Master of Development Studies

The tuition fee is 70,062 NZD per year.

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. Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: Our graduates are researchers, activists, community and international development professionals, policy analysts, programme managers, and teachers. They work with international organisations like: 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. We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money manage