Master of Sustainable Development

A postgraduate degree at Flinders in Sustainable Development will equip you with the knowledge, skills and tools to help create a sustainable future, with real impact by answering real questions, from real topics that need answers.

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Appraise contemporary theories in the field of development studies and the socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental forces that shape developing countries.
2. Evaluate different types of information including big data sets relevant to the problems of development.
3. Determine appropriate analytical tools (e.g., Human Development Index) and conceptual frameworks (e.g., Muti-dimensional Poverty) used by development practitioners.
4. Assess development problems within the broader political and institutional context of international development at local, national and international scales.
5. Defend research principles and methods and complete a research project.

Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field of teaching and research that takes 'development' as its central concern. It intends to study the improvement in people’s lives through the lens of human development which Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen has eloquently stated as the goal of providing people the freedom to make their lives better. Heeding Sen’s call and those of the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals, this course will develop the knowledge and skills in analysing the causes, effects and solutions to some of the major development issues in the world, whilst laying the foundation of an exciting career both locally and internationally.

Recommended study pattern

First year topics:

• Development Problems and Solutions
• Sustainable Development in a Global World: Challenges and Prospects
• Asian Regional Development
• Smart, Liveable and Resilient Cities
• Population Dynamics.

Second year topics:

• Gender Analysis
• Critical Perspectives on Global Health and Development
• Social Statistics
• A Research Thesis
• A Research Project.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Sustainable Development, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Exit points

Upon completion of 36 units or 18 units a student may choose to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development or the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development, subject to meeting the program of study for that award.

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

Indicative total fee $70,604

The amounts shown here are 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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. 

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses.

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants:

• First language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language) completed secondary schooling in Australia
• Completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• Completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution
• Completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• Achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• Completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.