What is the UQ Master of Development Practice?
The Master of Development Practice program at the University of Queensland focuses on issues associated with the planning and management of development and is aimed at those who wish to obtain a better knowledge of the dilemmas of social, political and economic development and of the means to develop solutions to these problems.
The program aims to equip students with hands-on skills associated with the planning and management of development. It incorporates elements that contribute to both knowledge development (the theoretical, conceptual and comparative context) and skills development (techniques and practical applications).
Studies in the Master of Development Practice may be undertaken in the following specialisations.
Community Development – This field is focused on developing fundamental skills and methodologies that a professional worker requires to work face to face with communities. These direct practice skills and methodologies include key dimensions of practice such as micro-dialogue and communication skills, processes that sustain community livelihood, narrative community-based training processes and the development of an individualised professional practice framework that articulates the unique set of skills and attributes that a practitioner brings to his or her work.
Development Planning – This field is oriented towards planning practitioners in developing countries who wish to upgrade their qualifications to include the most recent advancements in the concepts, philosophies, theories and techniques in urban, regional and environmental planning. The program includes a research component which provides students with an opportunity to apply this knowledge to real-life planning issues and problems in their own countries.
Planning for Social Development – This field of study provides students with the skills and knowledge required for a career in social planning and development. The courses in this concentration area are guided by the logic and coherence of a project cycle within which students learn how to plan, design and appraise projects; conduct needs assessments; develop project proposals; assess social impacts; and engage in public consultations.
Politics of Global Development – This field is concerned with the relationship between governance and development. The increasing emphasis on democracy and ‘good governance’ in international development practice make this relationship central to the development agenda.
UQ Master of Development Practice
Program: Master of Development Practice Location: Brisbane, Queensland Semester intake: February and July Duration: 2 years Application deadline: November 15, 2015 for the February 2016 intake
Entry requirements
Approved degree in the same discipline with a GPA of 5; or
GCDevPract or GCCommDev or GDipDevPract with a GPA of 5; or
Approved degree in any discipline with a GPA of 5 with 2 years’ relevant professional experience. This experience may be in a paid or substantial volunteer capacity and will be evidenced through the submission of a portfolio that demonstrates the applicant has made a contribution to the organisation or relevant community of interest.
