40+ years of program expertise at Deakin
Taught by experts with field experience
Flexible online and part-time study
Why choose Deakin
Are you passionate about building a sustainable future and making a difference? Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster can help turn your passion into a career.
Build foundational knowledge of international and community development and explore initiatives that promote justice, reduce poverty and support sustainable living for communities. You will be guided by academic staff with extensive field experience. Course content is finely tuned to the state of local and global events that impact development practice. Delivered through Deakin’s premium online learning platform, the course offers flexibility to fit around your life. The practical skills you gain prepare you for roles in organisations responding to challenges in social justice, empowerment, poverty and community development.
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Learn from practitioners
Your teaching is shaped by academics with extensive field experience across humanitarian and development organisations.
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Built on deep expertise
Your study is in a discipline backed by more than 40 years of Deakin expertise in international and community development.
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Connected to the sector
Strong links with local and international non-government organisations, United Nations agencies and government bodies keep learning grounded in practice.
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Flexible study
This graduate certificate is part-time, and available to study online so you can balance study with your other commitments.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build practical skills for careers addressing social justice, poverty and community development. You may contribute to programs, partnerships and community engagement across government, NGOs and international agencies.
Community development officer
Work with communities to identify priorities, coordinate projects and services, build partnerships and strengthen local capacity. You may support initiatives that improve social and community outcomes.
- $93k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 8,525
Jobs advertised
Development adviser
Research development issues, contribute to policy and planning, and provide advice that supports projects and organisational priorities. You may apply these skills across government, community or development settings.
- $98k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 12.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Workplace settings
- International and domestic NGOs
- Government agencies
- Local community organisations
- UN and international agencies
- Bilateral and multilateral agencies
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster?
Build a concise but practical foundation in international and community development. Complete core study and a small amount of elective choice, with learning delivered online.
Build your development practice
Start with development foundations
Examine how local and global development challenges connect and begin to understand issues such as inequality, poverty and environmental vulnerability.
Strengthen cross-cultural capability
Develop the communication and reflective practice needed to work respectfully across communities, cultures and sectors in complex development settings.
Shape your direction with electives
Choose two electives to deepen an area of interest, with opportunities for work-integrated learning.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
This course is part-time only.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Investigate, comprehend and apply specialised and critical understanding of the theory and practice of international and community development and the contribution of diverse disciplinary worldviews. |
| Apply advanced oral, written and interpersonal communication to plan, inform, and debate, complex multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral issues for improved social, environmental and economic outcomes to a range of audiences. |
| Use advanced knowledge of digital information sources and applications to source, apply, analyse and report on complex data and information for effective research and professional development, across interpersonal, organisational and professional cultures. |
| Research, critically analyse, report and act on global and local issues and opportunities in historical and contemporary development discourse |
| Comprehend, interpret and evaluate competing options for solving complex or “wicked” problems with creativity, innovation and respect. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, respect and accountability and a continued commitment reflective practice and ongoing learning in diverse international and community development contexts. |
| Contribute to effective collaboration, participation and achievement of mutually agreed upon team outcomes through active, engaged, respectful and self-reflective participation in research and practice, across practice, cultures and disciplines. |
| Question, engage and examine a range of social justice, environmental, and development issues taking into consideration indigenous, local and global contexts. |
Approved at Faculty Board November 2018
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A565
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$14,100
- Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Applications for credit transfer will be considered depending on the quality and subject matter of the student’s prior qualifications and professional experience.