Graduate Diploma of Global Development

About the course

This Graduate Diploma of Global Development builds specialist skills to support sustainable development in diverse communities. You will develop practical capability to analyse and evaluate complex social and environmental challenges and design innovative, evidence-informed responses. Study on campus in Cairns or online, and use the qualification as a pathway to further postgraduate study in global development. The programme develops advanced psychological assessment, intervention planning, and evidence-based practice for professional settings.

Career outcome

Graduates can pursue roles supporting local and international development initiatives across government, NGOs and community organisations. The course prepares you to contribute to program design, monitoring and evaluation, policy development, community engagement and sustainability-focused projects. Career pathways may include development practitioner/officer, project or program support roles and advisory work in the global development sector. Preparing graduates for organisational psychology, counselling support, human services, and specialist practitioner pathways.

Entry requirements

AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or equivalent.

Living Costs in Cairns**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 15 - 20	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,078 - 1,426	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 925 - 1,223
Transportation (Daily) A$ 8 - 10	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 234 - 309

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)