Master of Humanitarianism and Development

Course overview

Study the Master of Humanitarianism and Development to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the planet. Extend your theoretical knowledge and enhance your specialist and practical skills in international development, crisis and disaster response, humanitarian responses, and community development.

You’ll gain insights into the histories, causes, interconnections, and multiple impacts of the many crises facing the world. You’ll also learn about community-led approaches to these issues that are occurring locally and across the globe. By identifying the challenges and successes of these strategies you’ll understand how communities create new and far-reaching methods and processes for addressing social, political and environmental problems.

Deakin has an exceptional reputation with over 40 years of teaching and research in international and community development, and more than a decade in humanitarian assistance. We were the first graduate program in humanitarian assistance in Australia.

The Master of Humanitarianism and Development is designed with industry consultation and taught by pioneering academics.

An opportunity to specialise in one of the following streams is available:

Disasters and Community Resilience, Community Development, International Development, Humanitarianism, Professional Practice.

Do you want to contribute to a better future for the many, not the few?

This course builds on the practical connections between immediate disaster and humanitarian relief and the longer-term issues associated with international and community development. You’ll examine critical issues from climate change to poverty, hunger, homelessness, racism, culture, and forced migration and learn how to build practical and just solutions.

You'll explore transformational change, examine the power relations between the global north and global south, and consider the overarching climate crisis, alongside geopolitical tensions. Above all, you’ll look at historic and contemporary community-led approaches to social justice, development, and humanitarianism, studying their successes, limitations, and new possibilities.

The Master of Humanitarianism and Development attracts students committed to social justice and equity, and those who wish to create enabling environments for addressing multiple modern-day crises.

You’ll choose from a variety of elective units. This allows you to focus on your career goals and development. Some of your elective unit options include:

• Food and Water Security
• Refugees and Forced Migration
• Culture Arts and Community
• Humanitarian Knowledge and Principles
• Monitoring and Evaluation

Graduates of the Master of Humanitarianism and Development will acquire a diverse skill set, including:

• project management
• data analysis and research methodologies for evidence-based decision making
• critical thinking and problem solving
• advocacy and policy analysis for influencing positive change
• cross- cultural communication skills.

You’ll have the opportunity to study and network online, on campus, or mixed mode, full-time or part-time. Take advantage of industry experiences and international experiences available. Our in-person intensives provide wonderful further opportunities to meet your peers, industry experts and academic staff.