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Graduate Diploma in Social Impact

Increase your knowledge of social impact and tap into student initiatives that have a positive effect on the community. Through hands-on learning delivered by industry experts, you’ll become an important next-generation leader for social change in Australia and beyond.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
Campus: Kensington
Codes: Program code 5357; CRICOS code 0101074

2024 Indicative first year full fee: $38,000*
2024 Indicative first year full fee: $56,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $57,000*

Hybrid delivery
Internships offered
Hands-on learning

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Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Social Impact is designed for professionals who are looking to upskill and increase their knowledge of social impact. Designed for a new generation of leaders, you will learn to build the professional capacity of private, public and social sectors of the future, enhance your capacity to lead organisations creating social and environmental value and to operate in a changed cross-sector social landscape where the dynamism of the market is also directed at social innovation. This program also offers a pathway into the AGSM MBA (Social Impact).

Why study at UNSW?

UNSW Business School has been ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS for the last two years in a row*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.

Immersed in a world-renowned business community, you will build skills to drive social innovation and corporate responsibility, develop social enterprises and lead organisations to create social and environmental value.

^{*AFR BOSS 2023 Best Business School Rankings}

Program Code

5357

CRICOS Code

0101074

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

The Graduate Diploma in Social Impact has three categories of entry:

Category A
Applicants require a recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average (65% or higher) as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator; and at least 2 years full-time relevant work experience.

Category B
Professionals without a bachelor degree can apply to the program if they have at least 5 years full-time relevant work experience in government, corporate or not-for-profit sector.

Category C
Students completing the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact (with a minimum overall WAM of 65) are able to articulate into the Graduate Diploma of Social Impact with full course credit given. Applicants must have at least 5 years full-time relevant work experience in government, corporate or not-for-profit.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

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:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

The Graduate Diploma in Social Impact has three categories of entry:

Category B
Professionals without a bachelor degree can apply to the program if they have at least 5 years full-time relevant work experience in government, corporate or not-for-profit sector.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The Graduate Diploma in Social Impact develops socially responsible leadership abilities in private, public, and social sector professionals. You’ll create social and environmental value and drive innovation in dynamic, cross-sector social landscapes.

The diploma offers seven elective courses from industry-relevant topics related to social entrepreneurship. Your chosen electives are supported with one compulsory course in social impact.

You can choose electives to suit your goals and interests in leading change for sustainability, social investment, corporate responsibility and accountability, designing for social innovation, and more.

Visit the Graduate Diploma in Social Impact Handbook for detailed course information.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

This diploma provides advanced knowledge to implement social change within organisations or your own enterprise.

UNSW Business School students have access to Career Accelerator, a suite of professional development opportunities including: 

Global work and study experiences 
Internships integrated with the degree for course credit  
Career mentors and industry networks

Potential careers

The UNSW Graduate Diploma in Social Impact leads toward further studies in social impact, that move you toward rewarding and purposeful careers opportunities in:

Executive Roles in Not-for-Profit and Community Organisations 
Public or Social Sector Managers and Leaders 
Social Policy Managers in the Corporate Sector 
Social Entrepreneurs 
Foundation Executives and Managers 
Social Business Executives and Administrators 
Corporate Community Engagement Executives and Professionals 
Social and Ethical Investment Professionals

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

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For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$38,000*

2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$38,000*

*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.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee

$56,000*

2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$57,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

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.