This field is concerned with the relationship between governance and development. The increasing emphasis on democracy and 'good governance' in international development practice make this relationship central to the development agenda. Courses in this concentration focus on the capacity to implement and maintain systems of ethical governance and extend civil society through participatory programs in the context of globalisation in newly industrialising countries and developing economies.

They examine strategies to address international equality, build institutional and administrative capacity, reconstruct civil society in post-conflict and development situations, enhance gender equity, and establish and maintain labour standards. These are central issues in contemporary development practice and students will gain knowledge, understanding and practical skills essential for working in this field.

Students who have studied previously in these areas have gone on to work for organisations like the United Nations Development Program, the World Food Program and various non-government organisations, as well as for government departments in central, state or local governments and research institutes. Many are also employed by the private sector as consultants and some have set up their own consultancy practice.