Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development

2023 Deakin University Handbook

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Year

2023 course information

Award granted Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. 

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. 

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2023. 

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

OnlineYes
Duration

1 year part-time

Deakin course codeA565
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Explore development programs that make a real difference to millions of people worldwide with the Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development. This course offers an introduction to global and local development challenges and opportunities, and provides a guaranteed pathway to our masters degree.

Unique challenges and opportunities face us all. Do you want to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for all? Why not turn one of your strengths into a successful and rewarding career?

If considering pathways to a more sustainable future is a job you’d love waking up to, the Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development gives you the tools to do more of what you’re passionate about each and every day. The course gives you a deep understanding of the challenges facing humanity and the planet. It builds your foundational knowledge of international and community development and introduces you to initiatives that promote justice, reduce poverty and build sustainable living environments for the people who need it most. You’ll be guided by academic staff with extensive professional experience within the sector and course content is finely tuned to the state of local and global events that impact development – just two of the reasons why our graduates are better prepared for their current and future roles.

This course can be used as a stepping stone into the Master of International and Community Development. It’s made up of two core units and two elective units from the masters course, so you’ll be able to find out which topics you want to learn more about before articulating into the masters. Whichever units you choose, you’ll be developing a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that allow you to respond to challenges like poverty, disempowerment, inequality and environmental vulnerability.

Currently working within the sector or busy with other commitments? This course is delivered on our premium online learning platform, so you can study when and where it suits you and achieve your career goals on your schedule.

Career opportunities

The practical skills you gain throughout the course will prepare you for roles in all organisations that respond to challenges relating to social justice, empowerment, poverty and community development. These include:

  • international and domestic non-government organisations
  • government agencies
  • local community organisations, councils and other civil society actors
  • Commonwealth departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
  • international aid and development agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other UN agencies
  • bilateral and multilateral agencies.

There is also the potential to work in related areas, such as:

  • social enterprise and other private sector business
  • teaching
  • travel
  • consulting
  • journalism
  • government and non-government agencies concerned with the flow of trade, services, capital and personnel.

For those looking to continue their studies, this course is a guaranteed pathway into the Master of International and Community Development.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

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.

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.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Investigate, comprehend and apply specialised and critical understanding of the theory and practice of international and community development and the contribution of diverse disciplinary worldviews. 

Communication

Apply advanced oral, written and interpersonal communication to plan, inform, and debate, complex multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral issues for improved social, environmental and economic outcomes to a range of audiences. 

Digital literacy

Use advanced knowledge of digital information sources and applications to source, apply, analyse and report on complex data and information for effective research and professional development, across interpersonal, organisational and professional cultures.

Critical thinking

Research, critically analyse, report and act on global and local issues and opportunities in historical and contemporary development discourse 

Problem solving

Comprehend, interpret and evaluate competing options for solving complex or “wicked” problems with creativity, innovation and respect.

Self-management

Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, respect and accountability and a continued commitment reflective practice and ongoing learning in diverse international and community development contexts.

Teamwork

Contribute to effective collaboration, participation and achievement of mutually agreed upon team outcomes through active, engaged, respectful and self-reflective participation in research and practice, across practice, cultures and disciplines. 

Global citizenship

Question, engage and examine a range of social justice, environmental, and development issues taking into consideration indigenous, local and global contexts.

Approved by Faculty Board November 2018

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development, a student must successfully complete 4 credit points of study as listed below and AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Course structure

Core units

ADS701Introduction to International and Community Development

ADS715Cross Cultural Communication and Practice

Course Electives

Select two (2) units from:

ADS711Non-Government Organisations and other Development Actors

ADS720Arts and Sports-based Approaches to Community Development

ADS722Private Sector Development: Corporations, Social-Enterprise and Microfinance

ADS723The Development Project Cycle

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.


Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Other learning experiences

There are options for WIL and study tours across many of the SHSS courses.

Research and research-related study

Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.