Description

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is an approach to applied social research that has wide professional applications and in which Macquarie University has a significant national and international standing. The program develops a deep understanding of professional practice, legal requirements, methodological choices and theoretical issues in SIA in multiple contexts, and also requires a small-scale research project in a relevant topic area that demonstrates candidates' capacity for professional practice or higher degree research in the field of SIA. Macquarie University's postgraduate programs in SIA provide Australia's first specialist tertiary qualification in this important and rapidly expanding field. The tight focus on skills development, research training and theoretical engagement is appropriate for practitioners in a range of fields requiring 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 organisational development.