The Master of Social Impact and Not-for-Profit Management (Extension) is a postgraduate qualification designed for professionals who are passionate about driving meaningful change through purpose-led organisations. The course reflects best practice, current issues, and emerging trends in not-for-profit and social enterprise management, equipping students with the advanced skills needed to lead, innovate, and manage organisations with a social purpose at their heart. Students gain expertise across grant writing, fundraising, volunteer management, advocacy, strategic leadership, and social impact measurement, as well as a thorough understanding of the social economy and its broader economic and political context. The Extension version of the degree provides additional depth through elective subjects and extended professional practice components, typically making it a longer qualification than the standard master's.

This qualification is particularly relevant to policy-makers, senior managers, and chief executives of social economy, community, public, and third sector organisations. It also suits professionals seeking to apply business and management principles to governments, businesses, and social ventures — creating economic and social value simultaneously. Employers of graduates span the full breadth of the not-for-profit and for-purpose sectors, including registered charities, community service organisations, government agencies, international aid and development bodies, health and disability organisations, environmental advocacy groups, arts and cultural institutions, professional associations, and corporate social responsibility divisions of large businesses.

To be eligible for admission to a master's-level qualification in this field, applicants typically need to have completed an Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or an overseas equivalent, with more than 75% of all subjects completed at pass level (conceded passes are generally not included in this calculation). Most programs accept applicants from any undergraduate discipline, meaning students do not need a business or social science background to be eligible. However, some institutions may give preference to applicants with relevant work experience in the not-for-profit, community services, government, or social enterprise sectors. Applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements may be directed to a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the field as a pathway into the master's program.

For international students or Australian applicants with international qualifications, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through an approved test. Typical minimum requirements are: IELTS Academic — an overall score of 6.5 with a writing band of at least 6.0; TOEFL iBT — an overall score of 79 with a writing score of 21; Pearson PTE — an overall score of 58 with a writing score of 50; or Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency — an overall score of 176 with a writing score of 169. Some institutions may also accept completion of an approved pre-sessional English program as an alternative. As with all postgraduate courses, meeting minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee an offer of a place, and applications are assessed on a competitive basis.