Master of International Development with Specialisation in Advanced Research

at La Trobe University - Melbourne Campus Australia

Explore your passions and build a rewarding career.

Today’s workplaces are rapidly evolving. Governments, businesses and law firms need passionate professionals who not only have advanced legal expertise, but also the ability to think critically, analytically and creatively.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts lets you enrich your legal education by pursuing your interests and passions. Open doors to a diverse range of rewarding careers, while exploring how to make a difference in your community.

Learn the fundamentals of criminal, constitutional, property and company law. Explore the legal system and understand how it can be used as a powerful and positive force in society. Develop key skills in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution.

You'll also choose from our list of arts majors and explore your area of interest. Broaden your knowledge and experience by studying areas like politics, languages, sociology, history, philosophy and media studies. Learn how to communicate effectively and think critically, analytically and creatively.

You can also choose to complete law electives that complement your arts specialisation. For example, a politics major can be matched with related subjects like public international law and human rights law. While a language or philosophy major could be augmented by subjects in areas like Indigenous Australians and the law, intellectual property law or family, society and law.

Enhance your classroom learning by taking advantage of optional internships, work experience, and our study abroad program*. Gain hands-on experience working with community legal centres, law firms and government agencies. Find out what it takes to interview clients, prepare legal advice and work with senior lawyers to develop legal solutions.

Graduate ready to make a positive difference. With combined expertise in law and arts, you can build a career as a solicitor or barrister, in-house counsel or corporate consultant, working in commercial law firms or community legal centres. You could also work in the public service as a government lawyer or support social justice initiatives in the not-for-profit sector.

The International Studies major allows you to make sense of the social, economic and political factors that contribute to how the world works. In this major, you’ll investigate the systems, structures and laws that shape international affairs from a range of perspectives. You’ll develop a keen sense of why the world faces the problems it does, how history has shaped the world we live in, and how policies to address the greatest global challenges are developed and can be improved. You’ll study subjects about security, economics, slavery, human trafficking, migration, development, international law, international organisations, foreign policy and modern Asia, and you will be strongly supported to study a language, experience the world through overseas study tours, and undertake internships.

The La Trobe International Studies major is taught by world-leading academics who have extensive experience in many areas including the real world of policy-making, international development, and international negotiations. Industry and community leaders will regularly present in your classes, giving you the opportunity to develop your networks. An International Studies major will provide you with the knowledge required to tackle major global challenges, including climate change, war, terrorism, poverty, and inequality. It will also help you understand cultural and political differences and similarities across the world, which is crucial to working effectively internationally. When you complete this major, you’ll have the skills and knowledge required to establish a career dealing with international issues or working internationally.

For thousands of years, human societies have grown, prospered and warred through diplomacy and trade. In today’s hyper-connected global markets and diplomatic arenas, we need highly skilled professionals who can navigate this complex global landscape and make the most of evolving business structures.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies gives you the expertise to build a rewarding career in global politics, human rights and international business. Gain strong foundations in international trade and diplomacy, as well as a well-rounded business skillset.

Explore the complex social, commercial and sustainability challenges faced by corporations and diverse communities. Understand how to analyse problems, develop forward-thinking solutions, and negotiate with stakeholders to turn your ideas into action.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll be prepared for the rapidly evolving world of international trade and the complex web of relationships negotiated by governments and multinational organisations every day. Develop the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries, and build the resilience to face real-world challenges.

We understand that global experiences are vital for your studies. You'll have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network at one of our overseas partner universities. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the various business, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world.

Graduate ready for a rewarding career in trade, diplomacy, politics, government, business, economics and finance.

Hindi studies beginners

The Hindi studies major introduces you to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world—a language with around half a billion speakers, the language of Bollywood cinema, and one of the fastest growing languages in Australia. Hindi is the ideal subject for students who want to study Indian culture, religion, media or politics. Hindi also gives you access to the larger linguistic world of South Asia, including competence in Urdu. Knowledge of Hindi is welcome in many professional fields, including media, diplomacy, and healthcare. India is Australia’s 5th largest trading partner, and one of the world’s fastest growing economies, making Hindi crucial for international trade and business. Opportunities are available for you to study in India, where you take courses on Indian politics, society, and history, as well as improve your language skills. Students with no prior knowledge of the language should enrol in beginners Hindi, where they develop competence in speaking, reading, writing and understanding Hindi in everyday social contexts. Students with prior knowledge of Hindi should consult with the instructor to determine which of the intermediate or advanced subjects are appropriate.

