UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to
achieve and demonstrate if he/she passes the programme. More detailed information on the
learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module
can be found in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this
specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education.
MA in Philanthropic Studies (by distance/flexible learning)
1. Awarding Institution/Body
University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution
University of Kent
3. School responsible for management of
the programme
School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social
Research
4. Teaching Site
Canterbury and distance learning
5. Mode of Delivery
Part-time
Distance Learning
6. Programme accredited by
n/a
7. Final Award
MA, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate
Diploma
8. Programme
Philanthropic Studies
9. UCAS Code (or other code)
10. Credits/ECTS value
180 credits (90 ECTS)
11. Study Level
7
12. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking
group(s)
There is no QAA benchmarking group specific
to Philanthropy.
13. Date of creation/revision
Jan 2015/Nov 2015
14. Intended Start Date of Delivery of this
Programme
September 2016
15. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:

To develop the intellectual and professional practice of those working in the philanthropy
sector including grant-making, philanthropy support, fundraising and related roles, to
develop their knowledge, equip them with skills and extend and deepen their ability to
reflect on and develop their practice.
(Aims in relation to the mission statement:)

To provide a challenging, high quality and focussed learning environment for students that
establishes Kent as a leading UK centre for the study of philanthropy.
1
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT

To provide a flexible learning environment than enables professionals to engage with
excellent teaching.

To offer research-led teaching that builds on the body of research undertaken by the Centre
for Philanthropy.

To attract outstanding students from the UK and beyond, irrespective of race, background,
gender and physical disability,

To enable students to make links to develop their professional practice and to facilitate the
sharing of best practice in the philanthropy sector.

When feasible, to give students the opportunity to develop and enhance their knowledge
and skills of fundraising and the charitable sector within Europe and elsewhere.
(Aims in relation to the learning and teaching strategy:)

To enable professionals working in the philanthropy sector to develop advanced skills in
reflection in relation to their professional practice.

To facilitate the personal and professional development of those already working in the
philanthropy sector sector and to prepare students to move into working in these roles.

To provide structured learning opportunities that are challenging, flexible and realistic, with
opportunities for students to engage with relevant and enjoyable topics in a theoretically
and rigorous way.

To provide high quality teaching in a supportive and dynamic environment, delivered by a
range of research-active and appropriately qualified and trained staff.


To develop opportunities for self-directed learning and reflection
To enable professionals working in the philanthropy sector from a diverse range of
educational backgrounds to access and participate in learning that seeks to capture
reflection on experience gained in every day organisational practice.
16 Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge
and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
A.1 An advanced critical understanding of the major theories of philanthropy and how these
relate to practice.
A.2 A systematic understanding of the historical evolution of philanthropy and charity across
the world and how these relate to and impact upon current debates.
A.3 An advanced knowledge of the range of funding streams available to charitable
organisations and the impact and consequences of pursuing different types of income.
A.4 A comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of key techniques used in the
philanthropy sector.
A.5 A critical awareness of the policy environment in which philanthropy and charitable
organisations operate and how this impacts upon their work.
A.6 A practical understanding of the rationale and methods for collaborating with a range of
stakeholders, including colleagues, trustees, volunteers, donors, funders, beneficiaries and
representatives of statutory funders
A.7 An advanced knowledge of qualitative methods for researching outcomes and applying
best practice.
2
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
A.8 An advanced knowledge of quantitative methods for researching outcomes and applying
best practice.
A.9 A comprehensive understanding of how to apply theoretical knowledge in order to reflect
upon and develop professional practice
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Teaching and Learning:
All students will attend an intensive two-day induction course at the start of each of their two
years. These will introduce the students to the teaching staff, provide details about the
teaching methods and how to use the online learning environment and will introduce the
module content and assessment.
All modules will be delivered online with a study day on campus. Each module will be
supported by:

Study days at Canterbury and Medway campuses – each module will have one study
day on campus halfway through the module, for students to explore the topics together
and to clarify any questions they have about the module content and assessment. These
study days will feature guest lectures and question and answer sessions from key
academics and practitioners.

