Bachelor of Business – Social Impact 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.

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.

Step 1: Find a course

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

Step 3: Collect required documents

Step 4: Submit your application

If you are applying for on-campus study in a coursework program (Bachelor, Associate Degree or Honours), use the online application system for international students. 

Remember, our team are experts in RMIT study options and how to apply, so contact the team if you need support with your application.