Explore your passions and build a rewarding career.

Today’s workplaces are rapidly evolving. Governments, businesses and law firms need passionate professionals who not only have advanced legal expertise, but also the ability to think critically, analytically and creatively.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts lets you enrich your legal education by pursuing your interests and passions. Open doors to a diverse range of rewarding careers, while exploring how to make a difference in your community.

Learn the fundamentals of criminal, constitutional, property and company law. Explore the legal system and understand how it can be used as a powerful and positive force in society. Develop key skills in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution.

You'll also choose from our list of arts majors and explore your area of interest. Broaden your knowledge and experience by studying areas like politics, languages, sociology, history, philosophy and media studies. Learn how to communicate effectively and think critically, analytically and creatively.

You can also choose to complete law electives that complement your arts specialisation. For example, a politics major can be matched with related subjects like public international law and human rights law. While a language or philosophy major could be augmented by subjects in areas like Indigenous Australians and the law, intellectual property law or family, society and law.

Enhance your classroom learning by taking advantage of optional internships, work experience, and our study abroad program*. Gain hands-on experience working with community legal centres, law firms and government agencies. Find out what it takes to interview clients, prepare legal advice and work with senior lawyers to develop legal solutions.

Graduate ready to make a positive difference. With combined expertise in law and arts, you can build a career as a solicitor or barrister, in-house counsel or corporate consultant, working in commercial law firms or community legal centres. You could also work in the public service as a government lawyer or support social justice initiatives in the not-for-profit sector.

In a Classics and Ancient History major you will study the ancient Greek and Roman worlds from the Mediterranean to regions as far afield as Britain and Persia. You will learn about the classical ‘reception’ of Greece and Rome in subsequent societies through the study of literature, art and popular culture and study how ancient Greek and Roman cultures have had a profound influence on later societies, including their political systems, art and writings, as well as many modern languages. In this major you will analyse how themes from classical mythology inform modern superhero tales and psychological theory, and how ancient empires and social institutions, such as slavery, have helped to justify both revolutions and dictatorships.

The rich choice of subjects available in the Classics and Ancient History major will teach you about gladiatorial games, epic heroes, the afterlife and ancient death rituals as well as Greek and Roman histories, mythologies, languages, art, archaeology, literature and societies. As well as being taught how to read and analyse ancient sources, you will be trained to analyse films, television and other modern interpretations of the ancient world. These textual analysis skills will enable you to better understand aspects of ancient cultures including warfare, gender roles, social status and ethnic identity. Upon completion of this major you will have a solid understanding of the ancient world, as well its importance for later history and contemporary society.

This major spans the period 800 BCE to 200 CE, and particularly concentrates on archaic and classical Greece (700-323 BCE) and Rome in the late republic and early empire (100 BCE-100 CE).

If you can't let go of unanswered questions. If you love learning. If you're passionate about the world around you. Then it's time to start your journey at La Trobe.

With our flexible Bachelor of Arts, you can choose from an incredible array of majors and minors. You'll have access to around 50 majors and minors from humanities, social sciences, business, health and science, keeping your career options open. Pursue your passion and your profession.

Shape your own future with this interdisciplinary degree. You'll choose one arts major, then explore your interests or build an essential skill when you choose secondary majors, minors and electives from across the university. You'll graduate with your primary major on your academic transcript, so future employers can recognise your expertise.

Create your own path. Want to major in sociology, with a second major in psychology, then take Chinese as an elective? Go for it. Or perhaps you'd like to pair economics and English. Or crime, justice and legal studies with linguistics. Build your own future – we're here to help you achieve your dream. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

In your first year, you'll explore your interests and passions. Try a language; or get a taste for history, English, politics or creative writing. In your second and third years, you'll delve deeper while also choosing electives and minors that broaden your skills and knowledge. You may also choose to develop professional skillsets in areas like psychology, public health, marketing, science, sport management and more.

