Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies (1895)

  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 1895
  • AQF Level: 9

CRICOS code: 109090K

This program applies to students who commenced in Spring 2022 or later.

The Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies (M.HADS) responds to the need for qualified workers in disaster relief and development, in government and non-government agencies involved in humanitarian operations and development practice; addressing challenges and opportunities associated with various forms of national and international migration; public health programming, preparedness and response; and building the resilience of vulnerable populations. The purpose of the program is for the practical application of specialised theoretical knowledge in humanitarian and development contexts. This is complemented by pathways to advanced research, and by career development support through extensive networks and partnerships, including with International non-government organisations. M.HADS graduates will develop specific skills that are situated in practice and geared towards further learning. They will be able to act with autonomy and accountability in complex areas of risk, equipped with the knowledge derived from substantial research in the coursework, and a placement experience with an industry partner.

The structure of the program is tailored towards individual needs and interests and is linked to the specific industry requirements of humanitarian and development practitioners.

Early Exit(s)

Students may exit this program on completion of 40 credit points with program 1897 Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian and Development Studies or on completion of 80 credit points with program 1896 Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian and Development Studies.

Study Mode

  • Two years full-time or four years part-time.
  • One and a half years full-time (three years part-time) or one year full-time (two years part-time) programs are also available, depending upon entry qualifications (see Pathways listed under Program Structure).

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 City Campus-Macquarie Street Full-time Internal Melissa Phillips
Parramatta City Campus-Macquarie Street Part-time Internal Melissa Phillips

Work Integrated Learning

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

There are different admission pathways based on recognition of prior learning and/or experience. 

On application, potential students will be assessed carefully as to the structure and duration of the course they should pursue. 

Course duration is typically one year for an 80 credit point pathway, one and a half years for a 120 credit point pathway, and two years for a 160 credit point pathway. An 80 credit point Masters option is available to applicants who meet eligibility requirements through cognate qualifications and relevant work experience.  

Applicants with a cognate (related discipline) degree  

Entry Pathway 1 (80 credit points)  

Applicants must have successfully completed any one of the following:  

  • Bachelor honours (AQF8) degree in a related discipline; or  
  • Bachelor degree in a related discipline, plus two years’ relevant work experience; or  
  • A Graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related discipline.   

Entry Pathway 2 (120 credit points)  

Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate or relevant discipline. 

Applicants with a non-cognate (unrelated discipline) degree  

Entry Pathway 3 (80 credit points)  

Applicants must have successfully completed any one of the following:  

  • Bachelor (Honours) degree in any discipline, AND two years’ full-time equivalent relevant professional experience, or  
  • Graduate Certificate or higher, in any discipline and two years full-time equivalent documented relevant professional experience, or  
  • Bachelor degree in any discipline, and five years’ full-time equivalent relevant professional experience  

Entry Pathway 4 (120 credit points)  

Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus two years full time equivalent professional experience in related roles, or five years full time equivalent general work experience.  

Entry Pathway 5 (160 credit points)  

Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline. 

Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application. 

Statement of Service form

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.

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.

Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies - 1 year pathway

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points which includes the subjects listed below.

Start Year Intake

Subject Title Credit Points
Year 1
Four subjects from the following eight subjects offered over the first year:40
1H Session
Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research
Autumn Session
Public Health in Complex Emergencies (Advanced)
Political Economy of Development
Emergency and Disaster Management
Spring Session
Development and Security
Global Health, Migration and Development
Humanitarian and Development Agendas and Progress
Management and Evaluation of Aid Programs
Year 2
1H Session
Select one of the following:40
Social Science Research Project
Social Science Training Placement
Total Credit Points80

Mid Year Intake 

Subject Title Credit Points
Year 1
Four subjects from the following eight subjects offered over the first year:40
Spring Session
Development and Security
Global Health, Migration and Development
Humanitarian and Development Agendas and Progress
Management and Evaluation of Aid Programs
1H Session
Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research
Autumn Session
Public Health in Complex Emergencies (Advanced)
Political Economy of Development
Emergency and Disaster Management
Year 2
1H Session
Select one of the following:40
Social Science Research Project
Social Science Training Placement
Students should note that both these subjects are only offered together in 1H each year.
Total Credit Points80

Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies - 1.5 year pathway

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 120 credit points which includes the subjects listed below.

Start Year Intake 

Subject Title Credit Points
Year 1
1H Session
HUMN 4001Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research10
Autumn Session
HUMN 7032Public Health in Complex Emergencies (Advanced)10
HUMN 7031Political Economy of Development10
HUMN 7019Emergency and Disaster Management10
Spring Session
POLI 7001Development and Security10
HUMN 7023Global Health, Migration and Development10
HUMN 7024Humanitarian and Development Agendas and Progress10
HUMN 7028Management and Evaluation of Aid Programs10
Year 2
1H Session
Select one of the following:40
Social Science Research Project
Social Science Training Placement
Total Credit Points120

Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies - 2 year pathway

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points which includes the subjects listed below.

Start Year Intake

Subject Title Credit Points
Year 1
1H Session
HUMN 4001Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research10
Autumn Session
HUMN 7032Public Health in Complex Emergencies (Advanced)10
HUMN 7031Political Economy of Development10
HUMN 7019Emergency and Disaster Management10
Spring Session
POLI 7001Development and Security10
HUMN 7023Global Health, Migration and Development10
HUMN 7024Humanitarian and Development Agendas and Progress10
HUMN 7028Management and Evaluation of Aid Programs10
Year 2
1H Session
Select one of the following:40
Social Science Research Project
Social Science Training Placement
Year 2
Spring Session
40 credit points from the following alternate subject pool, offered in quarters or semesters. Consult the handbook for when subjects are offered:40
Social Science Research Project
Economics
Business, Society and the Environment
Governance, Ethics and Social Entrepreneurship
Developing Sustainable Places
Total Credit Points160

Mid Year Intake 

Subject Title Credit Points
Year 1
Spring Session
POLI 7001Development and Security10
HUMN 7023Global Health, Migration and Development10
HUMN 7024Humanitarian and Development Agendas and Progress10
HUMN 7028Management and Evaluation of Aid Programs10
1H Session
HUMN 4001Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research10
Autumn Session
HUMN 7032Public Health in Complex Emergencies (Advanced)10
HUMN 7031Political Economy of Development10
HUMN 7019Emergency and Disaster Management10
Year 2
Spring Session
40 credit points from the following alternate subject pool, offered in quarters or semesters. Consult the handbook for when subjects are offered:40
Social Science Research Project
Economics
Business, Society and the Environment
Governance, Ethics and Social Entrepreneurship
Developing Sustainable Places
1H Session
Select one of the following:40
Social Science Research Project
Social Science Training Placement
Total Credit Points160