Short online lectures (on ’an online learning environment’)

Short video/audio recordings from key academic experts (on ’an online learning
environment’)

Short video/audio recordings from a range of practitioner sources (on ’an online learning
environment’)

Online seminars (on ’an online learning environment’)

Weekly guided study using a range of academic sources (on ’an online learning
environment’)

Student-led discussion using ’an online learning environment’ forums
Assessment:
 Participation in ’an online learning environment’ forums
 Coursework assignments
 Reflective learning logs
 Professional documents including audits, business cases, strategic plans and critical
appraisals
 Mid-module quizzes
 Dissertation (supported by regular Skype meetings and at least one face to face
meeting will be offered)
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
B.1 To gather and interpret complex information and synthesise this to develop rigorous,
reasoned and original arguments.
B.2 To critically analyse a range of theoretical perspectives and empirical findings,
demonstrating sound judgement of what to include and exclude.
B.3 To identify problems and be able to use theoretical and empirical knowledge to develop
original, effective and innovative responses.
3
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
B.4 To design and implement robust research which can contribute to professional best
practice.
B.5 To effectively communicate complex topics to a range of stakeholders by verbal, written
and electronic means.
B.6 To critically reflect on and manage their own learning and seek to make use of
constructive feedback from peers to enhance their academic work and professional practice.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Teaching and Learning:
Each module will involve the critical analysis and synthesis of key issues, themes and
concepts. These will be delivered through online lectures, audio/video clips, through academic
and practice readings and through online seminars, discussion and presentations. This will be
supported by inductions and study days at the Canterbury and Medway campuses.
Assessment:

Online presentations and discussions that require the synthesising of theory and evidence
to support reasoned arguments.

Written coursework which requires identification and critical assessment of theory and
evidence to support reasoned arguments.

Designing and carrying out a small research study, and using the data collected to be
written up into a 12,000 to 15,000 dissertation.
C. Subject-Specific Skills: (These will include practise and professional skills)
C.1 To have an advanced understanding of the key issues in theory and empirical research on
philanthropy and charitable organisations from a multidisciplinary perspective.
C.2 To be critically aware of the main sources of information relevant to the study and practice
of philanthropy in the UK and internationally.
C.3 To have an advanced understanding of the ways in which useful data for philanthropy
practice can be gathered and used.
C.4 To understand the various needs of the wide range of stakeholders in philanthropic
organisations and to be able to communicate with them effectively.
C.5 To be able to identify and critically reflect upon the social, economic, political and
organisational contexts of philanthropy sector.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Teaching and Learning:
As previously, both years of the MA programme will start with a two-day intensive induction
course on campus.
All modules will be delivered online with a study day on campus. Each module will be
supported by:
 Study days at Canterbury and Medway campuses (as previously)
 Short online lectures (on ’an online learning environment’)
 Short video/audio recordings from key academic experts (on ’an online learning
environment’)
 Short video/audio recordings from a range of practitioner sources (on ’an online learning
environment’)
 Online seminars (on ’an online learning environment’)
4
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT

Weekly guided study using a range of academic sources (on ’an online learning
environment’)
 Student-led discussion using ’an online learning environment’ forums
Assessment:
 Participation in ’an online learning environment’ forums
 Coursework assignments
 Reflective learning logs
 Professional documents including audits, business cases, strategic plans and critical
appraisals
 Mid-module quizzes
 Dissertation (as previously)
D. Transferable Skills: (Non-subject specific key skills)
D.1 To undertake research utilising critically a diverse range of sources, including academic
work, national and international data, practice best practice reports and government policies.
D.2 To systematically and creatively summarise detailed and complex information concisely
and accurately for a diverse range of audiences.
D.3 The ability to exercise sound judgement in order to recognise, define and prioritise
problems and work towards effective solutions.
D.4 To present information and arguments in a range of written forms, demonstrating an ability
to adapt to different audiences and mediums.
D.5 To be critically reflective on personal and organisational performance and be able to utilise
reflection to improve future practice.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Teaching and Learning:
As previously, both years of the MA programme will start with a two-day intensive induction
course on campus.
All modules will be delivered online with a study day on campus. Each module will be
supported by:
 Study days at Canterbury and Medway campuses (as previously)
 Short online lectures (on ’an online learning environment’)
 Short video/audio recordings from key academic experts (on ’an online learning
environment’ )
 Short video/audio recordings from a range of practitioner sources (on ’an online learning
environment’ )
 Online seminars (on the online learning environment)
 Weekly guided study using a range of academic sources (on ’an online learning
environment’)
 Student-led discussion using ’an online learning environment’ forums
Assessment:



