Note: This course is under review for 2004 and may be replaced.  Please contact the School of International, Cultural and Community Studies.

A Master of Social Science (Development Studies) degree by study and research project is an award granted on successful completion of an approved program which normally requires two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent beyond a bachelor degree.  The Master of Social Science (Development Studies) involves study of core and elective units and the completion of a research dissertation project.  The program is divided into two stages with an option to exit after completion of Stage One with a Post Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Development Studies).

Study

The first part of the program comprises eight course units.  After completion of these eight units, the student prepares a research proposal and conducts an independent research study equivalent to four units culminating in the writing of a research project.

Research Project

The research project is the final outcome of independent research conducted during one semester of study.  The student has an opportunity to choose and devise a topic of their own interest concerning an issue of social development, and develop their own line of inquiry through the collection, review, analysis and critique of a substantial body of literature including both primary and secondary sources.  The research project makes an ordered, critical and reasoned exposition of knowledge gained through the student’s research efforts concerning a social development issue or “problem”.  The research project, of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 words, is submitted for examination, in the final semester of Stage Two.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor degree in a relevant discipline with significant studies in the social sciences from a recognised university; English language competency.

COURSE LOCATION AND MODE OF STUDY

The course is available by full-time or part-time external study.