, governance, debt reduction, inequality, human rights, HIV and AIDS, conflict, ecology, the environment, health and gender rights in developing countries. You will explore, question and analyse the impact of these issues on the social, economic and political structures of societies and develop analytical and methodological skills that will be useful in a wide range of careers, including government, aid and development organisations as well as the private sector.

    Your knowledge of global relations and international developmental processes will grow through an interdisciplinary program that includes both theoretical and practical elements.

    After the first year, students will have the opportunity to participate in the in-country development studies professional practicums run by the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), as well as international internships in Public Health. Students who excel will also be able to apply for local internships through the Arts Internship Scheme.  

    Study Abroad and Exchange Opportunities

    The University has student exchange links with over 100 overseas institutions. You can study overseas for one or two semesters which counts as credit towards your degree program at the University of Adelaide. In addition there are no extra tuition fees for this study. What better way to test out newly developed language skills or experience another culture as you learn?

  • Program Structure

    The program consists of compulsory courses in Development Studies, and electives with a development studies focus from disciplines such as Anthropology, Geography, Environment and Population, Economics, Politics, Asian Studies, History and Gender, Work and Social Inquiry. Students are encouraged to study a language minor, in particular Indonesian, French or Spanish.

  • Related Programs

    Honours Degree of Bachelor of Development Studies

     Double Degrees 

    If you have strong interests in more than one area, then completing a double degree is a great investment. The following double degree program has a direct entry code for SATAC:

    Concurrent Degrees

    Are you enrolled in a single degree and would like to apply for a second degree? Have you ever wondered if you could study a combination of programs not covered in any of the listed double degrees? Both of these options are possible. And, by selecting the appropriate courses to enrol in, you can complete both awards in four years of full time study.

    You can apply through SATAC for one program, and then apply for the second program the following year. Even better, you may be able to apply internally through the university for your second program in the middle of the year. The university rules for internal transfers, i.e. transferring from one degree to another or applying to enrol in a second degree can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/admission/internaltransfers.

    Please talk to the Faculty Office for enrolment advice if you are considering this option.

    Diploma in Languages

    Studying for a humanities and social sciences degree means you can choose to study a language as part of your degree. Alternatively, any student enrolled in an undergraduate program at the university can elect to study a language through the Diploma in Languages. Start as a complete beginner or with more advanced knowledge and choose from Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek or Spanish. The Diploma in Languages will extend study for one year to fit the language sequence, and you will graduate with certificates in both your program and the Diploma in Languages. You will leave university with language expertise, communication skills and greater cultural insight.

    *The Diploma in Languages is not available to international students. 

  • Admission and Fee Information

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 324391
    2012 CSP ATAR 65.7
    Adelaide Approved Score 70
    2012 CSP IB 24
    Annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $5,975
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    Deferment? Yes - 2 year
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Year 12 applicants
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

    Alternative entry pathways
    • Higher Education applicants
      You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. GPAs earned from non-award study within the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences are also considered.
    • VET applicants
      You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
    • Special Entry applicants
      You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
    • Without formal qualifications?
      You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
    • Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 324391

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    International ATAR 70
    IB 25
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $23,000
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    CRICOS 057800G
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 70
    IB 25
    IELTS
    Overall
    Reading
    Listening
    Speaking
    Writing
    6
    5.5
    5.5
    6
    6
    A-Level 6
    UEC [Malaysia] 25
    SAT [US] 1540
    OSSD OAC [Canadian Pre-U] 65
    Eynesbury Foundation Program 339
    Bradford Foundation Program 70
    How to Apply

    International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

    Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

    International ATAR 70
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $23,000
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
  • Areas of Specialisation

     

  • Study Plans

    The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2013 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

    Current students, please visit the below link for your study plan templates:
    http://www.hss.adelaide.edu.au/current-students/undergrad/degrees/


    All courses are worth 3 units each

    1. Major and Minor courses
    2. Humanities and Social Sciences courses
    3. Other Faculty courses: University Course Planner.
     
    Level I: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    • DEVT 1001 Introduction to Development Studies (Semester One)
    • GEOG 1103 Economy, Environment and Place (Semester Two)
    • Either ANTH 1105 Anthropology of Everyday Life (Semester One) or ANTH 1104 Culture and Society: Foundations of Anthropology (Semester Two)
    • Either GEOG 1102 Footprints on a Fragile Planet (Semester One) or GEOG 1101 Globalisation Justice and a Crowded Planet (Semester Two)
    • Minor sequence: Choose two Level I courses from the list of Minor courses. Students are encouraged to study a language minor, in particular Indonesian, French or Spanish.

    • Free choice: Choose two courses from the list of Level One Humanities and Social Sciences Courses or other Faculty courses.

    Level II or Advanced Level: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    Level III: Choose the following Advanced Level courses (24 units)
  • Career Opportunities

    The Bachelor of Development studies will provide a critical entry point for gaining employment in:

    • Government (such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and AusAID)
    • Private sector consultancy firms (Official Development Assistance management contracters)
    • Non-government organisations
    • Development research agencies
    • United Nations agencies (UNESCO)
    • Foreign aid agencies

    Potential careers

    Policy Adviser, Political Adviser, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Public Servant, Research Assistant, Development Officer, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Aid Worker, Non Government Organisation Worker

  • Work Placement

    A very popular option for your third year is to take part in an internship with an organisation from within the arts, media, parliament or environment. These include State Parliament and a range of public and business sector agencies, where you can use the knowledge from your university study in a practical work environment, building valuable networks and gaining experience that counts towards your degree program and prepares you for your future career.

  • Program Rules
  • Further Information

    Please direct enquiries to the University Contact Centre
    Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

  • Useful Links

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 27 Feb 2013

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‘Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation’ – Nelson Mandella

Learn how you can be an advocate for changing the key issues such as poverty and debt reduction, inequality, human rights, gender rights in our world and in our own back yard. Understand sustainable development from a multi-lensed point of view to get a broad mindset and generate prime skills that will fit you out for a career in aid and development organisations, in local and global communities and the UN.

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