This degree combines units that offer local and historical knowledge of specific geographic areas of the developing world, with units that explore transnational dimensions of development. This  combination of subject matter enables students to gain knowledge of the planning, implementation and consequences of political and economic change, particularly the uneven effects of development policies on communities. Students will also gain knowledge of the macro and micro sociological forces, including social movements that have impacted historically on political, economic, cultural and ecological conditions,  resulting in extreme poverty, poor health, fragile governance, inequality and environmental vulnerability. The degree grounds students in qualitative and quantitative research methods, providing them with the skills and knowledge to be able to determine appropriate strength-based capacity building approaches, and to identify economic inclusion strategies that promote economic opportunities for marginalised communities.

The Bachelor of International Development Studies degree is located within the discipline area of ‘development studies’, which is an interdisciplinary branch of social science. The discipline area of development studies draws from a range of disciplines, particularly: anthropology, sociology, political science, human geography, environmental  science, history and economics.

The main objective of the degree is to provide students with the knowledge, critical perspectives understanding and skills needed for competent, compassionate, ethical and professional engagement with communities in the developing world.  ACU BIDS graduates have a strong commitment to the common good and respect for the dignity of the human person.

During the course students will gain hands-on experience in an international humanitarian or development program through the compulsory Immersion Experience unit.

In addition to development theory and practice, students will study:

• global health
• human rights law and practice
• global change and development
• strategic management, people management
• peace and development
• environmental sustainability
• research methodologies for development projects.

Human rights advocacy; social entrepreneurship; fair trade business; eco and responsible tourism; charity and humanitarian work; private aid distributor; working with NGO, government service, or international systems such as United Nations and World Bank.