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University of New South Wales (UNSW)

  • 34% international / 66% domestic

Graduate Certificate in Social Impact

  • Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Social Impact is designed for the next generation of highly skilled leaders from across sectors - not-for-profit, government, for-profit, large, and small - with a desire to drive positive social change.

The program focuses on building...

Key details

Degree Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
0.7 - 0.7 years full-time
Study Mode
Online, In person
Domestic Fees
$8,500 per year / $28,500 total

About this course

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Social Impact is designed for the next generation of highly skilled leaders from across sectors - not-for-profit, government, for-profit, large, and small - with a desire to drive positive social change.

The program focuses on building professional capacity in how managers and entrepreneurs lead, organise, innovate, finance, scale, change and transition organisations to deliver greater social impact.

With interest growing in the concept of a social license to operate (SLO), you will explore how corporates can operate at the intersection of profit and purpose by incorporating social impacts into their strategies.

You will enhance your understanding of the powerful dynamics of the new social economy with its goal of transforming existing economic models to address a range of societal challenges.

In this respect, you will acquire knowledge of the latest global trends in economic thinking and practice and how these can propel a just transition towards a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Moreover, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how business, social enterprise, government, foundations and community organisations can work together to create a values-led economy.

Why study Social Impact at UNSW?

Study at Australia's #1 Business School

UNSW Business School has been ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS for the last two years in a row*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation, giving you a strong competitive advantage. Our career-focused education equips you for long-term success and empowers you to become an adaptive thinker to thrive in a fast-changing world. Further, you'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and be taught by world-class teachers and academics.

*AFR BOSS 2023 Best Business School Rankings

Shape your study to suit your goals

If you're a busy professional or live outside Sydney, this course gives you the convenience to shape your study around your needs. The entire course takes less than a year to complete. Choose between studying either online or on campus, face-to-face - whichever works for you best.

Gain a strong competitive edge with employability

UNSW students are sought after by employers, having been recognised for producing the Most Employable Graduates in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards* for four consecutive years. Plus, studying social impact at UNSW means you'll become part of an urgently required new generation of global leaders with a socially conscious framework.

*AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Brent Hedley
Graduate Certificate in Social Impact Student

"The knowledge and skills gained in the course aren't just academic accolades, but tools that empower me to develop impactful strategies in the real world."

Read Brent's story
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Who should choose this Graduate Certificate?

This innovative and dynamic program is geared towards professionals across a range of roles and sectors who have a passion for developing and broadening their social impact skills.

This course is ideal if you:

  • Desire an impactful leadership career in social enterprises or are already in the not-for-profit sector and want to enhance your professional capacity to create social value.
  • Aspire to hold an executive position in a for-profit organisation committed to maximising social benefit and meeting corporate ESG (environmental, social and governance) responsibilities through business practices and products.a for-profit organisation committed to maximising social benefit and meeting corporate ESG (environmental, social and governance) responsibilities through business practices and products.
  • Aim to become a senior public administrator working with community groups or a public service executive with a responsibility for developing the public policy framework that integrates social impact and sustainability.
  • Work for a foundation that seeks to ensure its social investment delivers desirable social impact.

Program Code
7357
CRICOS Code
0100131
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
24
Indicative Enrolments
64
Want to see more from UNSW Business School?
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
  • Recognised Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator
    , opens in a new window
    and a minimum of 2 year's work experience
  • Or, Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in government, corporate or not-for-profit sector.
  • Students must provide a detailed resume (outlining relevant competencies and achievements) and evidence of other academic and professional qualifications.
English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

  • Recognised Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator
    , opens in a new window
    and a minimum of 2 year's work experience
  • Or, Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in government, corporate or not-for-profit sector.
  • Students must provide a detailed resume (outlining relevant competencies and achievements) and evidence of other academic and professional qualifications.
Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program
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Study locations

Kensington

Online

Career pathways

Future careers

The Graduate Certificate in Social Impact is ideal for professionals who wish to obtain a fundamental grounding in the theory and practice of social change to build and lead future enterprises.

As we witness an accelerating economic relationship - and a blurring of the boundaries - between government, business and the not-for-profit sector, the world needs leaders with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to catalyse powerful social innovation.

When you study for a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact you will attain the expertise and confidence to progress your career and/or lead your organisation in demonstrating positive social change.

Your education is shaped by industry leaders and world-class academics - experts who recognise the future will present career opportunities that don't exist today - and your potential professional network extends to more than 90,000 Business School alumni worldwide.

UNSW Business School offers students a suite of professional development with Career Accelerator industry networking and mentoring opportunities.

Potential careers
  • Executive roles in not-for-profit and community organisations
  • Public sector managers and leaders
  • Social policy managers in the corporate sector
  • Social entrepreneurs
  • Foundation executives and managers
  • Business executives and administrators
  • Corporate community engagement executives and professionals
  • Social and ethical investment professionals

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Humanities, Culture & Social Sciences courses at University of New South Wales (UNSW).
78.9%
Overall satisfaction
75.6%
Skill scale
72.4%
Teaching scale
88%
Employed full-time
$108.5k
Average salary