Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development
Deakin course code	A565
Faculty	Faculty of Arts and Education
Online	Yes
Duration	1 year part-time
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
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 Humanitarianism and Development. It’s made up of two core units and two elective units from the masters course, so you will be able to find out which topics you want to learn more about before articulating into the masters. Whichever units you choose, you will 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.

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 at Faculty Board November 2018

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Certificate of International and Community Development students must pass 4 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
2 credit points of core units
2 credit points of course electives

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Note:

This course is part-time only.

Course structure

Core units

ADS701

Introduction to International and Community Development

ADS715

Cross Cultural Communication and Practice

Course Electives

Select two (2) units from:

ADS711

Non-Government Organisations and other Development Actors

ADS720

Culture, Arts and Sports as Community Development

ADS722

Private Sector Development: Corporations, Social-Enterprise and Microfinance

ADS723

Monitoring and Evaluation

Work experience

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

Course duration

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

Further information

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

Contact Student Central

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.

Fees and charges

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

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.