Overview

Social innovation is changing how communities, organisations and governments respond to some of the world’s biggest challenges. It is the process of developing and implementing new ideas, services and models to address pressing societal issues. From tackling inequality and environmental damage to supporting community empowerment, this fast growing field is reshaping how social change happens across the globe.

This MSc is for ambitious graduates who want to help lead that change.

At GCU, you’ll examine the complex systems behind social change, understand why some initiatives succeed while others fail, and develop the leadership and entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive meaningful change.

The course is open to graduates from any discipline. Whether your background is in business, law, the arts, health or the social sciences, you’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills employers value. It’s an opportunity to build on your existing strengths while taking your career in a new direction.

Teaching is shaped by current issues and real-world practice across the social innovation sector. Through live case studies, guest speakers and networking opportunities, you’ll explore the challenges organisations and communities are facing today while building professional insight and industry awareness.

You’ll study at the heart of Scotland’s respected social economy sector, which includes thousands of co-operatives, social enterprises and community interest companies. GCU’s strong connections both locally and abroad can provide you with opportunities to connect with organisations and practitioners working across:

social enterprise
international development
public policy
community action.

Teaching is also informed by research through GCU’s Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health. The research centre is globally recognised for its work in social enterprise, social finance, health inequality and sustainable development.

You’ll become part of a global learning community exploring how innovation can create fairer and more inclusive societies. This course challenges you to think critically, question existing systems and develop ideas that can make a meaningful difference in the world.

Why study Social Innovation at GCU?

Gain a global and interdisciplinary understanding of social innovation, sustainability and governance while exploring how social change happens across different international contexts.
Study at the heart of Scotland’s respected social economy sector, with access to organisations, practitioners and networks across social enterprise and community action.
Learn from academics at GCU’s Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, a globally recognised research centre in social enterprise, health inequality and sustainable development.
Build the leadership, entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills needed to drive meaningful social change across communities, organisations and sectors.
Open to graduates from any discipline, giving you the opportunity to build on your existing strengths while taking your career in a new direction.

What you will study

Modules

Ethics Sustainability & Governance

Postgraduate Research Methods

Developing Leadership for the Common Good

Social Innovation and Alternative Economic Forms

Transformative Social Science

Social Innovation Solutions

Applied Social Marketing

Social Finance

Project Management

Masters Research Project

Professional Practice

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

Careers

You can progress to a career in social innovation in the UK or internationally.

The sectors you could work in include public health and policy, international development, community and economic development, and the growing social economy.

Graduates of this course are working across the public, private and third sectors — wherever organisations are trying to create lasting social change.

Our graduates have gone on to roles in:

national and local government
international NGOs
social innovation research institutions
social enterprise.

Others have developed their own social ventures or moved into academic research.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Minimum academic requirement

UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in any subject area.

English language requirement

English language: Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Teaching methods

Teaching is student-centred, practical and participative. You'll learn through a blend of:

lectures
seminars
workshops
directed study
independent learning.

Sessions combine knowledge sharing with discussion, group activities and interactive learning. You'll be encouraged to contribute to debates, share ideas and apply your learning to real challenges.

The course combines theoretical, practical and business-focused modules to help you develop a broad range of knowledge and skills. Through experiential learning and industry-relevant activities, you'll build the understanding and professional capabilities needed for management roles across a range of sectors.

Assessment methods

Assessment on this course is varied and practical.

You'll complete:

individual and group projects
written reports
group presentations
self and peer review exercises.

Creative technologies feature throughout, and live case studies give you the chance to apply your entrepreneurial thinking to real challenges.

Designed with industry input

This course has been designed with input from industry experts both in the UK and internationally. Academics bring expertise from social innovation research and practice across a range of countries including the USA, Italy, Nigeria and Kenya.

We maintain active links with Scotland's rich social economy sector. That means you'll study ideas and issues that are directly relevant to the organisations you'll one day work with.

Guest speakers and networking

Throughout the course, you'll have opportunities to hear from and connect with people at the centre of Scotland's social economy through public events, guest lectures and visits to local organisations. You'll also benefit from the course's international outlook.

Speakers have provided insight into topics including:

social economy
social entrepreneurship
international aid
social innovation in global contexts (recently Italy and Nigeria)
community wealth building in the age of polycrisis.

Site visits

As well as welcoming guests to campus, the course includes visits to local organisations working at the frontline of social innovation.

Previous visits have included Garnethill Multicultural Centre and Woodlands Community Garden.

Professional development

You'll be encouraged to join GCU's Entrepreneurial Hub and take part in employer events and networking opportunities on campus. These connections complement your academic studies and help you build the professional relationships that matter in this sector.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.