Understanding Poverty, Inequality and Social Disadvantage in Australia

Following sold-out cohorts in 2024 and 2025, Understanding Poverty, Inequality and Social Disadvantage in Australia returns in 2026. Register now to secure your spot in this in-demand short course.

Dedicated to shaping awareness of social welfare issues, the Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW Sydney places a strong emphasis on research in areas such as poverty, inequality, wellbeing, and justice.

Through a concentrated approach grounded in research and practical impact, this specialised short course builds on the research and findings of the Poverty and Inequality Partnership (PIP) with ACOSS to examine the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality. It offers a unique Australian policy perspective, utilising evidence-based methodologies to drive meaningful social change.

Join a community of experts with lived experience, advocates, and researchers committed to improving the living standards and opportunities of people living in Australia facing social and economic disadvantage.

Together, let's make a lasting impact and build a more equitable future for people living in Australia, regardless of their circumstances.

What will I learn?

This course offers a distinctive viewpoint by combining the insights of individuals with lived experience, advocates, and researchers, all striving to improve the well-being and opportunities for people living in Australia experiencing social and economic disadvantage.

You'll delve into varied topics to enrich your comprehension of the primary drivers influencing poverty, inequality, and social disadvantage, whilst examining the transformative potential of actionable policies in instigating positive social change.

Learners will gain knowledge and skills relating to:

1. theoretical conceptulisations of poverty and inequality;

2. analysis of poverty and inequality in Australia and cross-nationality;

3. exploration of the causes and consequences of poverty and inequalty; and

4. practical knowledge of the impacts and advocacy for change.

Additionally, this course will explore the complex interation between economic resources, employment, housing, health and broader social policy systems. It will also destigmatise the concepts of poverty, inequality, and social disadvantage to provide a contemporary perspective on what these issues look like in the specific context of Australia.

How will I learn?

Throughout the course, you will explore recent scholarly research, participate in activities designed to encourage debate and discussion, and emerge with the knowledge and skills to shape policies aimed at supporting people facing social and economic disadvantage.

The course will be delivered online with a combination of live sessions and self-paced modules spread across 7 weeks, inclusive of a 1-week study break.

Live Lecture Dates:

• 12 May
• 19 May
• 26 May
• 02 June
• 09 June
• 23 June

All live lectures are scheduled from 6:00pm to 8:15pm (Sydney time).

Total volume of learning is 37.5 hours

Pricing Structure:

Please note there are limited spaces available for each tier.

Individuals who are not affiliated with an NFP, Social Enterprise, Government Agency, or Corporation, and who are currently receiving income support are welcome to contact us to discuss a reduced registration rate. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Who is leading the course?

Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo is a Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre. She is an internationally recognised expert on the measurement and understanding of living standards. Her research program has direct policy relevance to improve the lives of socially and economically disadvantaged people. As an experienced mixed-method researcher, Yuvisthi’s projects have provided an evidence-base across a broad range of critical social policy issues, including poverty and inequality; deprivation and social exclusion; costs of living and well-being. Applying these research foci across the life course, Yuvisthi has published on ageing societies, social security recipients, gender equity and the status of children and families.

Dr Bruce Bradbury is an Associate Professor at the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC). Bruce undertakes research on poverty and inequality, the measurement of living standards, income support and labour market policies, consumer equivalence scales, and the geographic dimensions of social policies.

In 2023, Drs Naidoo and Bradbury collaborated on the Budget Standards for Low-Paid Families research project, funded by the Fair Work Commission.

Who should take this course?

Professionals, advocates and researchers working in social policy across the for-profit, not-for-profit and government sectors or individuals with an interest in supporting their organisation’s advocacy for social change in Australia.

Testimonials

For people who work in the field already, this course is a great chance to dive deeper into the thinking behind what we do and expand our knowledge and tool kit. For those not in the field, I think it provides a great broad coverage of issues that underpin all the work people do, whether it's specifically in anti-poverty advocacy or not.

Mollie Harding, Senior Policy Officer, Northern Territory Council of Social Service

This course delivers a comprehensive overview of poverty and disadvantage. Yuvisthi and Bruce were warm and highly knowledgeable.

Reana Cazar, Senior Research Officer, Brotherhood of St. Laurence