You can still enrol for classes starting in July
This subject is accepting enrolments until 7 Aug
Social Impact Assessment
PostgraduateMAQ-GEOX80102025
Previously MAQ-GEOX802
Understand how social impact assessment can help stakeholders with different world-views find common ground.Explore the difficulties that can arise during cross-cultural negotiations. Pick apart case studies that deal with issues like native title.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 28 July 2025
- Price from
- $3,070
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Social Impact Assessment
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the theory underpinning SIA and its role and use in practice
- Recognise key social impact issues that occur in land use development and public policy assessment
- Apply knowledge and key concepts from social impact assessment to critical evaluation of planning and policy decisions
- Identify and discuss ways of integrating social issues into public sector discourse and practice
- Research and discuss complex ideas about social change, social process and assessment of social impacts
- Recognise ethical issues and risks in evaluation and impact assessment
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject was previously known as GEOX802 Social Impact Assessment and Cross-Cultural Negotiation.
Social impact assessment (SIA) is an important assessment tool which applies social science methodologies to the evaluation of a wide range of public policy proposals, including those relating to land use planning, social policies and public health. This unit addresses the theory and methods of SIA, discusses the public policy processes which use this assessment, and applies a critical perspective to the ethical dilemmas facing the SIA practitioner. There is a practical focus to the course work through the use of current case studies, and this provides students with an insight into pressures and political difficulties frequently encountered. Students will learn how to recognise and respond to these problems, and present issues to non-specialist audiences.
- Visaul representation of key SIA issues (30%)
- Critique of a case study (40%)
- Research Essay (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-PSP-MAS-2025 - Master of Public and Social Policy
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-GEOX802 (Not currently available)
Others
Admission to MPASR (OUA) or GradDipPASR (OUA) or MPSP (OUA)
NCCW (pre-2020 units) GEOP802, HGEO802, GEOX802
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Master of Public and Social Policy
PostgraduateMAQ-PSP-MAS