Development Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts

Analyse and gain an understanding of the processes transforming people's lives throughout the world.

Where you can study

Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Not open to international students

Specialise in Development Studies for your Graduate Certificate in Arts at Massey

The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Development Studies) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to gain knowledge of development studies. You can use it to study another subject area without completing a second bachelor’s degree.

Help transform lives

With development studies, you’ll analyse and gain an understanding of the processes transforming people's lives throughout the world.

Development studies seeks to understand differences. It examines key development issues and ideas. It also introduces skills to help solve development problems.

You’ll study a number of subjects so you can grasp the complexities involved in understanding the differences countries face in solving development problems.

Further study

Once you have completed your Graduate Certificate in Arts (Development Studies) you can go on to postgraduate study if you wish.

A Graduate Certificate in Arts in Development Studies is a good fit if you:

  • have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand your horizons
  • wish to develop your interest in development studies
  • are interested in pursuing postgraduate study.

Planning information

This qualification may be completed in one semester of full-time study (depending on sequencing of courses) or over a longer period of part-time study.

Not all courses will be offered in all modes or across all campuses in any given year.

100-level prerequisites

When you are granted entry to the qualification, you are not required to pass any 100-level prerequisite course/s for the specialisation. You may need to apply for 200-level courses using the Special Request function in Course Enrolment in your student portal if your previous study was not completed at Massey. If you plan to take any electives in subjects such as Languages, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics, you will need to meet the 100-level prerequisite requirements.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Compulsory courses

Course code: 131221 Global Development Issues 15 credits

This interdisciplinary course investigates contemporary global development. This course will explain different approaches to development and will explore a choice of topical themes that highlight problems and some of the strategies involved in addressing global concerns.

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Course code: 131321 Strategies for Sustainable Development 15 credits

A consideration of concepts, processes, practices, and possible strategies for sustainable development at global, national and community levels. Special attention is paid to examples of strategies that seek more sustainable livelihoods.

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Subject courses

Choose 15 credits from
Course code: 145311 Geographies of Globalisation 15 credits

The course explores processes of globalisation emphasising spaces and agents of global change, and global-local connections across a variety of topics.

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Course code: 176308 Sociology of the Environment 15 credits

An advanced examination of the interconnections between society and the environment with a particular emphasis on the roles of science and politics in the creation of environmental knowledge and practice.

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Course code: 178370 Development Economics 15 credits

An examination of major development problems and issues, both domestic and international, from a combined economic theory, empirical and policy-oriented perspective.

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Course code: 179320 Community Development 15 credits

An examination of the fundamental theories, principles and definitions of community development. Individual, group and community action is examined with emphasis on the relationship between individual and social change.

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Course code: 200301 Contemporary International Conflict 15 credits

An examination of contemporary international conflict drawing on case studies from around the world.

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Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Development Studies) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Can't meet the entry requirements?

If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

You’ll gain the skills and experience to begin your career in a wide range of government, non-government, multilateral and private sector spheres including organisations such as Red Cross, World Vision, the New Zealand Aid Programme, United Nations Development Programme and Caritas. Careers for development studies graduates include:

  • adviser in tourism, health, education or agriculture
  • advocacy officer
  • community affairs officer
  • development officer
  • diplomat
  • human rights adviser
  • policy analyst.

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