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.
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
My study provided a great theoretical understanding of global development, international politics and community development programming. After this, I wanted to go and learn about community development practically, so moved to Cambodia to work for a grassroots NGO.
The Bachelor of Social Science program is incredibly freeing, as it covers so many topics, you have the pleasure of choosing which call your attention the most. To me, particularly, the subjects of development, international relationships, diplomacy, and politics are extremely fascinating.
The social science degree gave me exciting opportunities to put learning into practice through internships with Queensland Ambulance Service and Friends of the Earth, which have been invaluable in applying for jobs and future opportunities.
The flexibility of the program was incredibly convenient – I graduated out of Arts first and took a job in Japan as a coordinator for international relations with the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme, while still completing the final courses of the Social Science program.
I loved the flexibility of my program. My Bachelor of Arts allowed me to test the waters in different disciplines and realise my areas of interest. Meanwhile, my Bachelor of Social Science had the perfect balance between structure and flexibility...
My study provided a great theoretical understanding of global development, international politics and community development programming. After this, I wanted to go and learn about community development practically, so moved to Cambodia to work for a grassroots NGO.
The Bachelor of Social Science program is incredibly freeing, as it covers so many topics, you have the pleasure of choosing which call your attention the most. To me, particularly, the subjects of development, international relationships, diplomacy, and politics are extremely fascinating.
The social science degree gave me exciting opportunities to put learning into practice through internships with Queensland Ambulance Service and Friends of the Earth, which have been invaluable in applying for jobs and future opportunities.
The flexibility of the program was incredibly convenient – I graduated out of Arts first and took a job in Japan as a coordinator for international relations with the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme, while still completing the final courses of the Social Science program.
I loved the flexibility of my program. My Bachelor of Arts allowed me to test the waters in different disciplines and realise my areas of interest. Meanwhile, my Bachelor of Social Science had the perfect balance between structure and flexibility...
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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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