Charles Darwin University
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Become a skilled humanitarian and development aid professional equipped to help those affected by disasters, conflicts, and social injustice. This interdisciplinary degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through intensives and community placements in Australia and overseas.
Applicants must meet one of the following: successful completion of Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training with ATAR of at least 60, a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher, at least 0.5 year of full-time higher education study, or equivalent overseas qualifications. English language proficiency is required; domestic students can demonstrate this through previous study in English or successful completion of Australian Year 12. International students must achieve IELTS 6.0 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent. For placements, a National Police Clearance and Working with Children Card are required.
The course comprises 240 credit points of core and elective units. Core units (150 credit points) cover Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development, Indigenous Australia, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Human Services, Humanitarian Needs Assessment, Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice, Cultural Capabilities, Global Sociology, Project Management, Community-Based Risk Management, Hazard Analysis and Disaster Governance, Working with and Developing Communities, Social Research Methods, Skills for Regional and Remote Practice, and Intercultural Practice. Specialist electives (70-90 credit points) allow focus on Human Services (with CWA accreditation), Indigenous Engagement, Skills for Humanitarian Practice, or Development in Practice. Students may also select up to 20 credit points of general electives from CDU undergraduate units.
Charles Darwin University is a five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024). CDU offers unique advantages for humanitarian studies through its location in Australia's Northern Territory with strong connections to Asia-Pacific communities. The university provides hands-on learning from academics and experienced industry professionals, flexible study options (online, on-campus, part-time, full-time), and international placement opportunities with industry partners across the Asia-Pacific region.
Graduates exit the program with a foundation in community work, human service delivery, and international humanitarian practice. Career opportunities include working for non-government organisations (NGOs) and government agencies in community development and international humanitarian assistance. The degree provides an excellent basis to pursue higher degrees in emergency and disaster management, humanitarian and development aid, and international relations. With unprecedented numbers of displaced people globally seeking relief, skilled humanitarian workers are in growing demand.
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