This flexible degree also offers a range of study options. You can choose to study face-to-face at our Melbourne Campus and enjoy our on-campus facilities, or you can study online – knowing your experience will mirror on-campus students, with tutorials delivered in a synchronous manner. Unlike many other online degrees, at La Trobe you can login to live sessions and engage directly with academics and your fellow students in real time.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement at organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.* Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course advisor will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

The world is waiting for you. Step into it.

The International Studies major allows you to make sense of the social, economic and political factors that contribute to how the world works. In this major, you’ll investigate the systems, structures and laws that shape international affairs from a range of perspectives. You’ll develop a keen sense of why the world faces the problems it does, how history has shaped the world we live in, and how policies to address the greatest global challenges are developed and can be improved. You’ll study subjects about security, economics, slavery, human trafficking, migration, development, international law, international organisations, foreign policy and modern Asia, and you will be strongly supported to study a language, experience the world through overseas study tours, and undertake internships.

The La Trobe International Studies major is taught by world-leading academics who have extensive experience in many areas including the real world of policy-making, international development, and international negotiations. Industry and community leaders will regularly present in your classes, giving you the opportunity to develop your networks. An International Studies major will provide you with the knowledge required to tackle major global challenges, including climate change, war, terrorism, poverty, and inequality. It will also help you understand cultural and political differences and similarities across the world, which is crucial to working effectively internationally. When you complete this major, you’ll have the skills and knowledge required to establish a career dealing with international issues or working internationally.

The healthcare landscape is changing. Healthcare, information and computer sciences have combined to revolutionise how services are delivered, illnesses are treated and prevented, and patients can access their health information. Electronic health records, real-time data harvesting, wearable devices and mHealth apps are just some of the new digital health technologies driving improvements to healthcare systems. Yet to realise the promise of these new and emerging technologies, an empowered digital health workforce is needed to lead the future of healthcare both in Australia and abroad. There’s never been a better time to advance your career by developing an up-to-the-minute and in- demand digital health skillset.

If you're passionate about leading improvements across health and health care using digital technology, La Trobe's Master of Digital Health gives you the specialised skills to design, develop, implement and manage digital health technologies.

Designed in consultation with industry to meet the evolving health needs of individuals and communities, you'll develop advanced knowledge in new and emerging areas of digital health. This includes virtual and telehealth, the Internet of Medical Things, epidemiology and biostatistics, data analytics, social media and more. You'll explore the latest digital health technologies and their applications in healthcare, public health and health promotion. Examine both the benefits and risks of these technologies, as well as the various ethical and legal implications.

Our Master of Digital Health allows you to build a specialised skillset that will set you apart in the workplaces of tomorrow. Curate your degree and learning to fit your passions and career goals.

Specialise in Advanced Practice or Applied Research in your second year and chose from a wide range of electives in data and business analytics, ehealth and health informatics, public health, digital marketing, technopreneurship, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and more.

Expand your professional network and experience while discovering what it's like to lead digital health innovations. Through the Advanced Practice specialisation and informed by your chosen elective, you'll work with industry to devise a forward-thinking solution to a real-world problem.

For thousands of years, human societies have grown, prospered and warred through diplomacy and trade. In today’s hyper-connected global markets and diplomatic arenas, we need highly skilled professionals who can navigate this complex global landscape and make the most of evolving business structures.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies gives you the expertise to build a rewarding career in global politics, human rights and international business. Gain strong foundations in international trade and diplomacy, as well as a well-rounded business skillset.

Explore the complex social, commercial and sustainability challenges faced by corporations and diverse communities. Understand how to analyse problems, develop forward-thinking solutions, and negotiate with stakeholders to turn your ideas into action.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll be prepared for the rapidly evolving world of international trade and the complex web of relationships negotiated by governments and multinational organisations every day. Develop the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries, and build the resilience to face real-world challenges.

