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Bachelor of Development Studies

The University of Newcastle

CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056

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About

Development, poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability are some of the most important issues in the world today. You will focus on key global issues in local, national or international contexts. You could find yourself employed by the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, helping developing countries address their internal constraints to trade. On a local level, you could work with Indigenous communities on Country to enhance environmental sustainability. No matter your focus, when you study a Bachelor of Development Studies you will go on to make a positive difference in the world.

Areas of study

Cultures and citizenship, environmental sustainability, globalisation and economic development, urban and regional development.

Students are also exposed to a wide range of areas including Aboriginal studies, economics, environmental studies, geography, politics and sociology.

Career opportunities

Aboriginal cultural educational officer, aid worker, community development worker, multicultural community liaison, youth worker, urban planner.

Practical experience

This degree places a strong focus on both field trips and work placement. Your fieldwork will give you the opportunity to develop research skills that values Indigenous knowledge of the local environment that can then inform the development of plans, strategies and policy in culturally appropriate ways.

Students can choose to develop their expertise with placement as part of their degree. Every major has a course available that includes an 140-hour placement with relevant industry partners. The opportunity for a global experience is also available with international work placement in countries such as Ecuador, Fiji, Samoa, the Philippines, Singapore, India, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Africa or Sweden.

Honours

Available as an additional year (or part-time equivalent)  to students based on merit.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.

Admission criteria

Applicants with recent secondary education

Recommended studies: Any 2 units of English.

We strongly encourage you to enrol in bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging provides free academic preparation and support short courses, available on campus or online, to complete before beginning your degree.

Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses

Applicants with higher education study

If you have completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted into a selection rank for admission into our undergraduate programs.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.

Completion of studies at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher Guarantees Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.

Applicants with work and life experience

If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University provides a range of pathways toward your preferred degree. Regardless of your age or experience, there is a place for you.

Explore University of Newcastle entry options.

Advanced standing

If you have completed prior studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your undergraduate degree. Please note that you must apply for admission before applying for credit.

Further information

View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.

ATAR profile

ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)

Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.

  1. This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
  2. The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
  3. The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.

Abbreviations

– = data is not available.
<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria

Student profile

Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.

Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.

Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply for an additional one-year end-on component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.