Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies (1735)
- 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 or domestic internship) that make you 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 comprehensive field experience package that enhances students’ learning, research skills, real world experience, and career readiness. The field experience opportunity requires students to obtain a medical clearance, and a Working with Children check.
Early Exit
Students may exit this program on completion of 80 credit points with a 1917 Diploma in Social Science (Humanitarian and Development Studies) (exit only).
- Director of Academic Program - Dr Emma Power
Study Mode
Three years full-time or six years part-time.
Program Advice
Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.
Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |
Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Full Time | Internal | See above |
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Part Time | Internal | See above |
| Penrith Campus | Full Time | Internal | See above |
| Penrith Campus | Part Time | Internal | See above |
Work Integrated Learning
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).
Admission
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.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
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 Current
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
- 80 credit points of Core subjects
- 80 credit point major
- 80 credit points of electives
The recommendation is that electives are chosen from the 40 credit point Social Sciences International Placement and either the list of Recommended Minors or from the Recommended Elective subject list (shown below).
The recommendation is that electives are chosen from the Recommended Electives list.
Core Subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| HUMN 1028 | Human Rights, Peace and Development | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Major subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| HUMN 3116 | Emergency and Disaster Management | 10 |
| HUMN 1015 | Development and Sustainability | 10 |
| HUMN 3119 | Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics | 10 |
| POLI 1007 | World Politics and International Relations | 10 |
| HUMN 2032 | Issues in World Development: Rich World, Poor World | 10 |
| BUSM 3082 | Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies | 10 |
| HUMN 3068 | Public Health Response in Complex Emergencies | 10 |
| HUMN 3077 | Sustainable Futures | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Recommended Minor - Social Sciences International Placement
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 40 | |
Recommended Sequence Current
Full-time start-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1028 | Human Rights, Peace and Development | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| POLI 1007 | World Politics and International Relations | 10 |
| HUMN 1015 | Development and Sustainability | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| HUMN 2032 | Issues in World Development: Rich World, Poor World | 10 |
| HUMN 3116 | Emergency and Disaster Management | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| BUSM 3082 | Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies | 10 |
| HUMN 3119 | Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| HUMN 3068 | Public Health Response in Complex Emergencies | 10 |
| HUMN 3077 | Sustainable Futures | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H/Summer sessions or Spring session | ||
| Students may select a recommended minor or 4 electives | ||
| Spring session | ||
| Select four recommended electives from the list below | ||
| Recommended Minor – Social Sciences International Placement | ||
| 2H session | ||
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| Note: HUMN 3101 is 20 credit points | ||
| Summer session | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Full-time mid-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| POLI 1007 | World Politics and International Relations | 10 |
| HUMN 1015 | Development and Sustainability | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1028 | Human Rights, Peace and Development | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from a selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| BUSM 3082 | Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies | 10 |
| HUMN 3119 | Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from a selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| HUMN 2032 | Issues in World Development: Rich World, Poor World | 10 |
| HUMN 3116 | Emergency and Disaster Management | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from a selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| HUMN 3068 | Public Health Response in Complex Emergencies | 10 |
| HUMN 3077 | Sustainable Futures | 10 |
| Select one recommended elective from a selected minor or the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| Students may select a recommended minor or 4 electives | ||
| Recommended Minor – Social Sciences International Placement | ||
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| SUMMER SESSION | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
OR
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| Select four recommended electives from the list below | 40 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 40 | |
Recommended Elective Subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 1001 | Accounting Information for Managers | 10 |
| AGRI 2006 | Agriculture, Food and Health | 10 |
| HUMN 3009 | Alternatives to Violence | 10 |
| HUMN 1008 | Cities: Introduction to Urban Studies | 10 |
| HUMN 2014 | Civil Society in Contemporary China | 10 |
| HUMN 3023 | Climate Change and Culture | 10 |
| HUMN 2015 | Community and Social Action | 10 |
| WELF 2002 | Community Work & Development | 10 |
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| WELF 1002 | Context of Human Services | 10 |
| PUBH 2005 | Culture, Diversity and Health | 10 |
| TEAC 2018 | Education for Sustainability | 10 |
| ENVL 3003 | Environmental Risk Management | 10 |
| HLTH 3007 | Global Nutrition, Food and Community | 10 |
| HUMN 3043 | Globalisation and Sustainability | 10 |
| HUMN 3049 | Home and Away: Ethnicity and Migration in Australia | 10 |
| WELF 2008 | Human Rights, Human Services and the Law | 10 |
| WELF 1003 | Human Services Intervention Strategies | 10 |
| LAWS 3029 | Immigration Law | 10 |
| CULT 3016 | Indigenous Cultures: A Global Perspective | 10 |
| LAWS 3034 | International Criminal Law | 10 |
| HUMN 2073 | Issues in Contemporary Heritage | 10 |
| WELF 3007 | Leadership, Alliances, Sustainability (Block Mode) | 10 |
| BUSM 1044 | Leadership in Complexity | 10 |
| WELF 2011 | Management and Community Organisations (Block Mode) | 10 |
| BUSM 1023 | Managing People at Work | 10 |
| TOUR 2003 | Managing Sustainable Places | 10 |
| HUMN 2037 | Peace-Making and Peace-Building | 10 |
| ENVL 3005 | Planning the City: Development, Community and Systems | 10 |
| BIOS 1030 | Resource Sustainability | 10 |
| HUMN 2048 | Revaluing Indigenous Economics (Day Mode) | 10 |
| HUMN 2053 | The Economics of Cities and Regions | 10 |
| CULT 1022 | Working with Cultural Differences | 10 |
Major subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| HUMN 3116 | Emergency and Disaster Management | 10 |
| HUMN 1015 | Development and Sustainability | 10 |
| HUMN 3119 | Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics | 10 |
| POLI 1007 | World Politics and International Relations | 10 |
| HUMN 2032 | Issues in World Development: Rich World, Poor World | 10 |
| BUSM 3082 | Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies | 10 |
| HUMN 3068 | Public Health Response in Complex Emergencies | 10 |
| HUMN 3077 | Sustainable Futures | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Recommended Minor - Social Sciences International Placement subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 40 | |
Equivalent Subjects
The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2022 or earlier.
