In a nutshell
Take the first step in a rewarding and exciting new career in development with this part-time, online Graduate Certificate of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action course from Deakin University.
Designed for students seeking to work to meet our biggest development challenges head-on, this industry-relevant course – developed in association with Save the Children – will equip you with the skills, knowledge, qualities and experience required to succeed in the challenging and dynamic area of international development and humanitarian action.
In this course, you’ll build advanced knowledge in key areas of development – including food security, disaster risk reduction, gender and economics – and distinguish development from humanitarian intervention. You’ll have opportunities to reflect and interrogate, and will develop advanced skills in analysis.
Delivered part-time and online, this course offers a flexible and low-intensity introduction to this exciting field – helping you to get qualified and start your new career without interfering with your life.
With this qualification, you’ll take your very first step on an exciting, challenging and ultimately rewarding pathway to working professionally in international development – enhancing your career and advancing human outcomes for all.
What you’ll need
To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline; OR
- Have at least two years (or part-time equivalent) of relevant work experience.
English language proficiently requirements also apply.
Subject summary
In this humanities course, the subjects you may study include:
- Introduction to international and community development
- The humanitarian world
- Humanitarian settlement
- Sustainability and development
Why Deakin University?

Established in 1974 as Australia’s first regional university in Victoria, Deakin University has consistently raised the bar in delivering quality tertiary education with a focus on excellent teaching and research.
The multi-award winning education provider teaches over 53,000 students a year, offering renowned courses that integrate real-world expertise and practical skills. Get recognised with Deakin in a range of industries, including nutrition, sports management, property management, law, business and more. Plus, they’ve have ranked in the top 2% by the acclaimed Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
As a student of Deakin, you’ll get support every step of the way along your learning journey!
They’ve got a range of on-campus facilities and online features to help ease the pressure of study, including on-campus childcare services, a medical centre with qualified nurses and doctors, free and confidential counselling (face-to-face or via phone) and more.
Deakin also offer advisers and resources to help develop your academic skills. Advisers are available on campus and online to help guide you in your research, assignment and study practices.