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 planner
- Project coordinator
- Community support worker
- Policy adviser
- Community development manager
- Global health and development adviser
- Social justice advocate
- Development program coordinator
- Community development worker
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.
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Science in Development
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.
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages & Cultures/Bachelor of Social Science in Development
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.
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Development
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...
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Studies in Religion/Bachelor of Social Science in Development
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.
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Science in Development
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.
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages & Cultures/Bachelor of Social Science in Development
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.
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Development
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...
Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Studies in Religion/Bachelor of Social Science in Development
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Meet the expert: Changing lives as a nurse practitioner with Aaron Grogan
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Meet the expert: Changing lives as a nurse practitioner with Aaron Grogan
How you'll learn
In 2023, we'll be teaching on campus, with online options (for most programs and plans) for students who can't attend in person. See the list of programs and plans you can't commence online.
Course delivery modes may change in future semesters.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Research experience
- 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
Keep up to date
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