5 Levels of Changemaking: How Our Curriculum Transforms Learning into Action

Each course and program we offer at the School of Social Impact is intentionally designed to enable students to apply their learning at the level that aligns with their current stage of practice. Our curriculum is designed to equip changemakers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create meaningful social impact. What sets us apart is our focus on translating learning into practice: every course, every project, and every interaction is built to help students apply systems thinking in real-world contexts.

Whether a student is establishing foundational knowledge, building collaborative momentum, or leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, the curriculum emphasises practical application and real-world engagement. Activities, projects, and assessments are structured to provide opportunities for students to translate theory into action, ensuring that learning is not confined to the classroom but embedded in tangible, context-specific impact.

We believe that true learning is measured not by what you know—but by what you do. 

To capture and nurture this practical engagement, we assess student progress across a five-level impact scale. This scale is not about ranking students or privileging one stage over another. Each level represents a distinct phase of learning and practice, acknowledging that social impact is a journey, not a linear path. Whether you are just beginning your changemaking journey or leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, our courses are designed to support growth across every stage.

In addition to our structured courses, our free trainings provide students with essential Level 1 skills, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We believe that the foundational knowledge and tools required to engage meaningfully with social impact should be available to everyone, regardless of background or prior experience. These trainings equip learners with the basics of systems thinking, social change, and action-oriented practice, creating a gateway for anyone who wants to begin their changemaking journey and establish a solid foundation upon which they can build further skills.

Level 1: Establishing the Foundations

At this stage, students are introduced to the basics of social impact and change. The emphasis is on understanding fundamental concepts and starting to take action. Level 1 learners develop the confidence to engage with social challenges and lay the groundwork for future learning and application.

Level 2: Understanding Change
Here, the focus shifts to deepening knowledge and building practical skills. Students at Level 2 often engage with organisations or movements, seeking to understand different dimensions of social change. This stage emphasises critical thinking, reflective practice, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to existing initiatives.

Level 3: Building Momentum
Level 3 learners are active collaborators, working in teams and engaging with a range of organisations, actors, and movements. This stage is about amplifying participation, strengthening networks, and generating tangible outcomes through collective effort.

Level 4: Leading Change
At this level, students take ownership of projects and initiatives within their communities or online. Leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to mobilise others are central, as learners translate their accumulated knowledge into independent, high-impact action.

Level 5: Amplifying Your Impact
Level 5 is designed for those leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiatives within organisations or broader systems. Here, students refine their strategic influence, scaling impact while embedding systemic thinking into complex projects.

It is important to recognise that each level relies upon and builds from the one before it. Without a solid foundation in the basics of social impact, for example, applying systems thinking at higher levels can be challenging. Gaps in foundational knowledge or practical experience may limit your ability to effectively collaborate, lead, or scale initiatives. The progression through the five levels ensures that students develop both the skills and the confidence to act, enabling them to integrate learning meaningfully into their practice.

What is important to emphasise is that no stage is more important than another. Each level reflects a unique phase of growth and practice. Our approach is not about mastering abstract concepts in isolation; it is about making systems thinking practical—integrated into your context, your community, and your work.

At the School of Social Impact, learning is inseparable from action. From establishing foundations to amplifying impact, our curriculum is structured to guide, support, and challenge students at every stage of their social impact journey. The goal is clear: to equip changemakers not only with knowledge, but with the capacity to make a measurable difference.