Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies (1866)

  • Approved Abbreviation: MHumanDevtSt
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 1866
  • AQF Level: 9

CRICOS Code: 096600D

NOTE: Program 1866 Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies is no longer available. From Spring session 2022, if you're interesting in completing the replacement program, please apply for 1895 Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies.​

This program applies to students who commenced in 2018 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 programme 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 complete 120 credit points to 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 M.HADS is tailored towards individual needs and interests, and is linked to the specific industry requirements of humanitarian and development practitioners.

The M. HADS has both entry and exit points for the Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian and Development Studies (Grad. Dip. HADS) and the Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian and Development Studies (Grad. Cert. HADS).

Early Exits

Students may exit this program on completion of 40 credit points with a 1868 Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian and Development Studies or on completion of 80 credit points with a 1867 Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian and Development Studies

Study Mode

One and a half years full-time or three 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 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

NOTE: Program 1866 Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies is no longer available. From Spring session 2022, if you're interesting in completing the replacement program, please apply for 1895 Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies.

The Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies, Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian and Development Studies and the Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian and Development Studies are specialist vocational degrees.

Entry requirements are

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Arts or Social Sciences, or
  • Any tertiary degree combined with a minimum of six months professional experience in a development or humanitarian assistance context.

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.

Program Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 120 credit points including the subjects listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence

Start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
1H sessionCredit Points
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
HUMN 7032 Public Health in Complex Emergencies (Advanced) 10
HUMN 7031 Political Economy of Development 10
HUMN 7019 Emergency and Disaster Management 10
 Credit Points30
Spring session
POLI 7001 Development and Security 10
HUMN 7023 Global Health, Migration and Development 10
HUMN 7024 Humanitarian and Development Agendas and Progress 10
HUMN 7028 Management and Evaluation of Aid Programs 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
1H session
Select one of the following: 40
Social Science Research Project  
Social Science Training Placement  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points120

Mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
POLI 7001 Development and Security 10
HUMN 7023 Global Health, Migration and Development 10
HUMN 7024 Humanitarian and Development Agendas and Progress 10
HUMN 7028 Management and Evaluation of Aid Programs 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
1H session
HUMN 4001 Researcher Development 1: Reading ,Writing, and the Business of Research 10
 Credit Points10
Autumn session
HUMN 7032 Public Health in Complex Emergencies (Advanced) 10
HUMN 7031 Political Economy of Development 10
HUMN 7036 Research in the Social Sciences 10
 Credit Points30
2H session
Select one of the following: 40
Social Science Research Project  
Social Science Training Placement  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points120

Equivalent core subjects

The core subjects listed below count towards completion of this course for students who passed these subjects in 2020 or earlier.

HUMN 7036 - Research in the Social Sciences
HUMN 7052 - Humanitarian and Development Research Project, Replaced by HUMN 7054 Social Science Research Project
HUMN 7053 - Humanitarian and Development Training Placement, Replaced by HUMN 7055 Social Science Training Placement