Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies (1735)
This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.
Approved Abbreviation: BHuman&DevtSt
Western Sydney University Program Code: 1735
AQF Level: 7
CRICOS Code: 088714E
This program applies to students who commenced in 2016 or later.
The Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies covers all aspects of disaster management, humanitarian assistance, and development to equip students with the required skills, knowledge, and practical experience (i.e. humanitarian crisis simulation + international placement) that make them ready to work with national and international government and non-government organisations implementing short- and long-term life-saving programs. The degree provides a theory-driven and as well as a comprehensive field experience package that enhance students’ learning, research skills, real world experience, and career readiness. The international placement opportunity requires students to obtain a medical clearance, and a Working with Children check for certain organisations.
Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.
There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this program. Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.
International students should also refer to the link below for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special Requirements
Students will need to complete a Working with Children Check and obtain medical clearance to enrol in subject HUMN 3101 Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement.
Program Structure
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points including the subjects listed in the recommended sequence.
All students must enrol in and complete
the 70 credit points of Bachelor of Social Science Core Subjects,
a 100 credit point major and
70 credit points of electives.
The recommendation is that electives are chosen from the Recommended Electives list.
The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2018 or earlier.
HUMN 3073 - Social Sciences International Placement, replaced by HUMN 3100 Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement
The subjects listed below count towards completion of this course for students who passed these subjects in 2020 or earlier.
CULT 1020 - Working with Communities, replaced by HUMN 1060 Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies
HUMN 2049 - Social Research Methods, replaced by HUMN 2066 Investigating and Communicating Social Problems
Equivalent Elective Subjects
The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2021 or earlier.
BUSM 1016 - Leadership in a Complex World, replaced by BUSM 1044 Leadership in Complexity
Minor elective spaces
Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points). Western Sydney University offers minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.
Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.