Graduate Certificate in Global Development

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Global Development will have: 

1. a body of knowledge about global socio-economic-environmental trends to evaluate transformational programmes in diverse cultural contexts 
2. knowledge of development theories and their relationship to complex and diverse policy contexts and global processes
3. knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals and critical perspectives on international development agendas.

The Graduate Certificate in Global Development gives you an introduction to policy, politics and power dynamics related to development and sustainability, climate change, global health and more. This certificate aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, created to address the world's most pressing challenges - including ending poverty and bringing economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and peace and good governance. If you are looking to develop your knowledge and skills base, and to enhance your ability to make positive contributions toward addressing significant global issues, then the Graduate Certificate of Global Development is the right program for you. 

Note: Progression through this program suite is dependent upon satisfying admission requirements.

The Graduate Certificate in Global Development is offered part time at the Nathan campus and online. You may choose to study courses at other campuses or online if or where the program structure allows.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• International Relations: Ideas and Issues 
• Environment and Development
• Social Determinants of Health 
• International Migration, Race Relations and Public Policy

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Global Development (GCertGlobalDev), you must successfully complete 40 credit points, made up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $15,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

Explore Griffith courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR 
• A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at Uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.