AGSM Master of Business Administration (Social Impact)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 2 - 4 years
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
- Campus
-
Sydney CBD
- Codes
- Program code 8625
- CRICOS code -
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $47,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $71,500*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $75,000*
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Tuesday, 10 February (6.30pm-8.30pm AEDT)
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- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Create meaningful change in your organisation, industry and community as a leader in social impact. The MBAX (Social Impact) primes you to understand the dynamics of the social economy, and how different organisations can work together to drive progress for all.
Wondering ‘what is social impact?’. The phrase refers to the effect that a business, government or entity has on society. It’s increasingly critical for purpose-driven organisations that want to operate sustainably and improve life for everyone. At AGSM @ UNSW, we’re leading the national conversation around social impact in collaboration with the Centre for Social Impact, and our graduates benefit from having a front-row seat.
You’ll study in a part-time fully flexible capacity and have the option to choose how your courses are delivered to you – online, face-to-face or a combination of the two. You’ll create a schedule that works with your existing commitments, meaning you can continue working while you study and put your learnings to the test right away.
Key features
Globally recognised MBA program
What better way to stand out among other graduates than to join AGSM’s MBAX program. We're ranked #1 in Australia and #10 globally (Financial Times Online MBA Rankings, 2025). AGSM is part of UNSW Business School, ranked Australia's #1 school in Business & Management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Expand your network
Uncover new opportunities when you network with your peers across the not-for-profit, corporate and government sectors through The Centre for Social Impact (CSI). CSI has undertaken hundreds of research projects with government, business and not-for-profit partners, and provides the nation’s most comprehensive postgraduate programs in social impact.
Drive social change for the future
Help industries to progress by building unique skills and knowledge in the social economy, entrepreneurship, innovation, investment and governance. Debate the critical concepts of social impact and acquire the insights to lead sustainable and systemic social change within your organisation and beyond.
Why study at UNSW?
Flexibility and accessibility at the forefront
Designed for maximum flexibility and convenience, you’ll have the option to choose the study method that suits you and your schedule best. Switch between face-to-face and online courses to complement your current work life.
Make an impact while you study
Draw on your existing and extensive work experience in your course assessments and apply new learnings immediately to your professional employment. When you study the MBAX (Social Impact), you’ll be given the opportunity to build a collaborative learning environment and develop valued relationships with networks that will boost your personal and professional success.
Learn from leading business practitioners
AGSM programs are designed in consultation with industry, ensuring students receive the most relevant and up-to-date education. Our programs are led by experts in their field, bringing unique perspectives from a diverse range of roles and industries.
Want to see more from UNSW Business School?
Entry requirements
You will need to have:
- A recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) and a minimum of 2 years professional or managerial work experience, or
- At least 6 years professional work experience
Note: Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee you will be offered a place on this program.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Please refer to the UNSW English Requirements Policy for further information.
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
Please note: You can apply for an English waiver based on directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Entry requirements
The MBAX (Social Impact) (8625) is open to International Students studying offshore. This program is not eligible for international student visa.
You will need to have:
- A recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) and a minimum of 2 years professional or managerial work experience, or
- At least 6 years professional work experience
Note: Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee you will be offered a place on this program.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Please refer to the UNSW English Requirements Policy for further information.
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
Please note: You can apply for an English waiver based on directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The MBAX (Social Impact) is a flexible, part-time program designed to equip a new generation of leaders to make a strong social impact. You’ll develop business leadership skills to enhance your personal and professional success and apply your new knowledge to drive social progress in your organisation and beyond.
The program comprises core subjects and electives, all guided by industry professionals, giving you the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests. You'll have the flexibility to learn in various formats, choosing from online and face-to-face learning – or a combination of both.
