Master of Social Impact (Advanced)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
The Master of Social Impact (Advanced) gives high-performing students the chance to use previous experience in business management, and new-found skills in innovation to solve complex social issues through research.
Designed for professionals looking to undertake independent research in the field of social impact, this course prepares students to undertake a PhD in the field.This course is part of the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE)
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Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time

Be an innovator
Undertake this course and you’ll be joining other change-makers at Swinburne’s Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship – the first dedicated entrepreneurship school in the nation. One of our unique AGSE offerings, this course will give you the mindset of edge.
“Entrepreneurship,” says AGSE Director, Alex Kaiser (pictured), “is about questioning the status-quo, identifying opportunities, making decisions and implementing ideas. Concisely, it’s about having impact.”
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Master of Social Impact (Advanced) is designed for high-performing students seeking to build skills and advance their careers in the growing field of social impact. Whether a social entrepreneur, working within the philanthropy and not for profit sector in a management or innovation role, in the private sector in corporate responsibility and social innovation, or in government policy dealing with complex social issues, the MSI provides core capabilities required to lead people effectively in a rapidly changing social economy and business environment.
This postgraduate program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain specialised knowledge of research principles and methods and undertake an independent piece of research in the field of social impact. Students extend their knowledge gained throughout their studies and critically apply this knowledge to the research process as preparation for a PhD.- Graduate Certificate of Social Impact (GC-SI) ^
- Graduate Diploma of Social Impact (GD-SI) ^^
- Master of Social Impact (MA-SI) or Master of Social Impact (Advanced) (MA-SIADV)
Course structure
- 9 core units (112.5 credit points)
- 7 elective units (87.5 credit points)
OR
- 9 core units (112.5 credit points)
- 2 research options (37.5 credit points)
- 4 elective units (50 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Social Impact (Advanced) is 75 credit points (normally six units)
Units of study
Want to know more about the units that make up your course, how many units you need to complete, our recommended study sequence, and what your timetable looks like this year? Check out our Course Planner and get enrolled.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
On completion of the Master of Social Impact (Advanced), graduates will be able to:
- critically apply coherent and advanced knowledge of social impact concepts in diverse contexts and applications using critical thinking
- apply problem solving, design and decision making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex social problems with intellectual independence
- communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a diverse team, and use basic tools and practices of social impact within project work
- demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, respect and an awareness of professional practices and cultural norms in a global and sustainable context
- critically apply fundamentals to the analysis, design and operation of a business model using appropriate social impact methods and tools
- reflect on and take responsibility for their own learning and self-management processes, and develop skills to review, reflect on and plan to improve their professional performance
- apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and execute a piece of research with some independence.

Graduate skills
The Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Entry requirements
- a recognised bachelor degree in any discipline PLUS a minimum of three years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience* or
- successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Social Impact ** or
- completed the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (International applicants only) with three years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience *
curriculum vitae (CV) with their application. Documents substantiating relevant experience are required,
clearly detailing roles and duration, as well as evidence of formal and non-formal learning. Where relevant
experience is used for the basis of admission, no further recognition for prior learning/credit can be granted