Study Social Change and Development

If you are looking to pursue a career in not-for-profit or government aid contributing to social change and development and have the desire and passion to work in the professional service of others, then the Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development will provide you with the foundational knowledge to begin that journey.

This program will introduce you to key areas of social change delivered through a balance of theoretical and practical coursework. You will graduate with a high-level understanding of the implications of wider social and political changes at a global level, which affect local conditions and capacities. You will be prepared to meet the challenges of development work in a rapidly changing global environment.

Why study with us?

  • Study anywhere, anytime - our advanced online learning system provides you with the flexibility and support to study anytime, anywhere to balance work, life and study - and can be completed in just 6 months when studying full-time.
  • Fast-track your career - this degree will increase your professional capacity making you highly employable within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms.
  • Work anywhere in the world - our Certificate in Social Change & Development is recognised nationally and internationally, allowing you to capitalize on your social change and development knowledge globally within the professional environment.
  • Graduate at the forefront of the profession - this program equips graduates with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge to meet the challenges of development work in a rapidly changing global environment.

Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development

Top 200 ? in the world for Sociology
World top 250 ? for Social Sciences

What you will study

The University of Newcastle’s Certificate in Social Change and Development is designed to propel students towards success in the global industry. Ideally suited to those who have completed undergraduate degrees in social sciences, human resources, politics, health, environmental studies, indigenous studies or agriculture - you will build on your prior learnings studying a range of progressive subjects. The core courses to support your drive and direction are:

  • Project Design and Evaluation
  • Development and Social Change
  • Social Science Research Methods

Upon completion of the above courses you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the processes of social change and development, and be able to apply this knowledge in the professional environment.

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development might look like.

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Career

Career opportunities

As Australia engages more and more with developing countries, there is a growing need for qualified professionals to undertake roles in the community development and policy analysis of funded development projects and aid organisations. At the completion of your Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development, you will have the fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge to take on these roles within government agencies, non-government organisations and private firms.

Once armed with these skills you can embark on some of the following career pathways:

  • administrator
  • field officer
  • researcher
  • development planner
  • educator or manager
  • overseas aid
  • community development
  • ministry of finance in developing countries
  • sustainable land care

You can also take your postgraduate qualification to the next level, opening up further career opportunities with the Master of Social Change and Development at the University of Newcastle.

Application info

Applying for Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: If you are applying for recognition of prior learning for this program, you will need to provide a statement detailing how your professional experience prepares you to undertake postgraduate study.

Apply to study in Australia

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: If you are applying for recognition of prior learning for this program, you will need to provide a statement detailing how your professional experience prepares you to undertake postgraduate study.

Apply to study online

This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

The Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development is a 40-unit postgraduate qualification, with entry available for applicants who have one of the following qualifications or equivalent:

  • Bachelor Honours Degree; or
  • Bachelor Degree; or
  • Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in a related field plus two years’ relevant work experience;
  • At least five years’ relevant work experience.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development will be eligible for 40 units of credit towards the Master of Social Change and Development award.

Relevant work experience includes administration, research, development planner, local officer, educator, or manager.

Work experience can be identified through: certified copies of all relevant qualifications, a detailed CV, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.

Related fields include sociology, geography, anthropology and development studies, agriculture, environmental studies, education, municipal community or social work/welfare, Indigenous studies and economics.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates