COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development is a 240-credit-point degree designed to prepare students for professional roles in humanitarian assistance, community development, and disaster management. The program includes 150 credit points of core units that build foundational and advanced knowledge in areas such as disasters and humanitarian aid, Indigenous Australia, psychology, human services, humanitarian needs assessment, cultural capabilities, global sociology, project management, community-based risk management, hazard analysis, social research methods, and intercultural practice. These core subjects ensure students develop strong analytical, ethical, and practical skills required for working in complex social and emergency contexts. In addition, students complete 70 to 90 credit points of specialist elective units, where they can choose a focused pathway such as Human Services (ACWA accredited), Indigenous Engagement, Skills for Humanitarian Practice, or Development in Practice. The Human Services major includes professional practice placements and community work units that provide real-world experience and industry recognition. Some pathways also include language studies, human rights, GIS, emergency management, and international relations to strengthen global and regional understanding. A limited number of elective units (0–20 credit points) may also be selected from across the university. Overall, the program combines theory, fieldwork, and practical placements to develop skilled professionals capable of responding to humanitarian crises, supporting vulnerable communities, and contributing to sustainable development initiatives locally and internationally.