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.

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

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.

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 equivale

TOEFL paper-based test score of 550; TOEFL internet based score of 79; IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5; PTE GSE score of 58; Cambridge English: Advanced score of 58.