Stand out
Study This Unique Qualification in Australasia and Take Action Against Climate Change.
Go with experience
Experience meets Innovation. Since 1989 Massey offers postgraduate qualifications in development studies in New Zealand.
The heart of the matter
Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey. Explore what it means to be human, why we act like we do and the ways we create meaning.
Make a contribution
Make sense of the world from different perspectives through Massey. Contribute to education, defence, sustainability and more.
Overview
Understand how global economic, social, political and environmental forces affect people and shape different parts of the world. Work with people from different backgrounds to help improve their lives.
Learn from leading lecturers and researchers with expertise such as:
- links between developing natural resources, like oil or water, and conflict
- measuring complex development problems
- making business investment more inclusive, sustainable and responsible.
Our staff have direct experience of development policy and practice all round the world, including the Pacific, Asia and Africa. Examples include health and international development, and post-pandemic tourism in the South Pacific.
Development studies is a good fit if you:
- enjoy geography, sociology or social studies
- are interested in other cultures and views of the world
- like thinking analytically, solving practical problems or taking a strategic view.
Development studies courses may cover:
- globalisation and development
- gender and development
- global environmental issues
- development and inequality
- endangered cultures
- contemporary international conflict.
Hunger and poverty
Examine how global forces such as war, business models or climate change can cause hunger and poverty, especially in developing countries.
Learn about contemporary international development theories, policies and approaches. Understand how governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the UN, Oxfam and the Red Cross:
- manage disaster situations such as famine and refugees
- approach complex long-term situations leading to hunger and poverty.
Social injustice
Social injustice is when some people do not have equal access to wealth and opportunities in society, including food, shelter, education or healthcare. As a result, they do not have what they define as hopeful and fulfilling lives.
How to study development studies
Discover what we offer if you’re interested in development studies – whether you’re coming to university for the first time, changing direction or returning to advance your study or career.
Undergraduate study
Graduate certificates
Development Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Analyse and gain an understanding of the processes transforming people's lives throughout the world.
Undergraduate diplomas
Development Studies – Diploma in Arts
Gain useful skills to help solve development problems, with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Development Studies).
Graduate diplomas
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.
Postgraduate study
Master's degrees
Master of International Development – MIntDev
Help solve the world’s development problems. Our postgraduate students come from a wide range of academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds, and our programme is enriched by this diversity.
Master of Sustainable Development Goals – MSDG
Massey’s Master of Sustainable Development Goals will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Business and Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
This qualification will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to business and sustainability.
Disaster Management – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
Massey’s Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Disaster Management) will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to disaster management.
Environmental Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
This qualification will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability.
Global Development – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
Massey’s Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Global Development) will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to global development.
Postgraduate certificates
Postgraduate Certificate in International Development – PGCertIntDev
Massey's Postgraduate Certificate in International Development will broaden your knowledge of the world’s key development issues to shape a positive future for those in need.
Postgraduate diplomas
Postgraduate Diploma in International Development – PGDipIntDev
Gain advanced knowledge and skills to help overcome poverty and enhance human wellbeing.
PhD and other doctoral degrees
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD
A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field.
What our students say
“I have had life-changing learnings and experiences in my Master of International Development.”
“That’s the key message in development studies – rejecting this idea that west is best”
“Academic staff are internationally renowned for their great expertise in various leading-edge research fields.”
Jobs in development studies
Many careers need skills gained through development studies, such as creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and communications.
Careers in international development means providing people with the tools they need to enhance their quality of life. Our graduates often work for organisations such as:
- Caritas
- New Zealand Aid Programme
- Red Cross
- World Vision
- UN programmes.
Other graduates work in New Zealand industries such as agriculture, community affairs, education, healthcare and tourism.
Careers related to development studies include:
- aid workers, who carry out humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and peace-keeping for international aid and humanitarian organisations
- advocacy officers or community affairs officers, who represent communities to government and organisations
- development officers, who develop policy and projects, often working within communities
- foreign policy officers or diplomats, who represent a government to other governments or international organisations
- human rights advisers.
Annual salary ranges for jobs
- Foreign policy officer – $68,000 to $140,000
- Community development worker – $60,000 to $80,000
- Policy analyst – $71,000 to $170,000
Salary ranges disclaimer
Indicative pay rates are:
- in New Zealand dollars
- based on careers.govt.nz data.
Which development qualification?
Examples of where our qualifications may take you.
| Jobs | Examples of what you could study |
|---|---|
| Development officer |
Master of International Development Master of Sustainable Development Goals |
| Humanitarian officer | Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Disaster Management) |
| Foreign policy officer or diplomat | Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Global Development) |
Accreditations
QS Ranking - Development Studies
Massey is ranked 30th in the world for development studies in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Get an information guide
Download our guide to find out more about development studies at Massey.
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