Skip navigation Skip to main navigation for this site Skip to navigation for this section

  • Voluntary and Community Sector Studies (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Assessment formats may vary depending on option modules selected. At least one written assignment per module and a dissertation for MSc students.

  • Attendance
      • One evening a week part-time or two evenings a week full-time, with some day workshops.
      • Workshops on research methodology and presentations of students’ research take place throughout the year.
      • Additional seminars, lectures from visiting speakers and tutorials.
  • Duration
      • MSc: two years part-time or one calendar year full-time.
      • PgDip: two years part-time or one year full-time.
      • PgCert: one year part-time.
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2012/13)

    • Voluntary and Community Sector Studies MSc

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £2975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £5750 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £5375 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £11,500 pa

      Voluntary and Community Sector Studies Postgraduate Diploma

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £2975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £5750 pa

      Voluntary and Community Sector Studies Postgraduate Certificate

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £1975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £3825 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching
    • The programme integrates research-led teaching, learning from recent and contemporary empirical study, and students’ knowledge and experience as practitioners. You will be expected to participate through discussion, seminar presentations and group work where appropriate.

Voluntary and Community Sector Studies (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • Voluntary and community organisations in the UK are experiencing unparalleled changes as recent politics have drawn them into the mainstream policy agenda, both in public service delivery and the new Big Society agenda. They are contributing their expertise to social inclusion and community-organising initiatives in work with diverse groups. However, the rapidly changing emphasis, contract culture and severe reductions to public sector budgets have affected the sector’s infrastructure, its autonomy and its relationships with local community stakeholders and service users.

      This programme focuses on key debates about the changing roles and contexts of voluntary sector organisations, adopting a critical and interdisciplinary approach. It considers recent theory and developments, aiming to extend conceptual knowledge, understanding and critical reflection of changes in the context of current social policy concerns and organisational practices. It provides opportunities for you to develop innovative models in research and project-based assignments relevant to your individual interests, the sector and the field of study. 

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Designed for existing voluntary and community sector professionals, and recent social science undergraduates who may be planning a career in this field.
      • Supported by a vibrant centre of research, and teaching expertise in voluntary and community studies and related social sciences, including in youth, education, policy, politics and governance.
      • Benefits from close links with the independent research Institute for Voluntary Action Research.
  • Course structure

    • MSc: you must gain 180 credits – completing two core modules, two option modules, and a dissertation or work-based study. Each module is worth 30 credits and the dissertation 60 credits. Among the modules studied, you will normally take a research methods programme to support dissertation work.

      Postgraduate Diploma: you must complete four modules.

      Postgraduate Certificate: you must complete two modules.

      All students take the core modules:

      • Voluntary and Community Sectors in the UK: adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from social theory, history, policy and politics, to focus on the changing roles of the voluntary and community sectors over the last two decades.
      • Key Issues in Voluntary and Community Sector Development and Management: considers questions of regulation, sustainability and accountability, collaboration and competition, addressing issues across different sectors.

      You may also choose from a range of option modules at the appropriate level, for example examining:

      • Strategy and change in community based organisations
      • Ethnicity
      • Migration
      • Policy
      • International NGOs
      • Management Studies.

      These may vary annually, but will support the specialist subject interests you wish to pursue.

  • Further study opportunities
    • If you are interested in further research, we offer PhD/MPhil programmes in related subjects.
  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers in voluntary sector organisations, local government and education.

  • Apply now