International development
Why study International development?
We offer an active intellectual and practical environment for students of international development. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is home to the Institute of Human Security and also hosts the Centre for Dialogue and the La Trobe Refugee Research Centre. The Faculty consists of dedicated researchers and teachers, some of whom are leaders in their field. The Faculty has regional and country expertise – including China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and Africa.
Students enrolling fulltime in the Master of International Development are eligible for Austudy or Youth Allowance. Visit the Centrelink website for further information.
Career opportunities
Development NGOs (non-government organisations), project officer, journalism, implementation and evaluation of development programs within government organisations.
Courses
Local students
2013
Master of International Development
- Duration :
- 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Campus:
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course offers a unique combination of theoretical and practical subjects that support critical engagement with various aspects of development. More specifically, it aims to:
. enhance understanding of the complexity of development as theory and as practice.
. nurture an appreciation of cultural diversity in development, and engender respect for Indigenous and local knowledge in thinking about problem-solving.
. improve understanding of the development industry and its structure, politics and power.
. develop skills that facilitate social change, such as networking, advocacy and communication.
. provide an understanding of development practice, including design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
The course was developed in consultation with major development agencies in Australia, and La Trobe University currently has an Associate Professor who has worked for over 25 years for International NGOs. - Prerequisite
- Australian three-year undergraduate degree, or approved international equivalent in the humanities and social sciences or cognate discipline, with a B average.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2013): $13 770 for 120 credit points.
- Additional information
- Mid-year entry (July intake) is also available - contact the Faculty for more information.
- How to apply
- Contact the Faculty for application closing date. Apply direct to the University. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB). Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required. To be considered for a fee reduction scholarship, applications for Semester 1 must be received by February 8 2013.
- Full course details
- International Development (Master)Melbourne
Master of Public Health and Master of International Development
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Campus:
- Melbourne
- City
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This program is designed for professionals currently working in health and development settings and seeking a career in policy fields or program/project management work in international health environments; and for professionals working in development settings who require training in public health. The Master of Public Health component of the program is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of public health theory and practice, as set out in the Foundation Competencies for Master of Public Health Graduates in Australia, please see this public health website
Graduates are therefore equipped with unique knowledge, skills and perspectives (in public health practice, global health, and political science and international development) essential for working effectively in international contexts. - Prerequisite
- Three-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field and a minimum of two years' work experience in a health-related field (or equivalent).
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2013): $15,900 per 120 credit points.
- Costs
- There may be some further costs associated with fieldwork/visits.
- Additional information
- Placements are sometimes arranged as a part of the program, and interaction with appropriate non-government organisations and government agencies occurs during the teaching program. All students must complete a minor thesis or project based in an appropriate setting. Classes will be held at the City and Melbourne campuses.
- How to apply
- Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
A supplementary application form (PDF 138KB) is also required for this course.
Applications close 4 January 2013 for Semester 1 commencement and early June 2013 for Semester 2 commencement. - Full course details
- Public Health / International Development (Master)City
How to apply?
Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.
Fees and scholarships
Postgraduate coursework programs are either:
- Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
- CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.
Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.
International students
2013
Master of International Development (069271G)
- Duration :
- 1 year
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 22 750
- Campus
- Melbourne, City
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course offers a unique combination of theoretical and practical subjects that support critical engagement with various aspects of development. More specifically, it aims to:
. enhance understanding of the complexity of development as theory and as practice.
. nurture an appreciation of cultural diversity in development, and engender respect for Indigenous and local knowledge in thinking about problem-solving.
. improve understanding of the development industry and its structure, politics and power.
. develop skills that facilitate social change, such as networking, advocacy and communication.
. provide an understanding of development practice, including design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
The course was developed in consultation with major development agencies in Australia, and La Trobe University currently has an Associate Professor who has worked for over 25 years for International NGOs. Melbourne, City - English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
Or approved international equivalent. Melbourne, City - Academic entry requirements
- Applicants are required to have successfully completed an Australian three-year undergraduate degree, or approved international equivalent in the humanities and social sciences or cognate discipline with a B Grade average. Melbourne, City
- Additional information
- The Master of International Development with Honours (069274D) is available through an additional semester (six months), and requires submission of a 15 000-word thesis worth 60 credit points.
International students may also be eligible to apply for an Australian Development Scholarship (ADS). For more information, please visit: the AusAID website Melbourne, City - Full course details
- International Development (Master)Melbourne
Master of Public Health and Master of International Development (019986G/069271G)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 25 260
- Campus
- City, Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This program is designed for professionals currently working in health and development settings and seeking a career in policy fields or program/project management work in international health environments; and for professionals working in development settings who require training in public health. The Master of Public Health component of the program is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of public health theory and practice, as set out in the Foundation Competencies for Master of Public Health Graduates in Australia, please see this public health website
Graduates are therefore equipped with unique knowledge, skills and perspectives (in public health practice, global health, and political science and international development) essential for working effectively in international contexts. City, Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
Or approved international equivalent. City, Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- A three-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field and a minimum of two years' work experience in a health-related field (or equivalent). City, Melbourne
- Additional costs
- There may be some further costs associated with fieldwork/visits. City, Melbourne
- Additional information
- This course will be held at the Franklin Street (Melbourne (City) campus and the Melbourne campus. City, Melbourne
- Professional recognition
- The MPH is an internationally-recognised professional qualification in public health and is designed to ensure that graduates are trained according to the Foundation Competencies for Public Health Graduates in Australia. Formal training in international development is becoming increasingly important for people wishing to work in development settings, to understand the context of their work and strategies for appropriate and successful program development.
- Full course details
- Public Health / International Development (Master)City
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Related study options
Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:
Your study experience
Other ways into postgraduate study
Contact the faculty office to find out about other ways into postgraduate study.
Study with practitioners
You have the opportunity to learn from practitioners like Chris Roche, Justin Coburn, Tom Bamforth and members of the Humanitarian Advisory Group, who have many years experience in the field with NGOs both here and overseas.
- Making social change happen
- Program management in development
- Research and writing in development
- Human security and development
Overseas study opportunities
There are many opportunities for La Trobe students to study overseas. Many of La Trobe's International Development students chose to study in countries such as Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru and Thailand. Some of these universities also offer student placements in development agencies, where they gain firsthand experience of development work. Students from overseas can come to La Trobe and do a short-term Study Abroad program. Some short courses are also available to international students. Visit International Students for more information.
Course guide
For detailed information on this course, see the Course Guide [DOCX 3.31MB] for enrolled students.
Student and graduate profiles
This course provided a fertile training ground in helping distinguish between the perception and reality of development
Ms Tasneem Chopra, Humanities and Social Sciences
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or focus on staff in International development.
International development events
There are no upcoming International development events. Browse other events.


