About Graduate Diploma In International Community Development in Victoria University

Overview

Take an important role in community development. Get involved in social change, human rights and sustainable development at a global or local level.

You’ll gain expertise in key community development theories, building your knowledge and skills in these main areas:

• critical consciousness and ethics of development
• community development project design and management
• participatory research and evaluation
• globalisation and social movements
• leadership in community development
• impacts of Trump and Brexit on governance of international organisations
• conflict resolution and peace-building.

You’ll develop valuable real-world experience. We offer on-site learning and deep engagement with communities and experts in the field. Our agreements with other universities and NGOs, such as the National University of Timor Leste (UNTL), provide benefits that include a study tour to East Timor.

This diploma is the second stage of three courses in our graduate program. Successful completion leads into our Master of International Community Development.

Our community research focus

VU offers expertise and guidance in several specialised research areas. Progressing to our masters or higher research degree (doctorate) will bring you into contact with our vibrant and innovative research community.

Related research themes include community resilience, liveable and inclusive cities, cultural diversity and wellbeing, and community, identity and displacement.

The Community, Identity and Displacement Research Network (CIDRN)(external link) promotes research into displacement, identity, community and change, focused on Melbourne’s west.

Progress to the masters degree

If you’re aiming for a leadership, management or public-policy role, our Master of International Community Development will give you the qualifications and skills to get there.

VU offers flexible study options, with courses designed to lead into one another. Completing the Graduate Certificate in International Community Development gains you credit towards this diploma.

Once you’ve successfully completed our diploma, you’ll gain entry, and credits, to the Master of International Community Development – and you’ll already be half way to completing the full masters degree.

Careers in community development

Graduates of this course work in many related areas, including international humanitarian work and development aid.

Career possibilities include:

• international and regional consultant in human rights, gender, poverty reduction and project evaluation
• project manager with international, government and local organisations such as Australian Red Cross, Save the Children, Asylum Seekers Resource Centre
• leaders and advisers in government
• community development educator and trainer
• journalist
• activist
• academic and researcher.

Salaries

The average salary for community workers is A$63,800 (JobOutlook(external link)).

With further study or experience, you could become a policy or planning manager, earning an average A$122,460

Academic qualification equivalents:

• Entry into a masters degree requires you to have completed an undergraduate qualification that is comparable to
  an Australian bachelor degree, honours degree or graduate diploma..

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS          :       Overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL         :      Test score of 79. Section score no less than:Listening: 19,Speaking: 19,Reading: 18,Writing: 22
• PTE              :       Overall score of 58-64 (with no section score less than 50)

Victoria University Highlights

Victoria University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The average tuition fees and other expenses at Victoria University vary depending on the course and level of study. Here is a general overview of the estimated costs for international students:

1. Tuition fees: The tuition fees for international students at Victoria University range from approximately AUD$24,000 to AUD$40,000 per year, depending on the course and level of study.

2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): International students are required to have health insurance while studying in Australia. The cost of OSHC varies depending on the duration of your course and your chosen provider, but it generally ranges from approximately AUD$500 to AUD$2,000 per year.

3. Accommodation: The cost of accommodation will depend on whether you choose to live on or off campus, as well as the type of accommodation you choose. On-campus accommodation ranges from approximately AUD$200 to AUD$400 per week, while off-campus accommodation can range from AUD$150 to AUD$350 per week.

4. Living expenses: The cost of living in Melbourne will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. As a general guide, you should budget for approximately AUD$20,000 to AUD$25,000 per year to cover expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment.

It's important to note that these are only estimates, and the actual costs may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Additionally, domestic students may have different fee structures and funding options available to them. It's recommended to check the university's website for more detailed information on tuition fees and other expenses.