We understand that global experiences are vital for your studies. You'll have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network at one of our overseas partner universities. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the various business, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world.

Graduate ready for a rewarding career in trade, diplomacy, politics, government, business, economics and finance.

French studies beginners

The French Studies major enables you to participate in a dialogue with the French-speaking world by developing your proficiency in the language and your knowledge of French history, society and culture. The French Studies major will give you access to a vast network of international communication and a rich body of literary, historical and scientific knowledge. French is spoken on all continents and in various organisations such as the United Nations and Médecins Sans Frontières. The language prepares you to excel in numerous fields including education, translating and interpreting, foreign affairs and trade, international law and humanitarian work. You will be strongly encouraged to apply for an exchange program with one of La Trobe’s partner universities in France. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) You should enrol in the appropriate stream at first-year level: Beginners (students with little or no prior knowledge of French), Intermediate (students with Year 11 French or equivalent), Advanced (students with Year 12 French or equivalent) or Extended (native or near-native competency).

Explore what you’re passionate about and build a rewarding career.

The world is complex. And while we’re making serious inroads, many aspects of the human mind, behaviour and health are still beyond our understanding. There’s still so much to discover. As culture and technology continue to rapidly transform, we need skilled, empathetic and creative professionals who are passionate about broadening our understanding of both the world and our bodies – intelligent and caring people who want to create healthier communities in Australia, and around the globe.

If you're curious about the world, and passionate about making it a healthier and fairer place, La Trobe's Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences will give you everything you need to pursue your passion and your profession. Choose from an incredible array of majors and shape your future with this interdisciplinary degree.

Create your own path by combining majors from a wide range of areas. Pair psychological science with public health, or health promotion with sociology. Learn how to help victims of crime by combining rehabilitation counselling with crime, justice and legal studies. Or find inspiration in the human mind by pairing psychological science with creative and professional writing. You're in charge of your future and we're here to help you build your dream career. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

Develop essential skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. Creative thinking. Critical analysis. The ability to understand and communicate with a wide range of people. And the knowledge you'll acquire – across both arts and health – will set you up for a successful career in a wide range of industries across both sectors. Once you've graduated, you may also have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in health and science, including clinical programs, or any one of our humanities and social sciences postgraduate programs.

The health sciences majors include both theory and lab practice units. For example, if you major in public health, you'll learn about environmental health issues, global health initiatives and health care systems. Or if you major in rehabilitation counselling, you'll explore the psychosocial perspective of health and illness, the issues related to living with chronic health problems, and sports and exercise psychology. You could even take your fascination with the human mind further by majoring in psychological science or study the complex inner workings of the body through the field of human physiological sciences.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement in a range of workplaces, including hospitals, regional health organisations or community organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.[1] Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course adviser will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

In the Italian Studies major you will combine the study of the language with the study of Italian culture, literature, cinema, history and translation. The primary focus of this major is on contemporary Italy, but you can explore aspects of early modern, Renaissance and twentieth-century Italy in selected subjects. A major in Italian Studies provides you with the opportunity to develop your written, spoken and comprehension skills in Italian to a high level, while enhancing your critical thinking skills, and becoming proficient at analysing texts and at presenting reasoned arguments. Studying Italian will equip you with valuable communication skills. Recent graduates of Italian studies have found employment in teaching, diplomacy, government, social work, art history and restoration, international business, publishing, journalism, tourism, and translating and interpreting. Students of Italian are encouraged to consider spending one or two semesters studying at an Italian university as part of an approved exchange program. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) Italian is taught at a number of levels starting from beginners. For those with prior knowledge of and/or qualifications in the language, a placement test and interview may be used to determine the appropriate stream for a student.

In the era of globalisation, having advanced language skills is becoming increasingly valuable. Organisations need professionals who not only communicate effectively, but also have the multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge that can help them thrive on an international scale.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics introduces you to the foundations of human communication. Learn about the structure and history of languages, while examining how communication skills are acquired and developed. You'll also select from a range of language majors and explore the culture from which your chosen language emerged.

Develop an advanced understanding of linguistics, investigating the sound systems used for communication, how sentences are structured, and the ways we use language and interpret meaning.

