Major Undergraduate

International Aid and Development


Study mode
Full Time Part Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-IADA
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Study international development and tackle real-world global challenges

Be part of solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. With an International Aid and Development major as part of our Bachelor of Arts, you’ll explore how communities, organisations and governments respond to issues such as poverty, inequality, sustainability and global development, building the knowledge and skills to make a practical difference. 

Throughout your international development studies, you’ll examine real-world challenges and learn how aid and development programs are designed, delivered and evaluated. You’ll build practical skills in project work, collaboration and ethical engagement, preparing you to work across diverse global contexts. 

As part of your Bachelor of Arts, you can combine this major with others to shape your degree around your goals. Pair International Aid and Development with Community Development or Sociology to design and deliver community-based programs, or with Sustainable Development to focus on long-term environmental and social outcomes. You can also combine your studies with Politics and International Studies to understand policy and global systems, or with History or Philosophy to explore the ideas shaping development approaches. Broaden your perspective with Asian Studies, Indonesian or Japanese to work across cultures, or apply your skills in industry contexts with Tourism and Events or Theatre and Creative Production. Pairing with English and Creative Writing can also help you communicate complex global issues clearly and engage diverse audiences. 

Students studying together in Murdoch library

3 reasons to study international aid and development at Murdoch University

  1. Take part in international aid and development volunteering projects that count towards your academic credit. 
  2. Work with local and international organisations on real projects through our Work Integrated Learning program. 
  3. Tailor your degree with a wide range of majors, giving you flexibility to explore your interests and expand your career options.

What you’ll learn

  • Understand key concepts in international aid, development and humanitarian response. 
  • Analyse global challenges such as poverty, inequality and sustainability. 
  • Examine how development programs are designed, implemented and evaluated. 
  • Apply ethical and culturally responsive approaches when working with communities. 
  • Develop practical skills in project planning, collaboration and problem solving. 
  • Communicate effectively across cultures and in diverse global contexts.

Having completed three semesters and my honours research in Indonesia, I was able to get a much better idea of development on the ground. I found that when I graduated, I had a more realistic idea of what to expect in the workplace.

Karis Erceg, Bachelor of Arts

Murdoch University HASS student sat on beach
HASS students talking on campus

Your future career in international aid and development

With an International Aid and Development major, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to pursue humanitarian careers and work in international aid. Your ability to understand global challenges and collaborate across cultures prepares you for roles in organisations focused on social impact and global change. 

These capabilities are valued across non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, international organisations, community groups and social enterprises working on development, humanitarian and sustainability initiatives worldwide. 

Potential roles include: 

  • International development officer 
  • Humanitarian or aid worker 
  • Program or project coordinator 
  • Policy or research officer 
  • NGO or community organisation worker 
  • Sustainability or social impact officer
For more details about our International Aid and Development major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes Yes Yes
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch No Yes Yes
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes Yes Yes
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch No Yes Yes

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Applied Social Care

Study a Bachelor of Applied Social Care at Murdoch University and build the skills to support individuals, families and communities. Apply today.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Arts

Study a Bachelor of Arts at Murdoch University and choose from a wide range of flexible majors to tailor your degree. Apply today.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Laws


Bachelor of Arts

Study a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts at Murdoch University. Add an arts major to your legal studies and build skills for a diverse career. Apply now.

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