This program will next run during the session 2009/10, starting in September 2009.
We offer :
The programme is constructed of a set of modules, followed by a project leading to the MSc.
It has three components:
1. You commence with a series of workshops for induction, planning and introduction to postgraduate skills and expectations. You review the skills and knowledge you bring to the programme and the outcomes you want to achieve, and prepare a personal development plan . The personal development plan provides a continuing reference point on your postgraduate learning, and supports your critical reflection and inquiry.
2 . To achieve the awards in Public and Community Service, you select from a range of modules (see What You Will Study When below ).
- two optional modules if you are going to do a 60 credit project (20-25,000 word dissertation)
- three optional modules if you are going to do a 30 credit project (15,000 word dissertation)
Whichever qualification you are aiming at, you take the same programme as far as you go, and so you can adapt your plans. You might start by aiming for an MSc but decide a PG Cert or PG Dip is enough or find new aspects of your life or work means changing your plans; or you might set your sights on a PG Cert or PG Dip but then want to continue on to the MSc.
Students on this programme have developed careers in and with voluntary and community organisations, NGOs, other volunteer-involving agencies and public sector bodies as well as individual consultants.
Often the scope of knowledge and ideas you gain - and the networks - are as significant for your career as the particular capabilities from the field.
We support first year students primarily through the personal development planning process and study skills workshops and a personal tutor system.
For those seeking a MSc award, projects may be considered in three phases: planning; implementation; evaluation and critical review.
Planning is an integral part of the teaching-learning process, leading from your personal development planning through to the Researching and Learning module . The final assessment phase of that module involves support for students who are preparing a project proposal for the MSc. It provides you with opportunities to gain familiarity with the specifications for a project proposal and to consider strategies, methods and contents.
Method workshops (shared with students on other programmes) will be provided to assist in the design phase (through the Researching and Learning module) and will be supported by a programme of tutorial guidance, and tutored and peer seminars (shared with students on other pathways when appropriate). Methods workshops will be responsive to the needs of the tutor group, but will typically cover: quantitative and qualitative research; action research; participative and collaborative research; issues of validity and reliability; use of library/learning resources/IT; and presentation to different audiences.
A Project Tutor with relevant expertise will be nominated for each project by the relevant Programme Leader. Where possible, you will have tutorial contact with the Project Tutor during the design phase.
During implementation of the project, the processes of monitoring progress and development continue, and are the responsibility of the Programme Leader in liaison with the Project Tutor. The student and tutor should agree a pattern of tutorial contact appropriate to the timescale and phasing of the project. Actual contact will be monitored by the Programme Leader, who may intervene if for any reason it appears not to be satisfactory.
You need to have a BA, BSc etc (from a UK university or equivalent status); we will consider all subjects.
Or, if you don't have a degree, you need to demonstrate that you have learnt through experience the skills and knowledge of the level and kind you would have achieved through a degree. We are open to discussing how you can do this, through interview, and perhaps by a portfolio or by your reports. Or, perhaps you could take one of our modules as a trial to prepare for entry to the full field; or perhaps take a third level module off from the undergraduate programme. We can discuss how, if you have a diploma in a subject like youth and community studies, you can demonstrate the additional knowledge and skills required for entry to make degree-level study .
You need also to have experience in work (paid or unpaid) in or with public and governmental agencies, voluntary and community organisations, not-for-profit organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based projects or similar agencies, so that you have practice-based knowledge to bring to the teaching-learning process of this field. If you have only a little experience, we would need you to gain current awareness by arranging - in consultation with tutors - a placement or volunteering involvement or a programme of visits and observations in a relevant organisation/organisations.
It is helpful if we can meet and talk with people when considering admission to the field but otherwise we would look to exchange emails or phone calls to discuss issues and questions.
© 2009
UCAS code N/A
Final award MSc
Intermediate awards available PG Cert, PG Dip
Details of professional body accreditation None
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements N/A
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