Global Utilities

School of Social Sciences

International Development

Development Studies imageWelcome to International Development

Commencing in 2008 La Trobe University’s International Development Program is offering a Bachelor of International Development (ABID). Building on the university’s long-term commitment to the study of development, which stretches back to the 1970s, the ABID offers students an exciting opportunity to study some of the most critical issues facing humanity. Starting from the premise that global inequalities of wealth, power and citizenship are issues of profound importance, the ABID offers students the opportunity to explore critical questions regarding obstacles and pathways to progressive social change. The International Development Program believes that practitioners of development working in government, non-governmental agencies or international organisations are better able to effect enduring social change if a holistic approach is embraced. Accordingly, the ABID offers students the chance to focus on historical, sociological, anthropological, political, environmental and economic aspects of development. The interdisciplinary and critical nature of the ABID provides students with diverse, innovative and critical perspectives for appreciating and analysing theories, concepts and practices of development implemented in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

In addition to the normal academic studies associated with a Bachelor Degree, students undertaking the ABID meet with development practitioners, may gain credit for internships overseas, and will gain experience in developing grant proposals as part of a team.

La Trobe University also offers double degrees combining the (ABID) with the Bachelor of Health Sciences and with the Bachelor of Agriculture Science. Students may also take an International Development Major as part of a Bachelor of Arts.

What is International Development?

Since 1945, national governments, international agencies (such as the United Nations, the World Bank and USAID) and non-governmental organisations have pursued programs of social and economic change, referred to as 'development' or 'modernisation', for people mainly in Africa, Latin America and Asia. These programs are aimed explicitly at improving the welfare of people and relieving social problems such as poverty, disease, landlessness, economic 'backwardness', inequality and illiteracy. Keeping in step with the implementation of development programs are studies about developmental issues, emanating from a range of disciplines, including anthropology, economics, history, law, politics and sociology. While some of these advocate certain developmental theories, policies and practices, several provide critical evaluations of developmental issues and programs.

The International Development Program enables students to become familiar with and acquire an understanding of the various developmental issues covered in several selected units (listed below) offered from a range of disciplines across the University. Issues assessed in the various units include development and underdevelopment, imperialism, dependency, the emergence of newly industrialising countries (particularly in East Asia), gender and development and global environmental problems.

Teaching

International Development is currently only available to students at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. Location: fourth level, Social Sciences Building. For more information on International Development see the University Handbook.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the International Development Program are working in Development NGOs (Non-governmental Organisations), project officers in developing countries, journalism, and in a range of government departments and private corporations. Those taking a degree in the Bachelor of International Development will have enhanced opportunities of employment in fields related to the implementation and evaluation of development programs.

Content Approved by: Head of School
Page maintained by: Administrative Assistant
Last Updated: 13 October, 2009

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