Participation in ’an online learning environment’ forums
Coursework assignments
Reflective learning logs
5
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT



Professional documents including audits, business cases, strategic plans and critical
appraisals
Mid-module quizzes
Dissertation (as previously)
For more information on the skills developed by individual modules and on the specific learning
outcomes associated with any fallback award relating to this programme of study, see the
module mapping.
17 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
The MA in Philanthropic Studies is designed to be studied over two years plus summer parttime, delivered by distance learning with programme/module inductions and study days at the
Canterbury campus. Online study will be delivered on ’an online learning environment’ and
supported by Skype and email tutorials. This will be complemented by a two-day intensive
induction on campus at the start of each year and a study day for each module half way
through the term.
There are four compulsory modules (including a dissertation), and students must take a further
three optional modules. To be awarded the MA in Philanthropic Studies students will be
required to obtain 180 level 7 credits including the dissertation module which comprises 60
credits.
The programme is divided into two stages.
Stage 1 comprises modules to a total of 120 credits taken over two years (three compulsory
modules and three optional) and Stage 2 comprises a 60 credit dissertation module which
follows the completion of 120 credits. Students must successfully complete each module in
order to be awarded the specified number of credits for that module. One credit corresponds to
approximately ten hours of 'learning time' (including all classes and all private study and
research). Thus obtaining 180 credits in an academic year requires 1,800 hours of overall
learning time. Each module and programme is designed to be at a specific level.
Stage 1: In Stage 1 students are required to take three compulsory and three optional modules
totalling 120 level 7 credits. In the first year of part-time study, students will take the first two
compulsory modules plus one optional module, totalling 60 level 7 credits. In the second year
they will take the final compulsory module plus two optional modules, totalling 60 level 7
credits.
Stage 2: In Stage 2 students are required to undertake a compulsory module of 60 level 7
credits. Students who successful complete Stage 2 of the programme, and meet the credit
framework requirements, will be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree (MA in
Philanthropic Studies).
Students on the MA will submit their dissertations at the end of the summer following Year 2.
They will be able to submit their dissertations earlier if they wish.
In circumstances where students have not completed Stage 2, but have attained sufficient
credit, they will be eligible for the fall back awards of a PG Certificate in Philanthropic Studies
(PGCert) (60 level 7 credits) or PG Diploma in Philanthropic Studies (PGDip) (120 level 7
credits).
We will also offer students the opportunity to take a PG Certificate or a PG Diploma
independently, rather than to commit to taking the whole MA. Students will be able to use these
intermediate qualifications as building blocks towards a full MA in Philanthropic Studies. In
order to do so, they must fulfil the full criteria of the MA by taking all three compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules for the three qualifications are outlined in the table below.
Where a student fails a module(s) due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, such failure
may be condoned, subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the
6
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. Where a student fails a module(s),
but has marks for such modules within 10 percentage points of the pass mark, the Board of
Examiners may nevertheless award the credits for the module(s), subject to the requirements
of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved the programme learning
outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework.
Awards for the programme will be made at the main SSPSSR postgraduate formal Examination
Board held in November, alongside other PG Programmes within SSPSSR.
Code
Title
Level
Credits
Term(s)
Stage 1 (60 credits)
Year 1
Compulsory Modules
SOTBC01
Fundamentals of Philanthropy
7
20
1
SO926
Understanding Social Research*
7
20
2
Optional Modules Students must also select 20 credits from the following:
SOTBC03
Advising Donors
7
20
1
SOTBC04
Volunteering and Society
7
20
1
SOTBC05
The Art and Science of Fundraising
7
20
2
SOTBC06
Effective Philanthropy: Learning to Give
7
20
2
WL813
Evidence Based Practice
7
20
tbc
With the agreement of the programme director, students will be able to take a wild module as
an optional module from across the School (so long as they are of the appropriate level and
credit volume).
Year 2 (60 credits)
Compulsory Modules
SOTBC02
Global
Philanthropy:
Perspectives**
Comparative 7
20
1
Optional Modules Students must also select 40 credits from the following:
SOTBC03
Advising Donors
7
20
1
SOTBC04
Volunteering and society
7
20
1
SOTBC05
The Art and Science of Fundraising
7
20
2
SOTBC06
Effective Philanthropy: Learning to Give
7
20
2
WL813
Evidence Based Practice
7
20
tbc
With the agreement of the programme director, students will be able to take a wild module as
an optional module from across the School (with the appropriate credit volume).
Stage 2 (60 credits)
Compulsory Modules
SP998
Dissertation
7
7
MA in Philanthropic Studies
60
Summer
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
*Only compulsory for those following the full MA stream, not for those on the PGCert or
PGDip stream.
**Compulsory for those on the DGDip or MA streams, not for those on the PGCert stream
18 Work-Based Learning
Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part
of this programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement
provider in advance to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line
with legal requirements.
Where relevant to the programme of study, provide details of any work-based learning element,
inclusive of employer details, delivery, assessment and support for students.
There is no work-based learning element that constitutes a form part of this programme.
19 Support for Students and their Learning




