Key facts
Duration
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, the Master of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster Studies is typically 2, 1 or 1.5 - years duration.
- 1 year full-time (2 years part-time) - 8 credit points
- 1.5 years full-time (3 years part-time) - 12 credit points
- 2 years full-time (4 years part-time) - 16 credit points
Locations
OnlineThis course requires students to undertake studies throughout the Trimester 3 academic period (core unit ADS715)
Course overview
Study the Master of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster Studies to build a deeper understanding of the crises shaping our world and the community-led responses working to address them. You will explore international development, humanitarian action, disaster and crisis response, and community development. You will also examine the histories, causes and impacts of challenges such as climate change, poverty, forced migration and inequality.
Through critical analysis of real social, political and environmental issues, you will analyse how communities create practical and just solutions. With more than 40 years of teaching and research in international and community development, and as home to Australia’s first graduate program in humanitarian assistance, Deakin provides an industry-informed foundation for practice. You can specialise and complete a research or professional experience pathway.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster Studies
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A756
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster Studies you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL):
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit point of core units (depending upon entry point)
- 12 credit points (depending upon entry point) from:
- one pathway option
- Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
- Research Paper - non PhD Pathway
- Professional Experience - non PhD Pathway
- at least one stream
- one pathway option
- at least one stream comprising 3 credit points
- any remaining credit points can be chosen from a stream and/or course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Unit
* This unit requires Trimester 3 study
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Plus 2 credit points of research units:
Plus 9 credit points of course electives for the minor thesis pathway.
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway ^
Plus 11 credit points of course of course electives for the Research Paper pathway.
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway ^
Plus 10 credit points of course electives for the Professional Experience pathway.
^ The Research Paper and Professional Experience options are not PhD Pathways.
Students may select units within or across the streams as detailed below. To complete a stream students must complete 3 out of 4 elective units within a stream. Students may complete more than one stream.
Stream 1: Disasters and Community Resilience *
Complete at least 3 credit points not previously studied from:
Stream 2: Community Development*
Complete at least 3 credit points not previously studied from:
Stream 3: International Development*
Complete at least 3 credit points not previously studied from:
Stream 4: Humanitarianism
Complete at least 3 credit points not previously studied from:
* Trimester 3 unit. If selected this stream will require Trimester 3 study
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:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
The time and cost of your course could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree. See entry requirements below for more information.
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) – 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline.
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criterion:
-
completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to: Development, Studies, Humanitarian Logistics, Social Work, International Studies, Community Development, International Relations, Humanitarian Law, International Law, Emergency Management, International Politics, Development Policy, Anthropology, Sociology, Indigenous Studies, Cultural Heritage, Arts Management, Sports Management - others may be referred to the Faculty for consideration.
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.
^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster Studies) may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate Postgraduate level studies.
*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
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.
You can 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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$39,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points 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.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
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
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Research information
Students will complete a research pathway in 1 of the 3 following options:
- Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway ; or
- Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^ ; or
- Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Disaster Resilience and Humanitarian Action (A567)
- Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster (A565)
- Graduate Diploma of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster (A656)
Career outcomes
Some of the areas you might obtain work as a graduate of this course include:
- Government
- Not-for-profit
- Policy and advocacy roles
- Program and partnership roles
- National and Local non-government organisations
- Community development agencies
- Emergency management
- Private sector
- Social enterprise
- Consultant
- UN and associated agencies, including UNICEF, UNDP, UNOCHA, World Food program, and many other agencies
- Military and civil/military partnerships
- Universities
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Engage in disciplinary research to critically analyse the major theoretical, conceptual and policy issues in development, humanitarian action, and disaster response / management, both locally and internationally, with a focus on engagement with communities and community-led responses to the world’s crises, including climate change, food insecurity, conflict and disasters, inequality and injustice, racism and exclusion. |
| Use oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills to disseminate the findings of research into complex multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral issues for improving social, environmental, and economic outcomes including global justice, peace, sovereignty, community resilience, and transformations of power to a wide range of specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Research, analyse, report, and communicate complex data and information on contemporary issues in international and community development, global justice, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action, utilising a range of digital sources for effective research and professional development, across interpersonal, organisational, and professional contexts. |
| Conduct in-depth scholarly and practice-based research to investigate, synthesise, critically analyse, report, and propose actions on local and global issues such as global justice, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action and opportunities, in the context of historical and contemporary development and humanitarian discourse. |
| Apply advanced skills in research, comprehension, interpretation and evaluation of theory, critique and proposed innovative responses to complex situations or “wicked” problems encountered in a range of community, development, humanitarian, and disaster contexts, with creativity, innovation, and respect. |
| Plan, organise and manage competing demands on time, to work mindfully in a personal and professional capacity, whilst committing to ongoing learning, and performing as an independent and reflective practitioner capable of operating effectively in the context of developing community-led solutions to the world’s crises. |
| Work collaboratively as an active, engaged, and reflective team member seeking solutions to the world’s problems by contributing to mutual goals, research, tasks and leadership across practice, cultures, and disciplines, demonstrating active and constructive participation and contributions to resolving impasses and conflict. |
| Question, engage, provoke, and innovate on a broad and interrelated range of social justice, environmental, development and humanitarian issues taking into consideration cross-cultural, indigenous, local and global knowledges, contexts, and perspectives that can inform the development of creative solutions for the world’s crises. |
Approved at Faculty Board 2023
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
