Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
This course is only offered Online
This course requires students to undertake studies throughout the Trimester 3 academic period (core unit ADS715)
Course overview
Explore development programs that make a real difference to millions of people worldwide with the Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. This course offers an introduction to global and local development challenges and opportunities, and provides a guaranteed pathway to our masters degree.
Want to turn your strengths into a rewarding career that helps build a sustainable and equitable future for all?
Are you passionate about building a sustainable future? The Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development gives you the tools to turn that passion into a career. The course gives you a deep understanding of the challenges facing humanity and the planet. It builds your foundational knowledge of international and community development and introduces you to initiatives that promote justice, reduce poverty and build sustainable living environments for the people who need it most. You’ll be guided by academic staff with extensive professional experience within the sector and course content is finely tuned to the state of local and global events that impact development – just two of the reasons why our graduates are better prepared for their current and future roles.
This course can be used as a stepping stone into the Master of Humanitarianism and Development. It’s made up of two core units and two elective units from the masters course, so you will be able to find out which topics you want to learn more about before articulating into the masters. Whichever units you choose, you will be developing a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that allow you to respond to challenges like poverty, disempowerment, inequality and environmental vulnerability.
Currently working within the sector or busy with other commitments? This course is delivered on our premium online learning platform, so you can study when and where it suits you and achieve your career goals on your schedule.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development
- Year
2026 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
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 2 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course is part-time only.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Development and Humanitarian Sector (NGOs, community based organisations, charities, multilateral development or humanitarian agencies, UN programmes or agencies), Local, State, Federal Government, Human Rights Commission, Embassy, Ombudsman, Development Policy, Community Development, Community Engagement, Health care overseas or remote Australia, Human Rights advocating for asylum seekers, a communications/media person work in the not for profit sector, humanitarian field (teaching, training, organisation and community capacity building, disaster risk reduction assessment, communications, project management, community development, social work, cultural heritage, arts management, sports management.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Applications for credit transfer will be considered depending on the quality and subject matter of the student’s prior qualifications and professional experience.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$13,600 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Career outcomes
The practical skills you gain throughout the course will prepare you for roles in all organisations that respond to challenges relating to social justice, empowerment, poverty and community development. These include:
- international and domestic non-government organisations
- government agencies
- local community organisations, councils and other civil society actors
- Commonwealth departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
- international aid and development agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other UN agencies
- bilateral and multilateral agencies.
There is also the potential to work in related areas, such as:
- social enterprise and other private sector business
- teaching
- travel
- consulting
- journalism
- government and non-government agencies concerned with the flow of trade, services, capital and personnel.
For those looking to continue their studies, this course is a guaranteed pathway into the Master of Humanitarianism and Development.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | Research, critically analyse, report and act on global and local issues and opportunities in historical and contemporary development discourse |
| Problem solving | Comprehend, interpret and evaluate competing options for solving complex or “wicked” problems with creativity, innovation and respect. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, respect and accountability and a continued commitment reflective practice and ongoing learning in diverse international and community development contexts. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | 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
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
