Master of Development Studies

Extend your knowledge and skills in international and community-led development with this one-year taught Master’s programme.

Gain critical understanding of processes of social, political, economic, and environmental transformation. Develop your capacity to contribute to change. The Master of Development Studies equips you with skills in critical analysis, collaborative research, and community engagement.

You’ll examine the relationships between institutions, people and places engaged in development. Explore how to draw on these to help build more just and regenerative futures.

You’ll investigate the complex dynamics of development and social change at different scales. You’ll also develop skills needed to work with organisations and communities to address inequalities, build resilience, and facilitate inclusive and regenerative development.

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Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

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Master of Development Studies

The Master of Development Studies is a 12-month taught programme. You can apply if you have a B average in a relevant undergraduate degree.

What you'll learn

In the Master of Development Studies, you’ll learn about community engagement and social action. You'll build an understanding of different approaches to development research. You’ll also develop skills in project planning, and learn to apply your expertise with sensitivity across different cultures.

You’ll take three core courses, looking at:

• theories of development and transformation
• research and collaboration
• community engagement and social action.

You’ll choose from courses in Geography and other approved subjects across the University. You can tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations. After you enrol, you’ll need to plan your course of study with the programme director.

Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies

If you’d prefer a shorter course of study, you can choose the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies (PGDipDevStud). You can complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies in eight months when studying full time. It particularly suits those already in the workforce who are looking to update or build new skills.

What you’ll learn

You’ll complete two core courses, where you’ll explore development theory and research approaches. For the remainder of the programme, you’ll select relevant courses from Development Studies and Geography as well as other fields to best align with your interests.

After you enrol in the programme, you’ll need to plan your course of study with the programme coordinator.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Duration

The Master of Development Studies can be completed in three trimesters of full-time study or in six trimesters if you are studying part time.

The Postgraduate Diploma will take you two trimesters of full-time study or four trimesters if you study part time.

Community and collaboration

Development Studies at Victoria University of Wellington is a vibrant field, rooted in community. You’ll work alongside other postgraduate students in areas like Environmental Studies and Geography. Through field trips and guest speakers, you’ll build connections with specialists working in agencies like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) as well as NGOs and community groups.

Depending on your focus, you may have the opportunity to conduct research in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas, applying your knowledge to contemporary global challenges.

Workload

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours of work.

Duration and workload

The Master of Development Studies can be completed in three trimesters of full-time study. The Postgraduate Diploma will take you two trimesters of full-time study.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours of work.

Future careers

Work in international or local development—either here in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas. You’ll graduate with skills you can use in any career, including:

• facilitating community and stakeholder engagement
• conducting ethical, effective research
• working inclusively, ethically, and sustainably with diverse groups
• analysing practices in relation to relevant theories of change.

Our graduates are researchers, activists, community and international development professionals, policy analysts, programme managers, and teachers. They work with international organisations like:

• non-governmental organisations like Volunteer Services Abroad and Red Cross
• central government ministries
• the diplomatic corps
• city and regional councils
• various development banks, like the Asian Development Bank.

More career information

Find out more about careers in development, including roles and career pathways, and how to build relevant skills and make career connections while you’re studying. Careers and employment—Development Studies.

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

• Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships.

Manaaki New Zealand scholarships

If you are an international student, you may be eligible for MFAT’s Manaaki New Zealand scholarships.

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, University staff, and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can also give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.