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Victoria University of Wellington

Wellington , Wellington ,New Zealand

Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies

Increase your expertise and make a positive contribution to development practice around the world. Examine the theories and practices associated with inequalities in world development, and investigate the enormous differences between the living standards of people worldwide and what we can do about them.

Look at the relationships between people and institutions, developed and developing societies, and consider the effect these relationships have on the processes of social, political, economic and environmental transformation.

Postgraduate Development Studies is designed to suit people from a wide range of disciplines and occupations. If you have work experience in community and international development, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, or want to work in the area in the future, postgraduate Development Studies is a good choice for you.

You'll be encouraged to spend some time in a developing country as part of your postgraduate study—you can complete your Master's thesis based on your work in a developing country.

Past research has been done in countries such as Cambodia, Chile, the Cook Islands, Indonesia, Laos, Peru, the Philippines, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Current issues and possible research areas in Development Studies include:

environmental change
gender equity
globalisation
human rights
inequality
international aid
participation and democracy
poverty.
You'll be part of an active and dynamic culture of world-class research. Work with experienced staff who are internationally renowned in their fields. Choose an area of research that interests you.

If you're wanting to study without doing a thesis, you can enrol for the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies (PGDipDevStud).

It's a great option if you're already in the workforce and are looking to update or build your skills, or if you're a recent graduate wanting to expand on your undergraduate degree.

Programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies
Master of Development Studies

Campus Information

Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July
  • Nov

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Application Process

More Information Required
10 Days
Possible Interview Call From Institution
10 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
5 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Wellington Careers and Employment

Get connected with employers and the community and prepare for your future employment. Develop your skills and experiences through our programmes and launch your career with confidence.

CV checks
Get your CV checked at a drop-in session.

Talk to someone
Make an appointment for one-to-one guidance with a careers consultant.

Network with employers
Explore your career possibilities and network with potential employers at our expos and other upcoming events.

Employers
Engage with us to build your organisation’s profile on campus and connect with our talented students and graduates.

Graduate recruitment
We host a number of graduate recruitment events throughout the year, where you can meet potential employers and find out about jobs and internships.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

For entry into a programme at postgraduate level (including a graduate diploma, Honour’s degree, postgraduate diploma, or Master’s degree), as a minimum, you need the equivalent of a Bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree from a recognised institution with at least a B average.

A background in a particular subject area may be required or recommended. Entry is at the programme director’s discretion.

IELTS (Academic)

Overall band of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL (iBT)

A score of 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English (Academic)

A score of 58 with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50

C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE))

A score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169

C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE))

A score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169

New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL)

NZCEL Level 5 (Academic)

Victoria University of Wellington English Proficiency Programme (EPP)

A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4

English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment

English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)