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

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • International Development Studies Major - INDV - International Development Studies - 100-level UnitsDVST100Introduction to International Development Studies10 cp
  • Global Studies unitsGEOG111Exploring Human Environments10 cp
  • Core Curriculum unitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details10 cp
  • Bachelor of Arts Minor Arts Minor Unit 1ORBachelor of Arts and Diploma in Languages Elective units Arts or Languages Elective10 cp
  • International Development Studies Major - INDV - International Development Studies - 100-level UnitsDVST101Humanitarian Work and Aid10 cp
  • Global Studies unitsGEOG110 Exploring Natural Environments ORGlobal Studies unitsGEOG214 Sustainability: The Global Challenge ORGlobal Studies unitsGEOG216 Climate Change: Past, Present and Future 10 cp
  • Global Studies unitsSOCS210 The Social and Cultural Life of Fijian Young People ORGlobal Studies unitsSOCS243 Global Health

    SOCS210 not on offer every year

    10 cp
  • Bachelor of Arts Minor Arts Minor Unit 2ORBachelor of Arts and Diploma in Languages Elective units Arts or Languages Elective10 cp

Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

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.

Learn more about adjustment factors

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 

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program 

Find out more about Diploma pathways 

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. 

Explore your options

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.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200212323

Direct application

Apply now

Information 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).

 

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