Degree details

In a world where change is the only constant, the Master of Global Development will give you a deep understanding of policy, politics, people and power in the modern world. If you are looking to develop your thought leadership skills and identify new, creative solutions that will improve the world around you, then the Master of Global Development is the right fit for you.

This degree was developed to align with the UN's 17 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 to all countries and all people by 2030. During your study, you will examine the dynamics of global issues including:

  • Development Economics
  • Human Rights and Development
  • Climate Change and Disaster Management
  • Health and Development
  • Law Politics and Planning

As part of your degree, you will work with experts from across the university including our research centres, and will be connected with the international development community. This means you can feel confident you will graduate with the critical perspective, strategic knowledge and contacts necessary to work towards agile solutions to these big issues - and make a difference.

Graduates from this degree may seek roles within Non-Government Organisation and Aid Organisations, International Development, Government Policy, Consultancy and Research. Potential organisations include Oxfam, Amnesty International, United Nations, World Bank, AusAid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Global Development, a student must:

  • hold any Bachelor degree (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (using a 7.0 scale) OR
  • hold a related Bachelor degree or Graduate Certificate (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary institution of equivalent standing) - students will be eligible for 40 credit points of advanced standing, OR
  • hold a related Bachelor Honours or Graduate Diploma (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary institution of equivalent standing) - students will be eligible for 80 credit points of advanced standing, OR
  • have a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to one of the above.

English Proficiency Requirements

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 grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
  • OR a minimum grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
  • 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.

Students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. For more information, please visit the following website:

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Global Development (MGlobalDev), a student must successfully complete 160 credit points including:

  • 70 credit points for core courses;
  • 50 credit points of listed electives and 40 credit points of free-choice electives OR
  • 50 credit points of listed electives and 40 credit points for dissertation courses.

To be eligible for the award of Master of Global Development (MGlobalDev), a student admitted with 40 credit points of advanced standing must successfully complete 120 credit points including:

  • 40 credit points for core courses;
  • 40 credit points of listed electives and 40 credit points of free-choice electives OR
  • 40 credit points of listed electives and 40 credit points for dissertation courses.

To be eligible for the award of Master of Global Development (MGlobalDev), a student admitted with 80 credit points of advanced standing must successfully complete 80 credit points including:

  • 40 credit points for core courses;
  • 40 credit points for listed electives OR 40 credit points for dissertation courses.

This degree/s may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words 'This award was achieved with Distinction' will be recorded on the testamur and will appear below the conferral date of the award.