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

Dr Melissa Phillips

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).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

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.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

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.

International Office

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 3001Applied Social Research10
CULT 2005Ethics in the Social Sciences10
HUMN 1028Human Rights, Peace and Development10
HUMN 1060Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies10
HUMN 2066Investigating and Communicating Social Problems10
HUMN 1041People, Place and Social Difference10
BEHV 1021The Individual in Society10
CULT 1017Understanding Society10
Total Credit Points80

Major subjects 

Subject Title Credit Points
HUMN 3116Emergency and Disaster Management10
HUMN 1015Development and Sustainability10
HUMN 3119Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics10
POLI 1007World Politics and International Relations10
HUMN 2032Issues in World Development: Rich World, Poor World10
BUSM 3082Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies10
HUMN 3068Public Health Response in Complex Emergencies10
HUMN 3077Sustainable Futures10
Total Credit Points80

Recommended Minor - Social Sciences International Placement 

Subject Title Credit Points
HUMN 3100Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement10
HUMN 3101Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement20
HUMN 3102Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections10
Total Credit Points40

Recommended Sequence Current

Full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit 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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Full-time mid-year intake 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit 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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

OR

Plan of Study Grid
Year 3
Autumn sessionCredit Points
Select four recommended electives from the list below 40
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points40

Recommended Elective Subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
ACCT 1001Accounting Information for Managers10
AGRI 2006Agriculture, Food and Health10
HUMN 3009Alternatives to Violence10
HUMN 1008Cities: Introduction to Urban Studies10
HUMN 2014Civil Society in Contemporary China10
HUMN 3023Climate Change and Culture10
HUMN 2015Community and Social Action10
WELF 2002Community Work & Development10
CULT 3007Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice10
WELF 1002Context of Human Services10
PUBH 2005Culture, Diversity and Health10
TEAC 2018Education for Sustainability10
ENVL 3003Environmental Risk Management10
HLTH 3007Global Nutrition, Food and Community10
HUMN 3043Globalisation and Sustainability10
HUMN 3049Home and Away: Ethnicity and Migration in Australia10
WELF 2008Human Rights, Human Services and the Law10
WELF 1003Human Services Intervention Strategies10
LAWS 3029Immigration Law10
CULT 3016Indigenous Cultures: A Global Perspective10
LAWS 3034International Criminal Law10
HUMN 2073Issues in Contemporary Heritage10
WELF 3007Leadership, Alliances, Sustainability (Block Mode)10
BUSM 1044Leadership in Complexity10
WELF 2011Management and Community Organisations (Block Mode)10
BUSM 1023Managing People at Work10
TOUR 2003Managing Sustainable Places10
HUMN 2037Peace-Making and Peace-Building10
ENVL 3005Planning the City: Development, Community and Systems10
BIOS 1030Resource Sustainability10
HUMN 2048Revaluing Indigenous Economics (Day Mode)10
HUMN 2053The Economics of Cities and Regions10
CULT 1022Working with Cultural Differences10

Major subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
HUMN 3116Emergency and Disaster Management10
HUMN 1015Development and Sustainability10
HUMN 3119Emergency Field Operations: Supply Management and Logistics10
POLI 1007World Politics and International Relations10
HUMN 2032Issues in World Development: Rich World, Poor World10
BUSM 3082Project Management in Humanitarian and Development Studies10
HUMN 3068Public Health Response in Complex Emergencies10
HUMN 3077Sustainable Futures10
Total Credit Points80

Recommended Minor - Social Sciences International Placement subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
HUMN 3100Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement10
HUMN 3101Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement20
HUMN 3102Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections10
Total Credit Points40

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.  

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.

WesternNow

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 3001Applied Social Research10
CULT 2005Ethics in the Social Sciences10
HUMN 1041People, Place and Social Difference10
HUMN 2066Investigating and Communicating Social Problems10
BEHV 1021The Individual in Society10
CULT 1017Understanding Society10
HUMN 1060Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies10
Total Credit Points70

Majors

Note: Students can complete both majors.

Recommended Sequence 2022

Full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit 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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
2H session
HUMN 3100 Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement 10
HUMN 3101 Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement 20
 Credit Points30
Summer A session
HUMN 3102 Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections 10
 Credit Points10
 Total Credit Points240

Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit 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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points40
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 Points30
Summer A session
HUMN 3102 Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections 10
 Credit Points10
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 Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Recommended Elective Subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
ACCT 1001Accounting Information for Managers10
AGRI 2006Agriculture, Food and Health10
HUMN 3009Alternatives to Violence10
HUMN 2014Civil Society in Contemporary China10
HUMN 3023Climate Change and Culture10
HUMN 2015Community and Social Action10
WELF 2002Community Work & Development10
CULT 3007Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice10
WELF 1002Context of Human Services10
PUBH 2005Culture, Diversity and Health10
TEAC 2018Education for Sustainability10
ENVL 3003Environmental Risk Management10
HLTH 3007Global Nutrition, Food and Community10
HUMN 3043Globalisation and Sustainability10
HUMN 3049Home and Away: Ethnicity and Migration in Australia10
WELF 2008Human Rights, Human Services and the Law10
WELF 1003Human Services Intervention Strategies10
LAWS 3029Immigration Law10
CULT 3016Indigenous Cultures: A Global Perspective10
LAWS 3034International Criminal Law10
WELF 3007Leadership, Alliances, Sustainability (Block Mode)10
BUSM 1044Leadership in Complexity10
WELF 2011Management and Community Organisations (Block Mode)10
BUSM 1023Managing People at Work10
HUMN 2037Peace-Making and Peace-Building10
HUMN 1041People, Place and Social Difference10
ENVL 3005Planning the City: Development, Community and Systems10
BIOS 1030Resource Sustainability10
HUMN 2048Revaluing Indigenous Economics (Day Mode)10
HUMN 3077Sustainable Futures10
HUMN 2053The Economics of Cities and Regions10
CULT 1022Working with Cultural Differences10

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.  

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.

WesternNow