Bachelor Honours Degree Sociology Full Time

Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours)

at Australian National University · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

081558B

CRICOS provider code

00120C

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$56,120 total

Per year

A$56,120/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours) at Australian National University offers advanced, research-focused study for high-achieving students who have completed an undergraduate degree in development studies or a related social science area. This one-year honours programme is designed to extend your critical understanding of social, economic, and environmental challenges facing communities in Australia and globally, using perspectives from sociology and allied disciplines.

Throughout the year, students undertake a blend of advanced coursework and a substantial independent research thesis addressing a contemporary issue in development studies. Programmes are structured into dedicated units of study, with each unit assigned credit points required for completion. The honours thesis forms the capstone of the year, allowing students to engage deeply with research methodology and develop specialised expertise with guidance from academic supervisors.

You'll refine skills in critical analysis, research design, data collection and interpretation, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The course also develops an understanding of development policy and practice in both Australian and international contexts, with Canberra’s proximity to numerous government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions enhancing both study and networking opportunities.

This programme is suited to those who wish to pursue a career in policy-making, international development, non-governmental organisations, research, or wish to continue to postgraduate study. Students are advised to confirm detailed course structure and requirements on the official ANU website.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Policy analyst for Australian government or international agencies
Research officer in universities, NGOs, or think tanks
Program manager in community development organisations
Development consultant for multilateral institutions
Social researcher in public or private sectors

Graduates are sought after by employers in the public sector, non-profits, and research institutions across Australia. Eligible international graduates may qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Enrolled students are permitted to work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods (confirm exact work rights on official sources).

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours) at Australian National University?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$56,120 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Policy analyst for Australian government or international agenciesResearch officer in universities, NGOs, or think tanksProgram manager in community development organisationsDevelopment consultant for multilateral institutionsSocial researcher in public or private sectorsGraduate...

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