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Bachelor of Development Studies B.Dev Stud
2009

Program Outline | Related Programs | Admission Information | Areas of Specialisation | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Useful Links | Program Rules

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 3 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

This program investigates key global issues such as poverty and debt reduction, inequality, human rights, HIV/AIDS, ecology, the environment, health and gender rights in developing countries and communities. This program questions why there are such disparate differences in social and economic development between countries and regions, many of which are close neighbours of Australia. Students analyse these issues from a multi-lensed point of view and examine their impact on the social, economic and political structures of societies.

Students explore how to be an advocate for appropriate change in our world and in our own back yard while generating practical and theoretical skills in sustainable development. Graduates will be prepared for careers in aid, research and development organisations, in local and global communities, government (such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and AusAID), private sector consultancy firms, universities and United Nations agencies such as UNESCO.

Study Abroad and Work Placement Opportunities

Full time Development Studies students are encouraged to take advantage of the study abroad and student exchange links that the university has developed with over 100 overseas institutions. Students can study overseas for up to two semesters, and earn credit towards their University of Adelaide program. Tuition fees are waived by the overseas institution if a student enrols at an institution that is an exchange partner of the university.

Final year students can also participate in the Arts Internship Scheme coordinated by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences where they spend time working as an 'intern' in a public and private sector organisation while completing a research project. The internship is also counted towards their program.

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Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic ? and international ? students.

Domestic

Selection criteria: ?
  • Year 12 applicants
    2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 65.05
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
  • 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 Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. 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. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
How to apply: ?
SATAC Code: 324391
Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees: ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $5,201
General enquiries: Student Centre

International

Selection criteria: ?
IELTS Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6
International TER 70
How to apply:
Mid-year entry? Yes
Annual tuition fees: ? International student place: $19,000
General enquiries: Student Centre
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Areas of Specialisation

It is recommended students choose to create a Minor in their program in the following areas of study: 

  • Anthropology
  • Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Gender, Work and Social Inquiry
  • Geographical and Environmental Studies
  • History
  • Politics

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

 All courses are worth 3 units each.

  • Major and Minor courses
  • Humanities and Social Sciences courses
  • Other Faculty courses: University Course Planner.
  • Level I: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    • DEVT 1001 Introduction to Development Studies (Semester One)

      Either ANTH 1105 Anthropology of Everyday Life(Semester One) or ANTH 1104 Culture and Society: Foundations of Anthropology (Semester Two)

      Either GEST 1002 Footprints on a Fragile Planet (Semester One) or GEST 1001 Globalisation Justice and a Crowded Planet (Semester Two)

      GEST 1003 Thinking Economically (Semester Two)

      Minor sequence: Choose two courses from the list of Level One Minor courses

      Electives: 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)
    • DEVT 2100 Poverty & Social Development
    • 3 x Advanced Level Development Studies specialised courses
    • Minor sequence: Choose one from the list of Level II or Advanced Level Minor courses
    • 2 x Level II or Advanced Level Humanities and Social Sciences or other Faculty courses
    Level III: Choose the following Advanced Level courses (24 units)
    • DEVT 3100 Aid Policy and Administration
    • 3 x Advanced Level Development Studies specialised courses
    • Minor sequence: Choose two from the list of Level III or Advanced Level Minor courses
    • 2 x Level III or Advanced Level Humanities and Social Sciences or other Faculty courses

    Note:  In 2009 only, students wishing to take Indonesia In-country as an elective at either Level II or Level III will be permitted to substitute this course for DEVT 3100 Aid Policy and Administration.

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    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 Advisor, Politician, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Project Officer, Public Servant, Arts Administrator, Research Assistant, International Government and Trade Policy Adviser, Journalist, Development Officer, Foreign Affairs

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    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: Monday, 22 Dec 2008

    Program Talks

    Turning Inspiration into Action

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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.