Program Overview
The Philanthropic Studies (PCert at University of Kent is a MA programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered Online. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Philanthropic Studies (PCert programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Belgium and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: Online
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: GBP 2,375 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 2,375 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Canterbury, Chatham, Belgium
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Philanthropic Studies (PCert programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Study days, which will feature guest lectures and question and answer sessions from key academics and practitioners.
- Short online lectures
- Short video/audio recordings from key academic experts
- Short video/audio recordings from a range of practitioner sources
- Online seminars
- Weekly guided study using a range of academic sources
- Student-led discussion using online forums
- Fundamentals of Philanthropy introducing you to key conceptual approaches and mapping how philanthropy has evolved over time.
- Global Philanthropy: Comparative Perspectives studying philanthropy around the world to understand the diversity of cultural, social and political contexts that influence the understanding and practice of philanthropy.
- Understanding Social Research preparation for your dissertation through the introduction of research methodologies and developing a critical understanding of how to employ different techniques.
- The Art and Science of Fundraising understanding the nature of fundraising and how asking interacts with giving, plus thorough instruction on the techniques, knowledge and attributes required by development professionals.
- Advising Donors covering the growing body of research on the role of advisers and consultants in supporting more effective philanthropy, designed with the needs of community foundation staff in mind.
- Volunteering and Society exploring volunteering and its role in society, by looking at volunteer motivations, strategies for volunteer management, and the relationship between volunteering and the changing policy environment.
- An advanced critical understanding of the major theories of philanthropy and how these relate to practice.
- A systematic understanding of the historical evolution of philanthropy and charity across the world and how these relate to and impact upon current debates.
- 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 comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of key techniques used in the philanthropy sector.
- A critical awareness of the policy environment in which philanthropy and charitable organisations operate and how this impacts upon their work.
- 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.
- An advanced knowledge of qualitative methods for researching outcomes and applying best practice.
- An advanced knowledge of quantitative methods for researching outcomes and applying best practice.
- A comprehensive understanding of how to apply theoretical knowledge in order to reflect upon and develop professional practice.
- Participation in 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)
- Understanding Social Research
- Dissertation
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
- 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 course of studies in English
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 2,375 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 2,375 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 2,375 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 2,375 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Kent directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Kent
University of Kent
Canterbury , Medway , Tonbridge , Athens , Brussels , Paris , Rome, United Kingdom
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 24 months