School and University induction programme
Programme/module handbooks
Student Support http://www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport/
Student Wellbeing www.kent.ac.uk/studentwellbeing/




Student Learning Advisory Service http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/about/slas.html

Graduate School (Provision of (i) skills training (workshops and online courses) (ii)
institutional level induction and (iii) student-led initiatives such as social events,
conferences and workshops) www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/index.html







Information Services (computing and library services) www.kent.ac.uk/is/





Counselling Service www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/
Kent Union www.kentunion.co.uk/
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/community/woolf.html
Postgraduate student representation at School, Faculty and Institutional levels
Centre for English and World Languages www.kent.ac.uk/cewl/index.html
Careers and Employability Services www.kent.ac.uk/ces/
International Development Office www.kent.ac.uk/international/
Medical Centre www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/menu/Medical-Centre.html
Library services, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/library/
PASS system, see https://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/quality/code2001/annexg.html
Each member of teaching staff will have 2 hours per week ‘online office hours’, in which
they will be contactable by email, phone or Skype (by appointment) to support students.
The on-campus induction will include training in the an online learning environment, with all
students required to attend this except in exceptional circumstances and by agreement with
the Programme Leader
Students will undertake individual progress reviews with their personal tutor, either by
phone/Skype or as part of the on-campus study days.
Each module will have discussion forms in the an online learning environment, including
general academic forums and ones for specific topics
8
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT


Technical help will be available to all students via the IT Helpdesk
Programme staff will be in regular dialogue with the University’s Distance Learning
Technologist, who will be able to support staff and students on the creation, maintenance
and use of the online learning environment resources and activities.
20 Entry Profile
The minimum age to study a degree programme at the university is normally at least 17 years
old by 20 September in the year the programme begins. There is no upper age limit.
20.1 Entry Route
For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus





Applicants will normally have a minimum requirement of a 2:1 honours degree or higher in
a social science or related subject.
Applicants with good degrees in other subjects and experience working or volunteering in
the philanthropic or charitable sectors will also be considered.
In exceptional circumstances we will consider students with lower grade honours degrees if
they can demonstrate significant experience working or volunteering in the philanthropic or
charitable sectors.
In exceptional circumstances we will consider students who do not have a degree if they
can demonstrate significant experience working or volunteering in the philanthropy or
charitable sectors. We may in these circumstances ask for examples of recent written work
to help make admission decisions.
Overseas students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence that
they have sufficient skills to undertake an intensive programme of study in English (i.e.
average 7.0 in IELTs test). Applicants will receive a conditional offer with a 6.5 test score in
IELTS. Students will be directed to the University’s postgraduate prospectus for further
information and updates on the entry requirements (https://www.kent.ac.uk/ems/eng-langreqs/ielts.html)
20.2 What does this programme have to offer?





