Grow the for-purpose sector

Our social impact courses explore the issues at the heart of for-purpose organisations that want to grow, be sustainable, competitive and able to attract the best employees.

Become a professional with purpose

Our Master of Social Impact and Graduate Certificate of Social Impact attracts a wide range of successful professionals who want to do more for the world, change careers or strengthen their strategic approaches to problem-solving. 

Through deep discussions, evidence-based learning and engaging workshops, you’ll study social impact through government policy, philanthropy, social enterprises, partnerships, entrepreneurship and other models.

First and still leading

Since we founded the first Australian degree in philanthropy and social investment two decades ago, Swinburne has been at the forefront of research and learning in the rapidly growing social sector. You’ll be able to draw on this experience, as well as on our connection to industry and our world-class research through the Centre for Social Impact.

Business specialisations and electives

With the Master of Social Impact, you can choose from more than 10 business specialisations and many AGSE electives.

Join our community

And after you graduate, our active network of student alumni can keep you connected and provide endless opportunities for future exploration.

Courses available

Firm foundations for delivering innovative, strategic and effective social impact in the rapidly growing social economy. This is a pathway to a Master of Social Impact.
 

Graduate Certificate of Social Impact
Location
Hawthorn Campus
Duration
1 year part-time
Delivery
Blended mode
Intakes
5 February 2024
26 February 2024
29 July 2024                          16 September 2024

Course fee (per year if studying full-time)*
A$18,700 (total for 2024)

* Fees are annual full-time estimates for students commencing in 2024 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Prepare to create and lead high-impact social impact projects, for-purpose organisations and social enterprises.
 

Master of Social Impact
Location
Hawthorn Campus
Duration
1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Delivery
Blended mode
Intakes
This course will not be taking applications for 2024. 
Course fee (per year if studying full-time)*
A$37,400

* Fees are annual full-time estimates for students commencing in 2024 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Prepare to create and lead high-impact social impact projects, for-purpose organisations and social enterprises.
 

Master of Social Impact
Location
Hawthorn Campus
Duration
1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Delivery
Blended mode
Intakes
26 February 2024
29 July 2024
Course fee (per year if studying full-time)**
A$44,340

** The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Ready to apply?

If you're applying directly to Swinburne, you'll be asked to register yourself as a user first. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a Swinburne username and password. You'll be able to use these login details to move forward with your application and apply to study at Swinburne. After you complete the application process, we will assess your application and notify you of the outcome.

Study a postgraduate course in Social Impact at Swinburne
Study guide

Study a postgraduate course in Social Impact at Swinburne

Create and lead positive social change with a Swinburne postgraduate course in Social Impact - for professionals seeking deeper skills and a more meaningful future.

Industry partners

  • Colour professional headshot of Dr Graham Dwyer.

    The Master of Social Impact focuses on social innovation across all sectors – community, business and government – and is designed for current and emerging leaders who are passionate about tackling society’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

    Dr Graham Dwyer , Course Director, Social Impact

Master of Social Impact

Master of Social Impact

Make your impression on an ethically responsible future. You’ll not only meet like-minded people, you’ll meet like-hearted people in Swinburne’s Master of Social Impact.

Book a one-on-one appointment

Speak to one of our advisers by booking a one-on-one appointment.

Book now