| AQF Level |
Level 8 Graduate Diploma |
| CRICOS Code |
083767K |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The program offers students a focused program of skills development, research training and appropriate theoretical engagement with the field of social impact assessment and allows students to extend that focus within specific practice, disciplinary and policy contexts. The program aims to develop a community of practice that harnesses international understanding of SIA experience and approaches, and ensures high level engagement with issues of social and cultural difference, participatory and consultative methods, robust research and practice framework, and ethical practice. It is aimed at graduates and practitioners in a range of fields whose work requires an understanding of the methods and implications of SIA, including planning, government, community and industry interests in urban planning, community, infrastructure and resource development, and organizational development. The program emphasizes the development and application of intercultural competence and negotiation of impact assessment and management plans with affected communities. This is the only named qualification in SIA available in Australia and marks Macquarie as an international leader in this field. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1. critically review, evaluate and respond the social component of an impact assessment report (K, T)
2. recognize good practice and design and to critique poor practice and design in social impact assessment (K, P, C, E, J)
3. recognize and respond to issues of social and cultural difference in social impact assessment (K, C, E, J)
4. assess and select appropriate social indicators to inform social impact assessment in a variety of settings (K, P)
5. recognize and utilize appropriate theoretical and conceptual approaches to social change relevant to social impact assessment in a variety of settings (K, T, P)
6. contribute to social impact assessment research as a member of a team (K, P, C, E)
7. contribute to stakeholder understanding of social impact assessment reports (K, P, C, E)
8. demonstrate understanding of the range of conceptual tools used in social science research (K).
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
9. produce a critical review of a major impact assessment report using a range of communication methods (K, T, C, J)
10. develop or contribute to credible research design for a social impact assessment study (K, P, C, J)
11. facilitate stakeholder participation in or response to social impact assessment research (K, P, C, E, J)
12. provide effective commentary on social impact assessment policy or practice at a variety of scales (K, P, C, E, J)
13. prepare a short professional report which identifies the critical social impact issues relevant to a specified setting (K, P, C, E, J)
14. able to apply research processes and methodologies informed by sustainable development (K, C, E). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
You will be encouraged throughout this program to develop the relevant subject skills, methods, knowledge and understanding through a variety of independent and collaborative activities. The program is structured so that you engage in a set of required units while also being able to choose from a pool of related units designed to increase your overall understanding and to allow you to further specialise in particular areas. Within this structure you will be exposed to diverse teaching and learning approaches that are designed to be student-centered and flexible, providing opportunities to pursue a range of options oriented towards fitting your schedules.
The teaching and learning approaches are designed to encourage creative and critical thinking about issues of social change and the interaction of culture, place and institutions in a range of settings relevant to the field of social impact assessment, as well as a range of practical skills oriented towards professional development. Teaching and learning strategies include lectures from university staff and external specialists; workshops and tutorial classes (available online as well as in classroom settings) including activities involving peer-to-peer learning; simulation or role-play exercises to encourage experiential learning, on-campus teaching blocks for external students, where teaching is condensed into extended blocks involving both lectures and practical activities; and supervised research projects focused on social impact assessment practice. In each case staff work closely with students to ensure the best learning outcomes, including negotiation of specific additional learning objectives on an individual basis to ensure a program tailored to professional development needs of individual students. The elective options allow students to explore a range of disciplinary areas relevant to social impact assessment and a range of approaches to learning and teaching.
Within the program there is an emphasis on student directed learning through peer-to-peer interaction and discussion, drawing on the diverse skills and backgrounds of people within the classes for required units, who are drawn from wide range of academic and experience backgrounds. Students are expected to research subjects outside class time and present that research via a variety of formats in class. Some units are aimed at developing professional teamwork skills and may require students to work in small teams to generate and present ideas and research, including collaborating using web-based communication. There are also opportunities to apply skills and knowledge to practical ‘real world’ problems by producing research reports for public, private and community sector organisations. |
| Assessment |
You will be exposed to a wide range of assessment tasks through this program. The majority of these are individual pieces of work oriented at developing the critical thinking, practical and communication skills required for a career in environment. The most common assessments involve writing in a range of presentation formats including essays, reports and short review-style pieces. You will also be required to make oral or web-based presentations and participate in discussions with your peers. Other individual assessment tasks may include quizzes, exams, proposals, research projects, academic papers and critical reflections. A major research report in some form is required to be focused on research in a topic focused on social impact assessment that will reflect your knowledge, research and communication skills.
Clear standards and criteria for coursework are included in the unit guides for individual units of study. Marking rubrics provided for specific assessment tasks to help tailor your work to what is expected. Feedback on submitted assignments takes a range of forms but will generally involve written notes regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your work as well as either quantitative or qualitative assessment in accordance to the assessment marking rubric. Teaching staff can also provide feedback in-class or online, or through personal appointments for further feedback and guidance. Constructive peer feedback may be sought for some assessment tasks, particularly those that require presentations. When conducting research for a public, private or community sector organisation as part of your training, feedback will also be sought from these entities. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Graduates of this program will be suitable for employment in a range of SIA roles, including work in SIA teams, community engagement and consultation, public policy and community advocacy. Employers would include local government, resource industry community relations, civil society organisations, state agencies and private consultancy providers in social planning and community development. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
|