For those working or volunteering in the philanthropy and charity sectors this programme
will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the sector in which they
are working and to develop their professional practice. There are no current undergraduate
or Masters degrees in the UK in philanthropic studies and as a result of this there are tens
of thousands of people currently working in the UK philanthropy and charity sectors without
a relevant qualification. This programme will draw on the growing body of academic
research in the field to enhance their knowledge and practice.
For recent graduates, this programme offers a way of accessing a range of career
opportunities in the philanthropy and charity sectors.
For overseas students it offers the opportunity to gain a Masters from a leading UK centre
of philanthropic knowledge and to gain knowledge and familiarity of UK and global
philanthropic knowledge and best practice.
The part-time online delivery of the programme will offer students the opportunity to study
alongside their professional roles in the philanthropic and/or charity sectors. Teaching will
be delivered in a range of formats tailored to professionals looking to fit the programme
around their professional and personal lives.
Teaching will be overseen by a group of research-active academics in the Centre for
Philanthropy. In addition there will be contributions from a range of academic experts and
leading professionals which will contribute to a rich and varied overall student experience.
9
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
20.3 Personal Profile



Students should have the ability and background knowledge to undertake an advanced
programme of study about philanthropy and related topics.
Students should have a proven interest in and commitment to understanding the
philanthropy sector in the UK and beyond.
Students should be willing to work individually and in groups both on- and offline.
21 Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and
Learning
21.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the
curriculum and outcome standards




Quality Assurance Framework http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html
Periodic Programme Review http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html
External Examiners system http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html
Annual programme and module monitoring reports
http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html
 QAA Higher Education Review, see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-ofreview/higher-education-review/Pages/default.aspx
 Student module evaluations
 Annual staff appraisal
 Peer observation
 There will be a strong emphasis on rapid informal feedback from students so that any
problems can be quickly identified. Students will be able to discuss any queries or problems
with teaching and learning with their personal tutor.
 The programme DoS will report regularly to the SSPSSR Graduate Studies Committee as a
source of input, guidance and accountability. All assessment is double marked and made
available to the external examiner. There are regular exam boards in which the external
examiner comments on quality and identifies issues. All actions taken to enhance quality
are reported to the board.
21.2 Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards







Board of Examiners
School Graduate Studies Committee
Faculty Graduate Studies Committee
Faculty Board
Graduate School Board
Staff/Student Liaison Committee
The programme has a management committee composed of the DoS and all module
conveners. This committee receives conveners and external examiners reports and
feedback from the students. It reports to the SSSPSSR Graduate Studies Committee.
10
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
21.3 Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their
learning experience






Student module evaluation reports
Annual programme evaluation report
Staff-Student Liaison Committee, comprised of elected student representatives
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Student Union feedback
Academic tutor and programme tutor as points of contact for feedback
21.4 Staff Development priorities include:











Annual Appraisals
Institutional Level Staff Development Programme
Study Leave
Academic Practice Provision (PGCHE, ATAP and other development opportunities)
PGCHE requirements
HEA (associate) fellowship membership
Professional body membership and requirements
Programme team meetings
Research seminars
Conferences
Continued links between Centre for Philanthropy staff and charity professionals
22 Indicators of Quality and Standards







Feedback from partners in the philanthropic and charity sectors on the value added from
the programme
Annual External Examiner reports
Results of periodic programme review (2011)
Annual programme and module monitoring reports
Graduate Destinations Survey
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) results
QAA Higher Education Review 2015
22.1 The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:


The University of Kent Mission Statement
QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education



School and Faculty plan
University Plan/Learning and Teaching Strategy
Staff research activities
11
MA in Philanthropic Studies
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Map
MA in Philanthropic Studies – Compulsory and Optional Modules
Programme
Outcomes
Programme Modules
Compulsory Modules
TBC1
SO926
TBC2
SO998
A. Knowledge and Understanding



A.1


A.2


A.3

A.4


A.5

A.6


A.7


A.8



A.9
Programme
Programme Modules
Outcomes
Compulsory Modules
TBC1
SO926
TBC2
SO998
B. Intellectual Skills




B.1



B.2



B.3


B.4



B.5




B.6
Programme
Programme Modules
Outcomes
Compulsory Modules
TBC1
SO926 TBC2
SO998
C. Subject-Specific Skills



C.1




C.2



C.3

C.4


C.5
Programme
Programme Modules
Outcomes
Compulsory Modules
TBC1
SO926
TBC2 SO998
D. Transferrable Skills



D.1




D.2




D.3


D.4



D.5
12
MA in Philanthropic Studies
TBC3
Optional Modules
TBC4
TBC5
TBC6








TBC3








WL813





Optional Modules
TBC4
TBC5
TBC8



WL813























TBC3



Optional Modules
TBC4
TBC5
TBC8







WL813




TBC3
Optional Modules
TBC4
TBC5
TBC8
WL813



















