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The only degree of its kind in Australia, the Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies responds to the need for qualified workers in disaster relief and development, in government and non-government agencies involved in humanitarian operations and development practice.
This program has 1.0 year, 1.5 year and 2.0 year options. Find out more here.
Available campuses
Manage humanitarian efforts
Humanitarian disasters will continue to occur around the world, and there is a continuous need for skilled humanitarian workers. Change makers like you are required to deliver specialist humanitarian aid relief to people dealing with disasters. That’s the focus of our Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies.
This degree encompasses both the aid and health sectors with a focus on rehabilitation and development. Through a mix of practical and theoretical learning you’ll gain an understanding of the complexity of development and see how humanitarian assistance works hand-in-hand with international development aid efforts.
With the Master degree you’ll also gain a truly global point of view with international placement with one of our education partners. Mixing online and on campus learning, the Humanitarian and Development programs are available at a Master, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate level.
Tailored towards individual needs and interests, this degree is linked to the specific industry requirements of humanitarian and development practitioners.
Learn from the best
Western Sydney University has been ranked in the Top 200 Universities for Sociology, in this year's QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Admissions
Great! You’re eligible to apply for the 2 year Master of Humanitarian and Develpoment Studies program.
Students may exit this program on completion of 40 credit points with a 1868 Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian and Development Studies or on completion of 80 credit points with a 1867 Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian and Development Studies
Program structure
Our program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Fees and delivery
Fees: $23,936*
Delivery: On campus
Fees: AUD $29,488*
Delivery: On campus
Start your unlimited journey today.
Why study a Master of Humanitarian and Development Studies at Western?
Humanitarian student finds meaning in Türkiye field work
Baris Unal is one of the individuals who have been on the ground as part of the global response to the devastating Türkiye-Syria earthquakes.
A postgraduate student at Western Sydney University studying the Masters of Humanitarian and Development Studies, he is building on qualifications gained at the prominent Istanbul University.
Your career
As a humanitarian and development studies graduate, you can look forward to career opportunities in:
- Humanitarian Relief
- Aid Development Programming
- Project Managing
- Disaster Relief Work
- Policy Development
Your career

International Aid Worker
As an International Aid Worker, your calling will take you across the globe. This career includes working for NGOs, managing humanitarian crisises and providing diaster relief.

Disaster Relief Worker
When a natural disaster strikes or an emergency situation arises, Disaster Relief Workers provide a wide range of services to help the community cope from the impact of a disaster.

Project Manager
Project Managers work specifically on designated health related projects. Their tasks involve the conceptualisation, design, implementation and evaluation of the project.

Policy Developer
Policy Developers collect and analyse information and data to develop and analyse policies guiding the design, implementation and modification of NGOs, government, commercial operations and programs.
Apply now and start your unlimited journey.
Other study options
*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
** Lowest Selection Rank