Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
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Duration1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 5 years maximum.1.5 years full-time.
Mode of deliveryFace to Face, Online
Start datesSemester 1 (26 Feb 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024),
Semester 1 (26 Feb 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024),
Semester 1 (26 Feb 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024),
Semester 1 (26 Feb 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024),
FeesFind information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 35,500 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 35,500 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 35,500 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program Code40015
Study Social Change and Development
This program prepares students for a broad range of careers both locally and internationally that contribute to social change. You will learn how to successfully undertake projects in close collaboration with community members, and graduate equipped with the skills to influence positive outcomes. With our hands-on learning opportunities, you don’t have to wait until you finish the program to make an impact.
Graduates can work in key areas including Indigenous affairs, organisational leadership and capacity building, roles within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms, trade and development, and sustainable agriculture and food security for rural development - in Australia as well as developing countries.
Why study with us?
- Study anywhere, anytime - our advanced online learning system provides you with the flexibility and support to study anytime, anywhere to balance work, life and study. You can achieve your Master of Social Change and Development at a time that suits you.
- Fast-track your career - this degree will increase your professional capacity making you highly employable within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms.
- Work anywhere in the world - our Master of Social Change and Development is recognised nationally and internationally, allowing you to capitalize on your social change and development knowledge globally within the professional environment.
- Graduate at the forefront of the profession - this program equips graduates with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge to meet the challenges of development work in a rapidly changing global environment.
- Research Project - Opportunity to create your own research work as part of the program, and shape your career around an area of interest.
The Master of Social Change and Development is accredited by CIFAL.
World top 250
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for Social Sciences
No. 1
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in NSW for full-time employment, learner engagement and learning resources (Postgraduate Humanities and Social Sciences)
Top 200
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in the world for Sociology
Study a combined degree!
Combine a Master of Social Change and Development with a Master of Public Health
What you will study
The University of Newcastle’s Master in Social Change and Development is designed to enhance students existing knowledge and open up further career opportunities in the global environment. The program will build on your prior learnings as you study a range of progressive subjects. All students must complete 60 units of core courses and 20 units of directed courses from Group A, with the option to complete an additional 40 units of directed courses from Group A and Group B - refer to ‘Course Information’ for further details.
Core courses to support your drive and direction include:
- Project Design and Evaluation
- Development and Social Change
- Social Science Research Methods
- Social Change and Development Research Project
In addition to the core courses, directed courses include, but are not limited to:
- Policy and Social Considerations in Disaster Management
- Issues in Developing Economies
- Comparative Education: Debates and Dilemmas
- Managing Human Resources in International Organisations
Upon completion of the above courses you will have enhanced your existing knowledge of social change and development, and will have the relevant theoretical and practical knowledge to take on high-level roles in government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms.
Career
Career opportunities
There is a continuously growing need for qualified professionals to undertake roles in the community development and policy analysis of funded development projects and aid organisations. At the completion of your Masters in Social Change and Development you will have the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge to take on these roles within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms.
This program will open up new opportunities and see you possess the potential to embark on some of the following career pathways:
- policy analyst
- community and social developer
- advocacy and public policy coordinators
- overseas aid officer
- ministry of finance in a developing country
- stakeholder engagement and evaluation
You will graduate with the ability to apply your social change and development expertise in real-world settings and position yourself at the forefront of the industry.
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Application info
Applying for Master of Social Change and Development
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Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..
Apply to study in Australia
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
Apply to study online
This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open.
Before you get started
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
- Review the program fees and costs.
- Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
- If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Other things to consider
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
The Master of Social Change and Development is an 80 or 120 unit postgraduate qualification.
For admission into the 80-unit program, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
- Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; or
- Bachelor Honours Degree; or
- Bachelor Degree in a related field plus one year’s relevant work experience; or
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma plus five years' relevant work experience.
For admission into the 120-unit program, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:
- Bachelor Degree in a related field; or
- At least seven years’ relevant work experience.
Relevant work experience includes administration, research, development planner, local officer, educator, or manager.
Work experience can be identified through: certified copies of all relevant qualifications, a detailed CV, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.
Related fields include sociology, geography, anthropology and development studies, agriculture, environmental studies, education, municipal community or social work/welfare, Indigenous Studies and economics.
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.