Focus on the language you're passionate about by selecting from Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Hindi. You'll also be able to select a starting point that suits your language proficiency, including beginner, intermediate and advanced studies.

From there, you'll investigate a variety of other languages, examining their evolution, structure and use. Explore the nuances of linguistic variation in communities, looking at the social, ethnic and age factors that influence the variation.

Enhance your language proficiency by taking advantage of our study abroad opportunities.* Immerse yourself in your chosen language and build a greater understanding of its everyday application.

Build your communication, team-working, problem-solving and analytical skills, which experts suggest will be highly sought after by the workplaces of tomorrow.**

Through optional minors, you'll also have the chance to explore further languages, including Auslan, or broaden your studies into complementary areas such as psychology, philosophy and history.

Graduate with the advanced languages skills to boost your global career.

Chinese studies extension

A Chinese studies major will enable you to understand and use an increasingly significant world language. Chinese is spoken by nearly one-fifth of the global population, predominantly in the world’s second-largest economy, China. The Chinese Studies major will give you the opportunity to develop skills in oral and written Chinese (Mandarin), and enhance your understanding in China’s past (culture and tradition) and present (economy and technology). At more advanced levels, specialist subjects are available in Chinese for academic and professional purposes—these will help you develop your integrated communication skills to a professional level. Studying Chinese language and culture will give you an advantage in a range of industries and area of government, given that China has been Australia’s largest trading partner since 2007. You will have the opportunity to enrol in overseas programs to extend your language skills in-country. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) The major offers four entry-levels to cater to your standard in the Chinese language. You may enrol at beginners, intermediate, advanced or extension levels depending on your background and experience.

As digital disruption continues to reshape our personal and professional lives, businesses are looking for graduates who'll help to evolve their products and systems.

Carefully aligned to meet industry needs, our Bachelor of Computer Science will help you gain the technical skills to adapt to emerging technologies across an increasingly digital world. You'll choose from three majors – artificial intelligence, software engineering or cloud analytics – so you can prepare for a specialised career in computer science.

As well as your technical subjects, you'll also build the human skills you need for the workplace. Think project management, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. These are the transferable skills you'll need to be employable and carve a path of success throughout your career.

Access our expert research centres, including the Centre for Technology Infusion, the Optus Cyber Security Research Centre and a state-of-the-art research lab for the Internet of Things – one of the largest in Victoria, proudly developed in collaboration with Microsoft and CISCO.

You'll use your computer science know-how to solve real-world problems with industry-based learning and mentoring opportunities with major corporations. You could take on an industry-based project with leading organisations like Microsoft, Coles, the Australian Ballet and Incitec Pivot Limited – as students have done in the past.

Software engineering

Learn to create modern software programs with expertise in software engineering. You’ll build skills across algorithms and data structures, full stack web development, user interface design, measurement and testing principles, and cloud-based web and mobile applications.

The world is drawing closer together. As the speed and quality of digital technologies continues to evolve, we need more passionate professionals who can create meaningful solutions and connections.

Designed to help you build our digital future, La Trobe's Bachelor of Information Technology equips you with skills across programming, networking, databases, systems analysis and design, and project management.

Along with building a strong set of core IT skills you can choose to major in one of several areas aligned to future industry growth including artificial intelligence, cloud analytics, cybersecurity, network engineering or information systems.

Broaden your knowledge and capabilities further through a wide range of electives. Combine your core IT skills with business, social sciences, humanities, web engineering, computer technology, security and information systems analysis subjects. Plus you could develop a software program of your own, which you could present at the annual Engineering and IT Showcase to potential employers.

With industry-based projects and CISCO certification embedded in the course, you'll receive professional mentoring opportunities as you build career ready skills. You'll also gain access to our expert research centres, including the Centre for Technology Infusion and our state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Lab for the Internet of Things – developed in collaboration with Microsoft and CISCO.

Information systems

Develop highly sought-after skills in information systems – the vital software used to store data records. You'll learn how to design, develop and use cutting-edge technologies and get a competitive edge that'll see you succeed in a huge range of industries.