Understanding Poverty, Inequality and Social Disadvantage in Australia

Advance beyond the research with evidence-based policy solutions and actively lead social change in your organisation.

Next Dates: Announced soon
Duration: 37.5 hours
Delivery mode: Online
Price (AUD inc. GST): $500 - $1,295

Spots remaining: NOT AVAILABLE
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Course summary

Gain comprehensive understanding and drive effective solutions

Through a concentrated approach grounded in research and practical impact, this specialised short course builds on the research and findings of the Poverty and Inequality Partnership (PIP) with ACOSS to examine the causes and consequences of inequality and poverty in Australia. It offers a unique Australian policy perspective, utilising evidence-based methodologies to drive meaningful change to social inequality.

Price

Total fees

$500 - $1,295

AUD inc. GST

Who will benefit

Professionals working in social policy across the for-profit, not-for-profit and government sectors.
Individuals in organisation’s who are advocates for social change in Australia.

Course is suitable for

Professionals, advocates and researchers in any job level who are responsible for driving social policy and change in their organisations.

Individuals with an interest in advocacy for social change in Australia who are seeking to gain a further understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty, inequality and social disadvantage.

Delivered by experts

Yuvisthi Naidoo

Senior Lecturer - ADA

Internationally recognised expert on the measurement and understanding of living standards.
Unique set of research skills combining academically robust quantitative analysis of complex survey datasets, qualitative research methods, and project management in applied social policy.
Lead researcher in collaborative projects such as the Poverty and Inequality Partnership with ACOSS and for the Uniting Families Report 2024 with Uniting.

Bruce Bradbury

Associate Professor - ADA

Extensive expertise with a long-standing research focus on poverty, inequality, and economic challenges.
Co-led numerous collaborative projects and publications that showcase his deep knowledge in the field.
His research has contributed to major reports influencing public policy, highlighting his ability to connect academic insights with practical applications that drive social change.

Course designed to stack

1.5 units of credit

TOWARDS

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

About the course

Explore a more equitable future for people living in Australia

Poverty, inequality and social disadvantage pose deep and complex challenges to Australian society, influencing everything from individual wellbeing to broader economic stability and societal cohesion. Addressing these challenges requires informed action and innovative approaches.

This course equips you with the tools and knowledge to drive effective solutions, advocate for reforms and disrupt entrenched disadvantage.

You will also have the opportunity to select a social policy issue and apply frameworks like the Theory of Change to develop actionable projects or policy ideas. This practical approach reinforces the principle that everyone, regardless of their role, has the capacity to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Why enrol in this course

Knowledge and skill application

Apply the newly acquired knowledge or skills to your profession (current or future).

Practical knowledge

Gain practical knowledge of the impacts and advocacy for change.

Hands-on learning with evidence-based methodologies

Through engagement with the course, work towards developing actionable policies to instigate positive social change.

Cohort-based learning

Interact and engage with your peers, course convenors and guest speakers in real time to enhance collaboration and foster a sense of community.

"I loved this course for the presenters, solid overview of theoretical concepts, and interesting readings. It was great for understanding the breadth of social policy issues that intersect with poverty and inequality, and where to pull levers for impact – it’s provided foundational knowledge that will be with me for life. A HUGE thank you to all involved – it was exceptional!"

Ruby Wake | National Advocacy Manager

Key features

Flexible Learning

Engage with online modules and live lectures tailored to fit your schedule.

Evidence-based

Benefit from evidence-based methodologies that can influence actionable change.

Inclusive Approach

Learn from advocates, researchers and individuals with lived experience.

Community Connection

Join a network of peers across different sectors with diverse perspectives and experiences.

Learning outcomes

Enhance your skills for greater social impact

During this course, you will expand your understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty, inequality, and social disadvantage in Australia. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, policy analysis and data-driven insights, you’ll explore the factors shaping these issues and their impact on individuals and communities. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Identify the nature, causes and consequences of social inequality and poverty in Australia.
Demonstrate an awareness of the extent and lived experience of economic and social disadvantage in Australia through analysis and interpretation of data.
Evaluate major social policy systems and processes that impact inequality and poverty in Australia.
Develop an action plan within your organisation addressing the needs of economically and socially disadvantaged consumers, clients or stakeholders.

What you'll learn

This course provides a unique perspective by bringing together the voices of people with lived experience, advocates and researchers - all working to enhance the well-being and opportunities of Australians facing social and economic disadvantage.

You will delve into varied topics to enrich your comprehension of the primary drivers influencing poverty, inequality and social disadvantage, whilst examining the transformative potential of actionable policies in instigating positive social change.

You will also explore the complex interaction between economic resources, employment, housing, health and broader social policy systems.

Topics covered

Introduction to poverty, inequality and social policy
The measurement and analysis of poverty and inequality
The profile and impact of social disadvantage
Health and Housing
Australia’s social safety net: principles and actions
Drivers of change

Course delivery

Format	Commitment	Delivery	Method
100% online; Weekly live lectures with facilitators Cohort based learning Self paced modules	37.5 hours over 7 weeks	Online platform, featuring 6 modules with live lectures, activities, topic-related readings and final assessment	Self-paced modules Live lectures Action plan presentation

Schedule

The course will be delivered 100% online and includes weekly live lectures and self-paced modules spread across 7 weeks, inclusive of a 1-week study break.

Throughout the course, you will explore recent scholarly research, participate in activities designed to encourage debate and discussion, complete online learning activities and conclude by developing and presenting your own Action Plan.

Credentials

1.5 units of credit

TOWARDS

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Gain a nanocredential

This is the first nanocredential in a series of courses in development, that can be stacked together to receive 6 units of unspecified credit towards a postgraduate program in social impact.

How can I use my credit towards further study?

By completing this course, you will receive 1.5 Units of Credit that can be used towards stackable courses in the future, earning up to 6 Units of Credit. You can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and have these credits transferred, upon commencing a postgraduate program in social impact with the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture.