Bachelor of International Development Studies

This degree combines units that offer local and historical knowledge of specific geographic areas of the developing world, with units that explore transnational dimensions of development. This combination of subject matter enables students to gain knowledge of the planning, implementation and consequences of political and economic change, particularly the uneven effects of development policies on communities. Students will also gain knowledge of the macro and micro sociological forces, including social movements that have impacted historically on political, economic, cultural and ecological conditions,  resulting in extreme poverty, poor health, fragile governance, inequality and environmental vulnerability. The degree grounds students in qualitative and quantitative research methods, providing them with the skills and knowledge to be able to determine appropriate strength-based capacity building approaches and to identify economic inclusion strategies that promote economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

The Bachelor of International Development Studies degree is located within the discipline area of ‘development studies’, which is an interdisciplinary branch of social science. The discipline area of development studies draws from a range of disciplines, particularly: anthropology, sociology, political science, human geography, environmental science, history, and economics.

The main objective of the degree is to provide students with the knowledge, critical perspectives understanding and skills needed for competent, compassionate, ethical, and professional engagement with communities in the developing world.  ACU BIDS graduates have a strong commitment to the common good and respect for the dignity of the human person.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements ensure the academic integrity of a course is maintained and preserves the university's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge, and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit.

• compliance with the policies, procedures and regulations which are applicable to all students at ACU.
• the mandatory requirements associated with the course of study, eg attendance, completion of assignments.