Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Global Development for your Master of Sustainable Development Goals at Massey
The Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Global Development) is a 180-credit taught degree focusing on the theory and practice of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The qualification addresses the most pressing imperative facing humanity and the planet: sustainability. This degree is unique in Australasia.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The SDGs are the UN’s ambitious macro-level plan for humankind’s development and sustainability. The goals address global challenges including those related to poverty and inequality, climate and environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.
Follow your interests
You’ll take two core courses in sustainable development. The first will introduce you to theories of sustainable development and the SDGs. The second will focus on multi-disciplinary frameworks. They will also focus on how to measure progress against the SDGs. As well as paradigms of indigenous knowledge and practice in the field of sustainability.
Then, you’ll take courses related to your endorsement in global development. The courses cover topics such as development management, gender and development, environmental sociology and natural resource planning.
Real-world experience
The final component of your degree is a student practicum during which you will work in a relevant organisation and gain experience in the implementation of the SDGs. If relevant and viable, you may be able to complete your practicum in your current place of work. Alternatively, you may choose another organisation or ask the Massey staff to help you find an appropriate agency for your practicum. International students can choose to stay and complete their practicum in New Zealand, or travel back to their home country and complete it there.
A Master of Sustainable Development Goals in Global Development is a good fit if you:
- want to address sustainability problems facing both people and the planet
- seek skills in global development in an organisation
- are interested in alternatives to the dominant Western paradigm.
Planning information
The Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Global Development) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
Part One is coursework and Part Two is a student practicum.
For progression from Part One to Part Two, you must achieve a Grade Average of at least a B over the 120 credits of the Part One courses.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
131703 Gender and Development is offered in alternate years.
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 Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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 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 Get advice 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.
Core courses for the Master of Sustainable Development Goals
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Sustainable Development Goals core courses
Global Development courses
Part One Subject courses
Course code: 131701 Rethinking Development credits 30
An interdisciplinary course that explores and critically reflects on the trajectories of development thought and the contemporary processes of international development. The main areas covered include: the origins and meaning of development; paradigmatic approaches to development; and contemporary approaches to development practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 131702 Development Management credits 30
An applied course dealing with the processes and methods for the planning, implementation and evaluation of development programmes and projects. The course focuses on the managerial aspects and on the analytical tools that link contemporary policy frameworks and operational practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 131703 Gender and Development credits 30
An examination of the interaction of gender difference, development planning and social change. Selected topics include empowerment and human rights, masculinities, the household, work, education, and health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 131706 Globalisation and Development credits 30
An examination of three critical themes in globalisation and development: conflict (and post-conflict), migration, and tourism.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132735 Natural Resource Policy and Planning credits 30
Natural resource planning principles and practice. Application of the concept of sustainable development to the management of biophysical resources and systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 176718 Environmental Sociology credits 30
An exploration of the interrelations between society and the environment, with an examination of major contemporary environmental issues from a sociological point of view. Among the major issues covered are consumerism, population growth, resource limits, development, political conflicts, environmental groups and environmental values.
View full course detailsCourse code: 200761 International Relations: Theory and Practice credits 30
An exploration of the theory and practice of international relations.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum credits 60
Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Global Development) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a grade average of at least B in the highest level courses.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
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.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees 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
The challenge of achieving the SDGs requires a new genre of professionals, who can confront dynamic and complex problems with innovation, creativity and inclusivity.
Increasingly, civil society, government and the private sector will require people willing and able to work in ways that are true to the collaborative and inclusive aspirations of the global SDGs. These emphasise the importance of understanding content and context, the ability to embrace a diverse range of knowledge frameworks (mainstream, alternative and Indigenous) and the skills of measuring and monitoring progress towards the SDGs.
There is strong demand in the global marketplace for workers with the skills to translate, implement, monitor and report on the SDGs. In addition, sustainability positions, such as Sustainability Directors, Managers and Advisors are being appointed at record rates.
The SDGs are already facing challenges. How are the goals’ macro-level aspirations, collected through multiple rounds of global consultation, translated into everyday community settings such as:
- international development
- environmental management
- sustainability in business
- education
- the workplace.
Employees with these skills are in demand in both public and private organisations.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Development Studies
Massey is ranked 30th in the world for development studies in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Related study options
Development Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Analyse and gain an understanding of the processes transforming people's lives throughout the world.
Development Studies – Diploma in Arts
Gain useful skills to help solve development problems, with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Development Studies).
Development Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Transform lives with development studies. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Development Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in development studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz