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Course Information

Graduate Certificate in Leading Social Change

Effective from 01-JAN-2026 : Code O21

The Graduate Certificate in Leading Social Change is designed for individuals driven to initiate and contribute to meaningful social change. This course hones student’s theoretical understanding and practical skills to navigate the complexities of social change, focusing on both local community initiatives and broader social movements. This course will allow students to engage critically with concepts such as identity, intersectional disadvantage, and community capacity to actively engage with real-world examples and theories to develop an applicable understanding of sustainable change strategies.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically analyse complex social, political, and economic systems, and evaluate diverse social change theories and strategies, demonstrating and advanced understanding of power dynamics, intersectional disadvantage, and ethical considerations in leading social change.
  2. Collaborate and communicate with stakeholders to foster inclusive and sustainable social change initiatives.
  3. Demonstrate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience in the context of ensuring sustainable personal and professional growth as social change leaders.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 6)

  • Bachelor degree; or
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 4)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
  • Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate Award.

Course Duration

  • Full Time: 0.5 Years
  • Part Time: 1 Year

Course Delivery

  • Online: Part Time, Full Time

Course Coordinator

Dr John SUTCLIFFE

Course Structure

Select the following core units (40cp):

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCG6100Foundations of Successful Social Change20
SCG6110The Self as an Agent of Social Change20
Plus, select one unit (20cp) from the following list of core options:
SCG6105 ^Actors, Networks and Social Change20
SCG6115 ^Social Change through Community Partnerships20
SCG6200 ^Advocating and Activating Social Change20
CMM6510 ^Social and Digital Media Communication20

^ Core Option

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

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