Overview
Take your knowledge of community development and human rights to the next level, with the Master of International Community Development at Victoria University.
This unique and popular program in international community development offers a personalised education. The mix of study and practical experience will have you job-ready for a fulfilling career in a local or international arena.
Key study areas include:
- community development theories and practices
- project design, planning and management
- social research and evaluation
- understanding globalisation and its impacts on communities
- peace strategies and conflict resolution
- building capacity and mobilising communities
- advocacy of gender rights and other human rights
- leadership in community development
- governance of local and international organisations.
The course is open to graduates considering a career in community development.
Our masters is the final stage of three courses, following our graduate certificate and graduate diploma.
If you are already employed in community development and want to advance your career, this program will give you the practical skills and intellectual know-how to be a more capable and skilled professional and leader in real-world settings.
Our community research focus
VU offers expertise and guidance in several specialised research areas. Postgraduate research will bring you into contact with our vibrant and innovative research community.
Related research themes include community resilience, liveable and inclusive cities, cultural diversity and wellbeing and community, identity and displacement.
The Community, Identity and Displacement Research Network (CIDRN) promotes research into displacement, identity, community and change, focused on Melbourne’s west.
Our Social & cultural transformation research program is part of our Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities. We conduct high-impact and innovative research relating to social inclusion, community development, inclusive and transformational education, and social justice.
A flexible postgraduate program
VU offers flexible study options, with courses designed to lead into one another. This makes it easy for you to graduate with the qualification that suits you, within a timeframe that suits you.
This degree is the final stage of a nested suite of three courses that make up the Master of International Community Development. The two previous stages are:
- Graduate Certificate in International Community Development
- Graduate Diploma in International Community Development.
Applicants with a four-year undergraduate degree can apply directly to this masters degree.
Alternatively, if you have a three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent you can apply for the graduate certificate or graduate diploma course and then proceed to the masters.
Completion of one stage gives you credit towards the next. You can also choose to exit the course at graduate certificate or graduate diploma level.
Partnerships & international travel
Our partnerships with educational, business and community organisations offer important research opportunities. We have agreements with other universities and NGOs, such as the National University of Timor Leste (UNTL). These give you fantastic options to learn and travel.
Students studying international development at VU have completed placements in the following countries:
- Timor Leste
- Fiji
- Cambodia
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- India
- Bangladesh
- Mauritius
- Kenya
- Botswana.
Postgraduate academic learning advice
As a postgraduate student you might want to take up one of many opportunities to further develop your academic language and study skills. VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
This program critically engages with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising and supporting Victoria University values.
These include respecting cultural diversity and supporting lifelong learning.
VU’s Strategic Plan includes ‘An unwavering commitment to progressive inclusivity’ and further states that:
It is our responsibility to respect and listen to Indigenous voices and standpoints, upholding and privileging self-determination, sovereignty and authority.
International student story
Careers in community development
Graduates find work in many related areas, including international humanitarian and development aid.
Careers include:
- international and regional consultant in human rights, gender, poverty reduction and project evaluation
- project manager with international, government and local organisations such as Australian Red Cross, Save the Children, Asylum Seekers Resources Centre
- leaders and advisers in government
- community development educator and trainer
- journalist
- activist
- academic and researcher.
Salaries
Use Labour Market Insights to find average salaries in Australia for various professions:
- community worker
- policy or planning manager (which you could become with further work experience).
Course 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 Capstone Studies.
Course structure and units
Year 1
-
- Unit code
- AAA5002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5010
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5023
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5050
- Credits
- 12
Plus 24 credit points of Elective Studies
Year 2
OPTION A - Community-based Research
-
- Unit code
- ASA6005
- Credits
- 24
-
- Unit code
- ASA6006
- Credits
- 24
Plus 48 credit points of Elective studies
Or
OPTION B - Research Thesis
-
- Unit code
- ASA6003
- Credits
- 24
-
- Unit code
- ASA6004
- Credits
- 24
Plus 48 credit points of Elective studies
Elective Units
-
- Unit code
- AAA5011
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AEK7001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5012
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5024
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA5055
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASX5000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HMG7100
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HMG7230
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HMG7410
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 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, including through critical engagement with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals | ||
| 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 upon community development; | ||
| 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 minor thesis; | ||
| 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. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Admission & pathways
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 discipline
OR
Completion of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or equivalent) in a similar discipline
PLUS
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)
Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.
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
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous 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 chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.
Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.
If you have questions, please get in touch:
- Phone: +61 3 9919 1164
- Online: enquiry form
Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.
