Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster |
| Deakin course code | A565 |
| Course credit points | 4 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2027 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Campus note | This course requires students to undertake studies throughout the Trimester 3 academic period (core unit ADS715) |
| Duration | 1 year part-time |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon 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
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Are you passionate about building a sustainable future and making a difference? Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster can help turn your passion into a career.
Build foundational knowledge of international and community development and explore initiatives that promote justice, reduce poverty and support sustainable living for communities. You will be guided by academic staff with extensive field experience. Course content is finely tuned to the state of local and global events that impact development practice. Delivered through Deakin’s premium online learning platform, the course offers flexibility to fit around your life. The practical skills you gain prepare you for roles in organisations responding to challenges in social justice, empowerment, poverty and community development.
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 Humanitarian, Development and Disaster Studies.
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
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Research, critically analyse, report and act on global and local issues and opportunities in historical and contemporary development discourse |
| Comprehend, interpret and evaluate competing options for solving complex or “wicked” problems with creativity, innovation and respect. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, respect and accountability and a continued commitment reflective practice and ongoing learning in diverse international and community development contexts. |
| 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. |
| 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
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Humanitarian, Development and Disaster Studies you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) to be completed in the first trimester of study
- 2 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Units
| ADS701 | Introduction to Humanitarianism, Development and Disasters |
| ADS715 | Cross Cultural Communication and Practice |
Electives
Select two (2) units from:
| ADS720 | Culture, Arts and Sports as Community Development |
| ADS705 | Participatory and Community Development Practice |
| ADH717 | Climate Change and Sustainability |
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.
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
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.