Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development

How have the actions of humans impacted the world? What can we do to at present to guarantee a sustainable future?

Climate change. Poverty. Population growth. Gender equality. These are the most concerning topics of the 21st Century. The actions of humans have posed some of the most compelling and fraught challenges. Understanding the legacy of these challenges and solving these problems requires both knowledge of ecological and physical processes, and insight into the cultural, demographic, economic, geographical and political aspects of development and human-environment connections.

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Critique contemporary theories in the field of development studies and the socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental forces that shape developing countries
2. Evaluate different types of qualitative and quantitative information relevant to the problems of development
3. Appraise analytical tools (e.g., Human Development Index) and conceptual frameworks (e.g., Muti-dimensional Poverty) used by development practitioners
4. Evaluate development problems within the broader political and institutional context of international development at local, national and international scales.

Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field of teaching and research that takes 'development' as its central concern. It intends to study the improvement in people’s lives through the lens of human development. The course is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers where knowledge is required on the theoretical and policy issues in development. 

Recommended study pattern

Topics offered under this course:

• Development Problems and Solutions
• Sustainable Development in a Global World: Challenges and Prospects
• Asian Regional Development
• Smart, Liveable and Resilient Cities
• Population Dynamics.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Exit points

Upon completion of 18 units a student may choose to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development, subject to meeting the program of study for that award.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $33,147

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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Applicants must normally hold a degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. 

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses.

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants:

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.