Master of Social Impact
The Master of Social Impact (MSI) is designed for high-performing students seeking to build skills and advance their careers in the growing field of social impact. Whether working in the philanthropy and not-for-profit sector in managerial roles, the private sector in corporate social responsibility, or government in a policy-making capacity, the MSI provides the core capabilities required to lead people effectively in a rapidly changing social economy and business environment. The foundation units address social investment and philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and innovation, creativity and design, and corporate responsibility and accountability. Graduates also acquire specialist knowledge in evaluation and impact measurement, social entrepreneurship, and advanced real-world experience in strategic philanthropy and social venture development.
Postgrad Advice Sessions
You’ve thought about studying in 2019 and you’re ready to apply but you still have some questions. Tell us what you need to know and we’ll book you in for a one-on-one. Sessions end Mar 4.
Make it happen
Postgrad classes are filling up as people look to the future. You’ve only got until 27 Feb to apply for Semester 1. Apply now.
Duration
18 months full-time or equivalent part time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Part-time
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Master of Social Impact is designed for current and emerging leaders who are passionate about social innovation and tackling society’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
The course will immerse you in the full spectrum of organisational and institutional responses to these problems – including those that cross sectoral boundaries.
You’ll explore how not-for-profits and philanthropy collaborate; how social entrepreneurs and enterprises are addressing market failures and unmet needs through social innovation; how future-oriented companies are integrating social impact into core business; and how governments are using social innovation to find new ways to improve social outcomes.
You’ll be taught by leading researchers from the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne and work with sector and industry leaders, using real-world cases and action-based learning. The course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to advance your career in the growing and rewarding field of social impact innovation.
Course structure
- 8 core units (100 credit points)
- 2 elective units including (25 credit points)
- 2 advanced Electives, Applied Projects or Study Tours from the approved list (25 credit points)
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.
Students complete the following 4 core units (50 credit points).
Students complete the following 2 core units (25 credit points).
Students complete the following 2 core units (50 credit points).
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- 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 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
- 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 as preparation for research higher degrees.
Graduate skills
- 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
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Social Impact **
*Relevant professional/managerial experience and evidence of academic capability will be determined by the Faculty PVC (or delegate) with reference to Faculty determined guiding principles. Applicants will be required to submit a 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 on that basis.
**Students entering under this admission requirement will be given full credit for the units completed.
How to apply
Note: Students applying for this course for the Higher Ed Block 1 intake will commence studying with ENT60009 - Opportunity Discovery, Creativity and Design. All other units will be scheduled on or after the commencement of Semester 1.