|
Description of course |
From October 2008, the Department will offer post-graduate studies to
follow on from its successful offerings at the undergraduate level. The
Masters (MA) programme is designed for people who want to develop and
improve their knowledge and work in the not-for-profit,
non-governmental, non-profit, third, community and voluntary sector. It
is intended to develop students’ knowledge, skills and abilities and
their capability to combine contemporary theory with practical
knowledge. Students are expected to engage critically with a range of
issues related to the role of the voluntary sector in society and to be
working in and with the voluntary/not-for-profit sector. They should
develop the skills and abilities to influence change within the
voluntary sector and wider public policy debates, based on sound
academic knowledge and reflection on their practical experience.
The MA programme is academically rigorous, requiring both academic
critical thinking and reflective application of learning to the
student’s own experience and practice. Applications are welcomed from
graduates (BA or BSc level) with a first-class or upper second-class
degree in Voluntary Sector Studies, social science, management,
psychology, or another relevant discipline. In addition, students would
normally be expected to have some experience in the voluntary sector, in
order to bring practice based knowledge to the course. Students who do
not have the required degree but can otherwise demonstrate the required
skills and experience may also be admitted to the MA course by
agreement.
The programme is designed to be relevant to those involved with or
working in voluntary organisations. It is intended to contribute to the
student’s personal development and their understanding and engagement in
the voluntary sector and wider community, making a real contribution to
tackling the problems and issues associated with change in public policy
and the voluntary sector. While a student’s motivation might be their
independent interest in scholarship in this area, the course would
contribute to the development of careers within not-for-profit and
voluntary organisations and organisations involved in public and social
policy and civic activity and change. The course also develops skills
and network building, which are equally vital to the student’s future
development.
Postgraduate degrees by research (MPhil, PhD) are also available,
depending on individual interest and supervisory capacity within the
Department. |
