Master of Development Studies (097AB) // Course structure

Course structure

The Master of Development Studies has three entry point programs: 200-point (two years full-time/up to four years part-time), 150-point (one and a half years full-time/up to three years part-time) and 100-point (one year full-time/up to two years part-time) programs.

Please refer to each Development Studies entry point program and Gender and Development entry point program page for the specific rules, capstone stream options/requirements and subjects.

All students are required to complete one Capstone Subject Option (at least 25 points). Capstone subject options must be completed in the final hundred points of the program. This requirement cannot be waived or replaced in any circumstances.

All program requirements must be completed to be eligible to graduate from the program.

200pt Program - Development Studies

Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time.

• Six compulsory subjects (75 points)
• Capstone subjects (25 points to 62.5 points)
• Elective subjects (62.5 points to 100 points, depending on the capstone option selected)

150pt Program - Development Studies

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time.

• Four compulsory subjects (50 points)
• Capstone subjects (25 points to 62.5 points)
• Elective subjects (37.5 to 75 points, depending on the capstone option selected)

100pt Program - Development Studies

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time

• Two compulsory subjects (25 points)
• Capstone subjects (25 points to 62.5 points)
• Elective subjects (12.5 points to 50 points, depending on the capstone option selected)

Gender and Development specialisation

200 Point Program- Gender and Development specialisation

Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time.

• Six compulsory subjects (75 points)
• Capstone subjects (25 points to 62.5 points)
• Elective subjects (62.5 points to 100 points, depending on the capstone option selected)

150 Point Program - Gender and Development specialisation

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time.

• Five compulsory subjects (62.5 points)
• Capstone subjects (25 points to 62.5 points)
• Elective subjects (25 points to 62.5 points, depending on the capstone option selected)

100 Point Program - Gender and Development specialisation

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time.

• Three compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
• Capstone subjects (25 points to 62.5 points)
• Elective subjects (0 points to 37.5 points, depending on the capstone option selected)

External Subject Rule

Students may undertake an external subject (not listed within the program structure) with the permission of the program and subject coordinator. All external subject requests must be for the elective subject requirement, not as a compulsory, core or capstone subject. The maximum external subjects allowed are as follows:

• 200 point program (2 years): maximum 25 credit points
• 150 point program (1.5 years): maximum 12.5 credit points
• 100* point program (1 year): 12.5 credit points

Please note that advanced standing contributes to a student’s remaining points undertaken at University of Melbourne, and may affect how many credit points the student can undertake outside the enrolled program.

For policies that govern this degree, see the Courses, Subjects, Awards and Programs Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Library; students also should also refer to information in the Enrolment and Timetabling Policy, respectively via the following links:

Courses, Subjects, Awards and Programs Policy

University Melbourne Policy Library

Enrolment and Timetabling Policy

Last updated: 11 March 2026