MA Voluntary and Third Sector Management

Summary 2012/13

• Demonstrate management skills, entrepreneurship and the ability to work within partnerships whilst delivering professional services in the voluntary and third sector;
• Study a flexible programme developed in close partnership with the voluntary and third sector and local learning consortia;
• Learn from a course team with considerable expertise in conducting research, working with the voluntary and third sector and teaching to Masters level.

This is a unique management programme which has been designed to address the specific needs of the voluntary and third sector. It allows you to explore organisational management with a specific emphasis on the sector and relevant issues such as:

• Strategic development in the sector;
• Different kinds of organisation and management approaches;
• Skills and tools for management and leadership;
• The management of volunteers;
• Issues that are changing and shaping the voluntary and third sector.

The course provides a strong grounding in management theory, while providing a strong practical base for managing organisations in the sector. You will be encouraged to take a reflective and critical perspective and work in an interdisciplinary environment.

2012 Entry Requirements

You will need either a bachelor degree or postgraduate qualification. Alternatively, you may provide evidence of experience and/or prior learning through which you can demonstrate the ability to write an extended piece of work clearly and apply reflective thinking.

Summary 2013/14

• Demonstrate management skills, entrepreneurship and the ability to work within partnerships whilst delivering professional services in the voluntary and third sector;
• Study a flexible programme developed in close partnership with the voluntary and third sector and local learning consortia;
• Learn from a course team with considerable expertise in conducting research, working with the voluntary and third sector and teaching to Masters level.

This is a unique management programme which has been designed to address the specific needs of the voluntary and third sector. It allows you to explore organisational management with a specific emphasis on the sector and relevant issues such as:

• Strategic development in the sector;
• Different kinds of organisation and management approaches;
• Skills and tools for management and leadership;
• The management of volunteers;
• Issues that are changing and shaping the voluntary and third sector.

The course provides a strong grounding in management theory, while providing a strong practical base for managing organisations in the sector. You will be encouraged to take a reflective and critical perspective and work in an interdisciplinary environment.

2013 Entry Requirements

You will need either a bachelor degree or postgraduate qualification. Alternatively, you may provide evidence of experience and/or prior learning through which you can demonstrate the ability to write an extended piece of work clearly and apply reflective thinking.

Details

Who is this course for?

This programme is suited to people coming from a variety of disciplines in business, arts and media, health and social care, education and community work who are seeking to develop management skills and knowledge for work in the voluntary and third sector. The course will be strongly suited to existing managers, board members and volunteers that have experience in managing within the sector.

The course may be studied part-time and recognises that you may have commitments to paid employment or volunteering. To accommodate this we have built in a high degree of flexibility in both learning opportunities and how you can progress through the programme.

What will I gain from this programme?

The three main political parties have emphasised that the voluntary and third sector will be increasingly called upon to deliver professional services. This unique programme has been designed in conjunction with the sector and local learning consortia so that you can demonstrate your management skills, entrepreneurship and the ability to work within partnerships whilst delivering these services via professional qualifications.

How we will support you

You will be encouraged and supported to develop the necessary skills to become an independent, self-directed and reflective learner. Additionally, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will be a member of the programme team and who will provide guidance, advice and support and a link to the University systems and support structures.

What will I study?

The Postgraduate Certificate offers modules which explore different dimensions of voluntary and third sector management. You will be given the opportunity to examine key contemporary topics such as current policy and practice, systems for staff development and performance, support development and management of volunteers, economic trends, new philanthropy, strategic business modelling, governance, and managing networks, partnerships and stakeholder relations.

If you decide to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma you will learn about different research methods and examine your own place of work in a management context.

Progression to the Masters Degree will see you writing a dissertation on a suitable topic that interests you and relates to your management studies.

How will I study?

The programme is delivered via day schools and online learning, discussion and support. These day schools will provide you with stimulation through presentations, seminars and workshops that will engage with the topics and develop your understanding. At the end of each of the days there will be the opportunity of either a question and answer session or tutorial support.

In addition to the day schools there will also be face-to face and online tutoring and online learning sets where you will be able to work, discuss and exchange ideas. For each of the modules there is an online study pack that provides an introduction to the topic with learning exercises and associated reading. These will be provided online through the University.

You will be required to either attend an induction day or induction with a personal tutor where you will be registered for the programme and the individual modules, learn about the programme and be introduced to the various facilities that will be available to you.

Who will be teaching me?

The modules will be led by staff from Edge Hill Business School who possess considerable expertise in conducting research, working with the voluntary and third sector and teaching to Masters level. Additional teaching contributions will be made by other staff from CLPS who will share their expertise through presentations. Visiting lecturers will also bring a range of applied knowledge to the programme.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is based on coursework. There is a wide variety of assessments associated with the programme. These include essays, the writing of a reflective journal, production of a business model for the agency you work for, writing of a policy paper, production of a portfolio and the writing of an article for publication.

What are my career prospects?

This programme is designed specifically with your needs in mind so you can continue with your professional development to enhance your employability and promotional prospects within the voluntary and third sector.

Related Programmes

MA Equality and Diversity Management

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University’s stunning £8m Business and Law building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in the Business School and Department of Law and Criminology. The three-storey building offers modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. A roof garden and atrium are other attractive features along with a 100-seater lecture theatre.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. 180 credits are required to complete the MA. Information for UK and EU students only.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you do not have a degree, postgraduate qualification or any evidence of experience and/or prior learning you will need to demonstrate an understanding of, and engagement with, the voluntary or third sector. You will also need to demonstrate the ability to write an extended piece of work, set by the programme team, which shows your ability to think reflectively.

Where can I find out more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask about this course, please contact:

• Carole Brocken, Administrator
• Edge Hill Business School, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657290
• Email: brockenc@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

Most of the following modules are new professional management development modules. They have been written especially for voluntary and third sector organisations.

Managing People in Voluntary and Third Sector Organisations will allow you to examine a range of key contemporary topics such as current policy and practice, systems for staff development and performance and the support, development and management of volunteers.

Strategic Business and Financial Planning in Voluntary and Third Sector Organisations will examine a range of key contemporary topics such as economic trends, new philanthropy and strategic business modelling.

Voluntary Sector Governance will allow you to explore key contemporary topics such as models of governance and the role of management boards and committees, development and change in governance regulations including Charity Law and Financial Duty, and models of participation and representation.

Networks, Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations is a reflection of the recognition, both regionally and nationally, that there is a need to enhance the capacity and skill base of the voluntary and third sector and to negotiate the relationships with a range of potential partner agencies from a position of relative strength, rather than feeling a passive element in the process. The module will add to your capacity to take long term strategic decisions on the alliances and consortia you form.

Work Based Learning is an optional module and can be taken by students in employment or as volunteers within a voluntary, community or third sector organisation. For students wishing to take this module who have no current engagement with the sector, support will be given in finding a placement. Your assessment will be based on or linked to this placement. This module will enable you to put into context elements such as the current debates on knowledge exchange / transfer, models of reflection and approaches to reflective practice and the different approaches in establishing and/or supporting a learning organisation.

Research Methods will provide you with the knowledge and skills to complete a postgraduate diploma or to develop a proposal for, and undertake, a research-based dissertation at Masters level.

Dissertation. If you enrol on the Masters programme you will be given the opportunity to undertake independent research in a relevant area of your choice (subject to approval of the programme team). The module will allow you to draw on and synthesise the skills and knowledge you have acquired on the other modules in a way that will demonstrate your effectiveness as an independent learner and researcher.