TOUR 2001 Issues in Contemporary Heritage, replaced by HUMN 2073 Issues in Contemporary Heritage
BUSM 2043 Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies, replaced by BUSM 3082 Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies
HUMN 2017 Complex Emergencies and International Guidelines, replaced by HUMN 3116 Emergency and Disaster Management
HUMN 2022 Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics, replaced byHUMN 3119 Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics
Other Recommended Minors
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.
Global Sustainability Minor
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor
Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary Challenge Minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.
Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change
Personal Innovation
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life
Climate Justice
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data
For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.
Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.
Program Structure 2022
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.
Bachelor of Social Science Core Subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 70 | |
Majors
Note: Students can complete both majors.
Recommended Sequence 2022
Full-time start-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Select one subject from the chosen major | 10 | |
| Select one recommended elective from the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 20 | |
Students in Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Major complete one major subject and one recommended elective from the list below |
||
Students in Human Rights, Protection & Development major complete two major subjects |
||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Select one subject from the chosen major | 10 | |
| Select two recommended electives from the list below | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 30 | |
Students in Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Major complete two major subjects and one recommended elective from the list below |
||
Students in Human Rights, Protection & Development major complete one major subject and two recommended electives from the list below |
||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one subject from the chosen major | 10 | |
| Select two recommended electives from the list below | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Summer A session | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Full-time mid-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 20 | |
Students in Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Major complete one major subject and one recommended elective from the list below |
||
Students in Human Rights, Protection & Development major complete two major subjects |
||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Select one subject from the chosen major | 10 | |
| Select one recommended elective from the list below | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 30 | |
Students in Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Major complete two major subjects and one recommended elective from the list below |
||
Students in Human Rights, Protection & Development major complete one major subject and two recommended electives from the list below |
||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Select one subject from the chosen major | 10 | |
| Select two recommended electives from the list below | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| 2H session | ||
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Summer A session | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one subject from the chosen major | 10 | |
| Select two recommended electives from the list below | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Recommended Elective Subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 1001 | Accounting Information for Managers | 10 |
| AGRI 2006 | Agriculture, Food and Health | 10 |
| HUMN 3009 | Alternatives to Violence | 10 |
| HUMN 2014 | Civil Society in Contemporary China | 10 |
| HUMN 3023 | Climate Change and Culture | 10 |
| HUMN 2015 | Community and Social Action | 10 |
| WELF 2002 | Community Work & Development | 10 |
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| WELF 1002 | Context of Human Services | 10 |
| PUBH 2005 | Culture, Diversity and Health | 10 |
| TEAC 2018 | Education for Sustainability | 10 |
| ENVL 3003 | Environmental Risk Management | 10 |
| HLTH 3007 | Global Nutrition, Food and Community | 10 |
| HUMN 3043 | Globalisation and Sustainability | 10 |
| HUMN 3049 | Home and Away: Ethnicity and Migration in Australia | 10 |
| WELF 2008 | Human Rights, Human Services and the Law | 10 |
| WELF 1003 | Human Services Intervention Strategies | 10 |
| LAWS 3029 | Immigration Law | 10 |
| CULT 3016 | Indigenous Cultures: A Global Perspective | 10 |
| LAWS 3034 | International Criminal Law | 10 |
| WELF 3007 | Leadership, Alliances, Sustainability (Block Mode) | 10 |
| BUSM 1044 | Leadership in Complexity | 10 |
| WELF 2011 | Management and Community Organisations (Block Mode) | 10 |
| BUSM 1023 | Managing People at Work | 10 |
| HUMN 2037 | Peace-Making and Peace-Building | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| ENVL 3005 | Planning the City: Development, Community and Systems | 10 |
| BIOS 1030 | Resource Sustainability | 10 |
| HUMN 2048 | Revaluing Indigenous Economics (Day Mode) | 10 |
| HUMN 3077 | Sustainable Futures | 10 |
| HUMN 2053 | The Economics of Cities and Regions | 10 |
| CULT 1022 | Working with Cultural Differences | 10 |
Equivalent Core Subjects
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.
Global Sustainability Minor
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor
Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary Challenge Minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.
Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change
Personal Innovation
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life
Climate Justice
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data
For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.
Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.