Bachelor of International Development Studies
Course information for - 2024 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Duration
- 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 074604D
- IELTS
- 6.0 overall score (Individual score of 6.0 in writing and speaking, and 5.5 in listening and reading)
- Fees (first year)*
- $26848
- Start dates
- July 2024, February 2025, February 2026
Overview
Studying international development at ACU will give you the knowledge, critical perspectives, and skills needed for compassionate and ethical engagement with communities in the developing world.
With a strong focus on human rights and social justice, the course covers humanitarian work, working with refugees, working for peace, advocacy, environmental sustainability and global health, and managing international development projects.
You will also gain valuable first-hand knowledge of humanitarian and development programs in action through our bespoke, overseas experience in a developing country.
Professional experience
At least three weeks with a development or humanitarian program in a developing country.
Work placement
The Cultural Immersion Experience is an essential part of the Bachelor of International Development Studies where you will gain first-hand experience of everyday life in a developing country. This unique community-based learning opportunity will immerse you in a new culture through a homestay for three weeks in your third year.
Please note that there are additional costs and administrative fees associated with this experience.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- working with non-governmental organisations locally or abroad
- government service
- the United Nations
- international organisations such as The World Bank
- human rights and advocacy
- social entrepreneurship
- fair trade business sector
- eco and responsible tourism
- charity and humanitarian organisations
- private aid distribution
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of International Development Studies, a student must complete 240 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
Students who have met the requirements of the Diploma in Liberal Arts can exit with that award.
Entry requirements
View transparency admission information
International applicants
The equivalent of Australian Year 12 Certificate, plus an IELTS overall score of 6.0. Individual score of 6.0 in writing and speaking, and 5.5 in listening and reading.
English language requirements
Overall score of 6.0. Individual score of 6.0 in writing and speaking, and 5.5 in listening and reading
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for international applicants
If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed.
Find out more about English language programs
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3356
- Average first year fee: $26848
- Estimate total cost: $80544
The tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowInformation on the application procedure
International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
Staff Profile
Dr. Rachel Busbridge
Lecturer (Sociology)
Dr. Rachel Busbridge is a Lecturer in Sociology in the National School of Arts and Humanities, based in Melbourne. Before joining ACU, she held research positions at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, La Trobe University and Freie Universität Berlin as an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Research Fellow. A political sociologist, Rachel’s research interests cross nationalism, settler colonialism, political theory and urban studies. Her work has appeared in Political Geography, Political Studies, Theory, Culture and Society, British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Interventions: International Journal of Postcolonial Studies and Social Identities, amongst others. Rachel is a Commissioning Editor of Thesis Eleven: Critical Theory and Historical Sociology (Sage).