Bachelor of Development Studies
The University of Newcastle
CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
Development, poverty, inequality, political instability 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, geopolitics and economic development, urban and regional development.
Students are also exposed to a wide range of areas including Aboriginal studies, economics, environmental studies, geography, international relations, plus sociology.
Career opportunities
Not everyone uses their degree in the same way and the transferable skills gained through university study allow graduates to pursue a range of careers that might not be directly linked to their study. Students may work in federal, state & local government, NGOs, consultancy or private business.
Aboriginal cultural educational officer, aid worker, community development worker, multicultural community liaison, youth worker, urban planner.
Practical experience
Every student will complete a 140-hour placement with relevant industry partners in government, not-for-profit organisations, or private businesses.
Students may also undertake international placement, available as an option in every Development Studies major.
Fieldwork, including on Country with Traditional Custodians, provides the chance to develop intercultural competency.
Honours
Available as an additional year (or part-time equivalent) to students based on merit.
Fees and charges
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.
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.
University of Newcastle degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
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 2025 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- 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.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- 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.