Master of International Development and Planning (MIDP)
The Master of International Development and Planning is a 12 month (full time) course work Masters degree, that includes a research dissertation. The degree combines an enhanced understanding of development issues and needs, with the professional skills and competencies that professional planning education provides.
Understanding environmental issues and how people are affected by these in a developmental context is another key objective of the programme. We place a strong emphasis on people-environment relationships in such areas as urban development, water availability and quality, health, food security, hazards and pollution.
The School of Geography has regional strengths and expertise in Africa, the Pacific, Australasia, China, South and Southeast Asia. The School also has specialist expertise on the physical environment, including coastal hazards, sea level rise, climate change, groundwater, water quality and provision, thus enabling students to benefit from integrating expertise related to both the social and physical environment, together with a professional approach to development and planning. Employment opportunities abound in the development and planning arena and this degree is a pathway to these opportunities around the globe.
Campus Information
Dunedin
The University of Otago main campus is located in Dunedin. The Dunedin campus includes: Central administration Four academic divisions: Business, Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences
Intakes
- Jan
- July
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
We encourage all students – including International students – to make use of the career resources available on our website. From exploring your career options to specific job search strategies, you’ll find the information you need to establish your future career. You’ll also find information on this page specifically targeted at International students.
Get help with:
Career planning: Explore your career and study options
Job Applications: CV and cover letters, interview skills and applying for work
Gaining Experience: Get the ‘right’ skills, enhance your Otago experience… and volunteer.
Finding Employment: Job search strategies, career events and looking for work
Speak to a career adviser one-on-one if you need further assistance.
Enhance your employability
The graduate job market is competitive – good grades alone may not be enough to get your ideal job. You’ll also be expected to possess excellent English language skills, and be able to demonstrate a range of work-related skills and personal qualities relevant to the job. Develop the required skills through:
Work experience – gain part-time work, voluntary work, summer placements, or internships
Extracurricular activities – get involved in activities outside your course such as student societies and sporting clubs
Academic activities – show your capabilities by, for example, leading a group project or being a student representative for your course
PSW Opportunity
Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
- Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ
Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:
- Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
- Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)
Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
- Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)
Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)
- Duration: 3 years
- Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand
- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.
- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.
- Not allowed for part time students.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
A master’s degree is usually undertaken in the same area of study as the major subject
pursued for a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma or honours degree. However,
some masters’ programmes require only that the candidate is a graduate and/or has
appropriate work experience.
IELTS
Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0)
IELTS Indicator test
This is an online version of the regular IELTS test, made available due to COVID-19 testing centre restrictions.
Paper-based TOEFL
Score of 587 (TWE 4.5).
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
This is an online version of the regular TOEFL iBT test, made available due to COVID-19 testing centre restrictions.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAE)
Minimum of 176 (with no individual band below 169)
Duolingo English Test (DET)
Score of 110
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year 06 Month
-
Total Tuition Fee:
57516 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A
Similar Programs
- Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP) in Archaeology at University of Otago
- Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP) in Anthropology at University of Otago
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre Studies at University of Otago
- Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP) at University of Otago
- Master of Arts (MA) in Indigenous Studies at University of Otago
- Master of Arts (MA) in Indigenous Studies (Thesis) at University of Otago

