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This major provides a social science perspective on international and community development problems.

Understand international, community and sustainable development issues from a social science perspective. This major focuses on strategies to alleviate poverty, racial and gendered inequality and to develop just societies, communities and environments. Students learn to problematise the notion of development, who benefits and the consequences – for peoples and the planet.

Graduate career destinations in government, private consultancy and non-government organisations (NGOs) are common. Roles typically analyse the social impacts of development, evaluate international aid and community development projects, contribute to the rebuilding of communities in post-conflict or crisis situations, as well as involving refugee support.

Highlights

1 in Queensland for development studies

QS World University Rankings 2024

6 in Australia for social sciences and humanities

CWTS Leiden Ranking 2023

Watch Development Major,  Bachelor of Social Science on YouTube.

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Aid project officer
  • Social sustainability manager
  • Social planner
  • Community support worker
  • Community development manager
  • Global health and development adviser
  • Community development worker
  • Development program coordinator
  • Academic researcher
  • Social justice advocate

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Overseas study
  • Fieldwork

What you'll study

At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:

  • Introduction to International Inequality & Development
  • Community Development: Local and International Practices
  • Development Practice and Social Impact
  • Indigenous Politics and Policy

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