Master of Arts - Development Studies

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 21.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Auckland offers various scholarships specifically designed to support and encourage international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students from around the world and provide financial assistance to help them achieve their educational goals at the university.

Merit-Based Scholarships: The University of Auckland offers merit-based scholarships recognizing academic excellence. These scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements in their previous studies, supporting them throughout their undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

Need-Based Grants: For students facing financial challenges, the university provides need-based grants to assist with tuition fees or living expenses. These grants aim to ensure that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue their education without financial constraints.

Research Scholarships: The university also offers research scholarships for international students interested in pursuing research-based programs. These scholarships support students engaged in innovative research projects and contribute to the university's academic research endeavors.

Country-Specific Awards: Additionally, the University of Auckland provides scholarships specifically designated for students from certain countries. These awards aim to promote cultural diversity and international collaboration by attracting students from diverse geographical backgrounds.

Graduating from the Master of Arts program in Development Studies at the University of Auckland equips individuals with a broad understanding of global development issues, policies, and practices. Graduates can pursue diverse and impactful career paths in various sectors contributing to global development, policy-making, humanitarian aid, and social change.

International Development Officer: Graduates can work in international development agencies, NGOs, or multilateral organizations, implementing and managing development projects, focusing on poverty alleviation, education, health, or sustainable development.

Policy Analyst/Consultant: Opportunities exist as policy analysts or consultants, working with governmental bodies, think tanks, or research institutions, providing expertise on development policies, conducting evaluations, and proposing policy recommendations.

Project Manager: Individuals can work as project managers, overseeing development initiatives, managing budgets, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring project implementation in the field.

Humanitarian Aid Worker: There are prospects in humanitarian aid organizations, working in disaster relief, refugee assistance, or emergency response programs in regions affected by crises or conflicts.

Community Development Specialist: Graduates can work as community development specialists, collaborating with local communities, facilitating capacity-building initiatives, and implementing grassroots development projects.

Social Researcher/Analyst: Opportunities exist as social researchers or analysts, conducting research on social issues, evaluating development programs, and contributing to evidence-based policies.

Environmental Sustainability Officer: Individuals can work in environmental organizations or sustainability-focused roles, addressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and integrating environmental considerations into development projects.

Public Health Specialist: There are prospects in public health sectors, working on health-related development programs, disease prevention, or healthcare policy-making in developing countries.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer: Graduates can work in CSR roles within corporations, overseeing socially responsible initiatives, sustainability programs, or philanthropic activities contributing to global development goals.

Educator/Trainer: Individuals can work as educators or trainers in educational institutions, NGOs, or development agencies, providing training and educational programs on development-related issues.