Better Society Academy FAQs

No specific qualifications or degrees are required to participate in our masterclasses. However, applicants will be judged on their experience and passion for one of our specific themes: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Social Impact and Climate Action.

We’re looking for passionate and committed people that already play an active role in addressing pressing societal issues. This could be environmental advocates, ethical campaigners or those challenging the political status quo. You might work as an entrepreneur, volunteer, freelancer or employee at a non-profit organisation, educational institute or socially conscious private sector business. Ultimately, we want people with purpose and perspective.

Unfortunately, not. Our masterclasses are in-person programmes and require you to attend all sessions on site.

Participants not only enjoy an immersive 3.5-day learning experience, but also receive a four-night hotel stay at The Social Hub host property (check in on Tuesday from 3pm; check out on Saturday before 12pm), as well as all course materials, social learning and community activities, and group meals and drinks during the programme.

All group meals and drinks during your selected masterclass are provided, as outlined below.

Tuesday: Welcome drinks and dinner

Wednesday to Friday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks

Saturday: Breakfast

Travel expenses to and from your masterclass host city are not included; you must arrange your travel and pay for this yourself.

Our masterclasses are all about collaborating and co-creating to make an impact. With limited spaces available, we’re looking for purposeful participants with dedicated hearts, sharp minds and the skills to craft creative, pragmatic ideas and solutions to build a better tomorrow. The application process helps our team curate a group with a diverse range of talents and perspectives, where everyone brings something unique to the table.

The application process closes three weeks before the masterclass start date, or sooner if spaces fill up.

Applicants will be informed about their acceptance within five working days of submitting their application. This process takes 10 days for scholarship applicants

All accepted applicants will receive an acceptance email and a payment link or invoice, depending on your payment preference. Once we’ve received payment, you’ll get a confirmation email that includes a form for personal information, including your dietary requirements, arrival times, additional needs, etc. Ahead of the programme, you’ll be invited to join one of our online kick-off sessions to optimise your learning experience.

Each masterclass has been designed to minimise its demand on your time ahead of its start date. Nevertheless, there may be some optional mini tasks and reflective exercises you can undertake to prepare for it. There will also be a pre-programme introduction call, during which you’ll familiarise yourself with the programme structure and meet your peers.

Yes, you can currently pay the fee in two instalments. The first instalment is a 50% down payment, due 14 days after you’ve been notified of your acceptance to the programme. The second instalment is for the outstanding 50% of the fee and is due two days prior to the start of your selected masterclass, at the latest.

If you’re still facing difficulties despite the solutions listed above, please contact us to explore other options via bettersocietyacademy@thesocialhub.co.

The Better Society Academy offers an immersive learning experience that empowers social changemakers to lead with impact, build powerful networks and collaborate effectively. The programme is designed to expand your personal and professional horizons, all under expert guidance. This can be incredibly beneficial to both you and your employer.

If you’re trying to encourage your employer to fund your participation, make sure you align the learning objectives of your chosen masterclass with your job responsibilities and career goals. Highlight how the skills and knowledge you’ll acquire from the programme will contribute to your effectiveness in your current role, while improving your leadership, communication and partnership skills.

Key course benefits to discuss

· Working with and learning from purposeful peers and thought leaders will help you and your organisation identify emerging opportunities.

· Strengthening partnerships and networking skills will help you and your organisation achieve key business goals, especially around growth and innovation.

· Case studies are real-world examples and provide learners with practical and experiential learning experiences, helping you develop critical design thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, while practicing decision making from the safety of a classroom.

· Our curated case studies require multidisciplinary perspectives. This approach encourages holistic thinking and helps learners develop a broader understanding of societal issues, while working closely with people from diverse backgrounds.

· Knowledge and insights gained from the Better Society Academy are designed to be shared with your peers, multiplying impact across the organisation.

Members of The Social Hub’s global community are ambitious creatives, entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to change the world. That’s why our community – including students, co-work members and alumni – qualify for a 30% discount. To benefit from the discount, simply select the ‘TSH Community Member’ ticket in the application form. If you’re not a community member yet, there’s still time to become one. You’ll find all information on memberships here.

Full scholarship spots are reserved for applicants with a proven track record in making a substantial contribution to their cause. A limited (but guaranteed) number of scholarship spots are available for those who face financial difficulties in financing their participation. If you fit this criterion, simply select ‘Apply for a Full Scholarship’ during the application process.

If you’re employed in the public or private sector, you might be able to expense the cost of the learning programme to your company’s learning and development (L&D), corporate social responsibility (CSR) or diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) budget. You can also check if your employer is willing to directly fund your participation.

Once you’ve been accepted for a masterclass, you’ll need to make a down payment within 14 days. The outstanding 50% must be paid two days before to the start of the masterclass, at the latest. This gives you the opportunity to spread the cost across two payments.

Our programme has been carefully designed to build a sense of community and to create a meaningful learning environment. Unlike a conference, this means full participation and involvement is necessary to get the most out of your masterclass. If you do miss a session or activity due to unforeseen circumstances, the on-site Better Society Academy team will be able to advise you.

The Better Society Academy is all about creating a safe learning space where you can truly be yourself. We prioritise making you feel welcome and appreciated. Immersive learning happens when attendees feel comfortable and can freely contribute to an equitable learning environment. Our on-site team is seasoned, skilled and available throughout the programme to guide and support you.

The nature of our programme means you’ll organically network with fellow participants. Some of our speakers may also be open to connect, but we recommend judging this on a case-by-case basis. If you’d like to connect with one of the speakers and/or facilitators, please respect their boundaries and ask for consent from them – or their representatives – before approaching.

We know how important moral support can be after a long day of immersive learning and social activities, but we want you to be fully present, build impactful relationships and play a key role in our cohesive group. In the spirit of the programme, therefore, guests aren’t allowed to spend the night in your room. Of course, exceptions can be made for those with special needs. If this is the case, reach out to us via bettersocietyacademy@thesocialhub.co.

To truly immerse yourself in the masterclass, we strongly recommend you spend the nights at our hub. We’re more than just a hotel, we’re a hybrid hub designed to strengthen connections, encourage collaboration and inspire ideas. Part of the experience is built around sharing meals, prepping together and becoming a tight-knit group. There’s also no discount on the participation fee if you choose not to stay at the hub

Learners who attend the entire programme will receive a certificate of attendance. This will be digitally signed and recorded to guarantee its authenticity and validity. Those who complete the masterclass are free to share this certificate on LinkedIn.

After your registration for your selected masterclass has been accepted, cancellation is possible no later than 14 days before the start of your chosen masterclass. This must be submitted in writing to bettersocietyacademy@thesocialhub.co. In case of a no-show, the full masterclass fee will be charged.