Our study options
CSI Swinburne’s strength lies in its ability to effectively integrate research and practice with education to ensure our students go on to be leaders in the social impact ecosystem.
Our coursework degree
Are you a professional seeking deeper skills and a more meaningful future? Create and lead positive social change with our Graduate Certificate for Social Impact.
Graduate Certificate of Social Impact
At CSI Swinburne, our exceptional teaching team brings a wealth of real-world expertise and academic excellence to every unit and every student.
Susan Pizzati
With over 15 years of experience in the social purpose sector, Susan brings extensive knowledge to CSI Swinburne as the Principal Industry Fellow and Course Director – specialising in leadership, business model, innovation and philanthropy. She combines her academic expertise and practical experience to empower students to create meaningful change.
“Our units provide incredibly rich learning opportunities for our students. They combine academic research along with the practical experience of our teaching team, our industry guests and our students, who already have an incredibly diverse array of skills and experience to share with each other.
As a graduate of CSI Swinburne's courses myself, I can attest to the positive impact that learning in that environment has had on my work, my networks and my career in the social purpose sector, and I have no doubt that the same could be true for you," Susan said.
Susan teaches the Leadership for Social Impact, Social Investment and Philanthropy and Strategic Philanthropy units.
Dr Krzysztof Dembek
Dr Krzysztof (Chris) Dembek is an internationally recognised academic who brings extensive experience to CSI Swinburne. As a senior lecturer, Chris specialises in business strategy, innovative business models, and tackling complex challenges for social impact. He applies both academic knowledge and practice to his teaching and thrives on ensuring students engage with real-world challenges in impactful ways.
"I am deeply committed to driving meaningful impact across all aspects of my work. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping future social impact leaders, and I am dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to create lasting change," Chris said.
Chris teaches the Corporate Social Responsibility and Accountability, Evaluation and Impact Measurement, and Social Impact: Entrepreneurs and Social Innovation units.
Dr Roksolana Suchowerska
Roksolana is a leading academic and senior lecturer in social impact who is dedicated to co-creating knowledge with students and invited guests for equitable and inclusive social change.
In her recent research, Roksolana has looked at how public policy that affects resource flows for jobs-focused social enterprise – including social procurement and payment by outcomes – creates opportunities (or barriers) to innovation and systems change.
“I create learning environments in which people from across the social economy can come together to engage with academic research and practice-based knowledge and experience. In my subjects, I offer students the space, tools and relationships through which to explore core but contested social impact concepts, including impact, outcomes, strategy, ethics, resources, governance and leadership.
I challenge students to think critically about these concepts, so that they can elevate their own understanding of how to create social impact, and clarify their own role in making our society more equitable and inclusive,” Roksolana said.
Roksolana teaches the Social Venture Development and Leadership for Social Impact units.
Learn more about Social Impact
-
Social Impact
Create and lead positive social change with a Swinburne postgraduate course in Social Impact - for professionals seeking deeper skills and a more meaningful future.
Our research degrees
How to apply for a research degree at CSI Swinburne
We encourage high-quality candidates to apply for research programs with the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne. Our staff currently supervise HDR students completing Doctor of Philosophy (Business), Doctor of Philosophy (Business – Practice-based research) and Master of Business (Research).
Potential research degree candidates should consider our research priorities to ensure their interests align with existing research themes or projects. Novel research will be considered.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors and discuss their research interests before submitting an application.
The following information resources will assist prospective students:
- Find a supervisor. Use our search function to find a researcher.
- Apply for a scholarship. Discover the range of scholarship opportunities on offer for postgraduate and research students.
Each year, the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) awards various scholarships to students. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded to new and continuing students who demonstrate commitment and leadership to better social outcomes in the business, public and/or social purpose sectors.
- Apply for a PhD. Find out more about the Swinburne application process, download and submit an application.
Explore more of our centre
Contact the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne
There are many ways to engage with us. Get in touch to discuss how we can work together to determine new approaches to learning and knowledge creation by calling +61 3 9214 3757 or emailing csiswin@swinburne.edu.au.