Development

Overview

Development is offered as a major field of study in the Master of Environment degree.

There is a complex relationship between development processes and the natural environment, in developing economies and in both urban and rural areas.

The Development stream analyses and provides skills necessary for the sustainable development of economies and environments. Understanding 'environment and development' draws upon the inter-faculty expertise at the University of Melbourne.

Students will study rural and urban landscapes and look at issues including international development policy, carbon sequestration in the tropics, the political ecology of development, food security, biodiversity conservation, urban growth and planning, and sustainable livelihoods.

This stream is a platform for business and government professionals and those working or wishing to work in the non-governmental sector. Students will acquire skills for implementing sustainable development strategies in developing countries and in the western world.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Structure

Subject Options

Core Subjects

Students must complete the following core subjects:

Compulsory Specialisation

Students must take three subjects from the compulsory specialisation subjects below:

Compulsory Capstone Experience

Students must complete at least 12.5 points from the following compulsory capstone subjects - please note that if you select either a 25 or 50 point research project that spreads across two semesters you must enrol into the Part 1 and Part 2 subjects over consecutive semesters. Students completing the 100 point pathway will normally be exempt from this requirement.

Elective Subjects

Students should make up the balance of the award with electives. Subjects in the list below are recommended. Other subjects may be taken with the approval of stream coordinator.

Last updated: 4 March 2025