Full program structure
The AGSM MBA (Social Impact) is a part-time program that can be completed in anywhere between 2 to 6 years. There are 12 courses in the program, totalling 72 units of credit (UOC). Students must complete:
2 compulsory courses – 12 UOC
4 core MBAX courses – 24 UOC
- Accounting and Financial Management | AGSM6210
- Corporate Finance | AGSM6321
- Data Analytics and Decision-making | AGSM6234
- Economics in Management Practice | AGSM9122
- Managing People & Organisations | AGSM6275
- Marketing Management | AGSM6251
1 core Social Impact course – 6 UOC
- Social Impact | COMM5701
3 prescribed electives – 18 UOC
- Collaboration and Policy Making for Social Impact | COMM5713
- Corporate Responsibility and Accountability | COMM5709
- Demonstrating Social Impact | COMM5704
- Design for Social Innovation | COMM5706
- Social Impact Investment | COMM5703
- Social Impact Field Project | COMM5707
- Managing Just Transitions | COMM5710
2 free electives – 12 UOC
- Any AGSM course (see handbook for details)
Future careers
Graduates with an MBAX in Social Impact are uniquely positioned to unlock rewarding career opportunities that combine business acumen with a passion for positive social change. These diverse career prospects enable graduates to make a significant impact across various sectors, including nonprofit, corporate and government organisations.
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- Advocacy Group Director
- Business Development Manager
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
- Director of not-for-profit organisations
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Impact Investment Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Social Entrepreneur
- Social Impact Consultant
- Sustainability Analyst
- Sustainability Program Manager
Hear from AGSM MBAX graduates
Discover how AGSM MBAX graduates are creating impact in very different arenas - from driving systemic change in the justice system to leading life-saving healthcare logistics. Danielle Captain-Webb and Joe Taylor share how the program gave them the tools to lead with purpose and deliver results that matter.
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Danielle Captain-Webb is a proud Gomeroi and Wiradjuri woman, lawyer and mother who is using her career to drive systemic change in the justice system. As a Solicitor Advocate of the Coronial Inquest Unit, she brings cultural context and a healing-focused approach whilst advocating for better outcomes for First Nations families.
Through the AGSM MBAX, Danielle gained the confidence, academic frameworks and leadership tools to navigate conflict, foster collaboration and scale her social impact.
Her story shows how the MBAX can empower professionals to lead with purpose and create meaningful change.
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Joe Taylor is the CEO of Smartways Logistics, Australia & NZ’s largest dedicated healthcare logistics provider. Under his leadership, Smartways has grown dramatically, from ~100 drivers and 20 staff to nearly 400 employees, servicing over 1,350 hospitals daily.
Joe leads in the critical field of healthcare logistics, delivering everything from medical technology to organs where timing is life-or-death, while driving sustainable impact through carbon-neutral operations.
He describes the AGSM MBAX as transformative. Before the program, he was strong in project management; after it, he gained deeper insight into change management, strategy prioritisation and leadership in scaling businesses amid complexity.
How to apply
Before applying for admission, candidates must satisfy the entry requirements. Information on how to apply including application dates and checklist can be found on the AGSM How to Apply page.
If you would like to undertake a pre-assessment of your eligibility to apply for the AGSM MBAX (Social Impact) program, please email your CV to admissions@agsm.edu.au and a team member will be in touch.
Ready to start your application?
Before applying for admission, candidates must satisfy the entry requirements. Information on how to apply including application dates and checklist can be found on the AGSM How to Apply page.
If you would like to undertake a pre-assessment of your eligibility to apply for the AGSM MBAX (Social Impact) program, please email your CV to admissions@agsm.edu.au and a team member will be in touch.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Tuition fees are charged on a term basis irrespective of when studies are commenced. Information on fees can be found on the AGSM Program Fees page.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Tuition fees are charged on a term basis irrespective of when studies are commenced. Information on fees can be found on the AGSM Program Fees page.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
#1
Full-Time MBA in Australia
Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, 2025.
#1
Online MBA in Australia and #4 globally
QS Online MBA Rankings, 2026.
“The flexibility of the MBAX program was a great way to learn while managing my professional and personal commitments. Being able to specialise provided me with a solid grounding in social impact and sustainability concepts for practitioners."