Bachelor of Business – Social Impact major

Bachelor of Business – Social Impact major

Your guide to majoring in Social Impact with the Bachelor of Business at RMIT.

Full course information Enquire Download Brochure
Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See course admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Part-time 6 years
Fees:

Commonwealth Supported Places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See course admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$ 42,240 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Introduction to the major

When you choose the Social Impact major in the Bachelor of Business at RMIT University, you are equipping yourself for the opportunity to make any career in business a socially impactful (and ethical and responsible) one.

Many organisations are embracing the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development goals. By enrolling in the Social Impact major, you are positioning yourself as a trained expert, equipped to guide businesses – of all sizes and across sectors – in making socially, environmentally responsible, and inclusive decisions in light of the UNSDG imperatives.

This major applies to all business specialisations from the private sector, to government, to non-profit, and defence. You will develop a commanding understanding of how the UNSDGs relate to ethical and responsible business practice, and how these result in social impact, in both broad and detailed influences.

The Social Impact Major allows you to analyse and understand ‘business’ in the context of contemporary concerns around the environment, social impact, and economic factors so you can understand the impact of a range of business practices throughout society. However, you also will become a social impact specialist within your chosen field – equipped with a broad understanding of the impact your organisation makes in the world.

The Social Impact major will position you for a wide range of jobs that provide advice and insight on UNSDG matters against which all governments and leading organisations are being held accountable.

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RMIT Bachelor of Business - Social Impact

Learn about the Social Impact major and minor within the Bachelor of Business, by hearing firsthand experiences from students and academic staff. 

 

Courses available with this major

Choosing a major is a key step in shaping your future. It gives you the chance to tailor your studies to your career goals and personal interests.

The major you choose will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need in your field, while also opening doors to valuable networking opportunities.

You will have the opportunity to take this major in the following courses:

Why choose to major in Social Impact with the Bachelor of Business?

Tailor your learning

Undertake in-depth study in Social Impact, complemented with a choice from 14 majors and 32 minor areas.

Industry informed

Partner with industry as part of your studies and get a head start on your career.

Lead the charge

Equip yourself with sought after skills that will help you be a leader in social impact across organisations.

Our student success stories

Meet Pieter Lamb, an RMIT Business graduate with a commitment to sustainability. While at RMIT, Lamb created a new product called the Skrunch-It – an idea that came to life when he noticed a gap in the market for products that promote the convenient recycling of soft plastics.

Skrunch-It was Pieter’s innovation to help address the issues associate with the recycling of soft plastics, by lowering the barriers preventing people from actively recycling. As a result of Pieter's industry collaboration, RAM Group became an RMIT industry partner, inviting more students to work with their company, as part of their work-integrated learning (WIL) subjects.

We believe we can have a positive impact not only on individuals trying their best to recycle, but create a more efficient process for collecting, sorting, and recycling. Most of Australia already has the technology and infrastructure set up to pick up recyclables from your home, but loose soft plastics are not accepted.

- Pieter Lamb, Bachelor of Business, winner of RAM Group / Brighten Social Impact Award

Career outcomes

Graduates from RMIT's Social Impact major gain a solid foundation in the following key areas:

  • Social entrepreneurship
  • Business and human rights
  • Community engagement
  • Sustainable business practices
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Policy development.

These skills empower you to lead and influence change across various sectors. By mastering the principles of social impact, you'll learn how to create strategies that promote social responsibility, enhance community wellbeing, and drive positive change within organisations.

With a Social Impact major, you'll be ready for a diverse range of roles where you can apply your expertise to real-world challenges. Whether you're working as a social marketer, social impact investor, people manager for diversity and inclusion, government policymaker, non-profit manager, or defence contractor, your skills will help organisations prioritise social responsibility and contribute to societal wellbeing. The demand for professionals in social impact continues to grow, especially as businesses and governments recognise the importance of sustainability and social equity.

Salary expectations vary depending on the role and experience, but social impact professionals typically earn competitive salaries. For example, entry-level roles like social marketers can start at around AU$70,000 a year, while senior positions such as social impact investors or policymakers can see salaries exceeding AU$100,000, depending on experience and the industry.

Subject selection guide

Below is a guide to the roadmap for your major, outlining the subjects and progression through the course.

Please note that this is the recommended sequencing only and is subject to scheduling.

Year of study Semester of study Subjects
Year 1 Semester 1 1. BUSM2562 Understanding the Business Environment*
2. BUSM2567 Business Decision Making*
3. BUSM2656 Principles of  Social Impact+
4. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject
Semester 2 1. BUSM2572 Business in Society*
2. BUSM2577 Integrated Perspectives on Business Problems*
3. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject
4. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject
Year 2 Semester 1 1. BUSM4702 Social Enterprise and Innovation+
2. LAW2593 Law, Business and Human Rights+
3. ECON1259 Development Economics+
4. Elective
Semester 2 1. MKTG1423 Marketing and Society+
2. BAFI3275 Sustainable Finance and Investment+
3. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject
4. Elective
Year 3 Semester 1 1. ACCT2333 Sustainability Reporting, Accountability and Socially Responsible Entities+
2. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject
3. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject
4. Elective
Semester 2 1. BUSM2582 Business Graduate Portfolio^
2. BUSM2655 Designing Social Future^
3. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject
4. Second Major subject OR Minor subject OR Business Option subject

Refer to the Higher Education course guides to learn more about individual subjects.

Key to subject selection

Foundation subject *
Major subject +
Capstone subject ^

Complementary majors and/or minors

By integrating a second major or a range of minors you will deepen your expertise in a specialised area while gaining a well-rounded understanding of how your chosen interest's principles intersect with other fields.

This combination of knowledge and skills will prepare you for the complexities of the modern business landscape and equip you to make a meaningful impact in your chosen career path.

All majors and minors in the Bachelor of Business are complementary. Suggested combinations are listed below: 

Economics major

The Economics major provides insights into resource allocation and behaviours of individuals and organisations. This knowledge enables you to analyse social issues and design effective programs that promote sustainable change in society.

Marketing major

The Marketing major offers expertise in consumer behaviour and brand management, essential for promoting social initiatives. This knowledge helps you develop engaging campaigns that resonate with communities and drive meaningful social change.

Management and Change major

The Management and Change major equips you with skills to navigate organisational dynamics and implement change. Understanding how to manage barriers and communicate strategies enhances your ability to foster social responsibility within organisations.

Global Business major

The Global Business major offers insights into international trade and cross-cultural communication. This knowledge is crucial for addressing social issues globally, allowing you to create impactful programs that promote collaboration across diverse cultural contexts.

Bachelor of Business full course information

This is just one of the 14 majors that you can choose from. Visit the Bachelor of Business course page to find full course information, explore your study options, and get details on entry requirements, pathways, fees, plan structure and how to apply.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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