Higher Education 19+ FdSc Public Services (Voluntary Sector Management)
FdSc Public Services (Voluntary Sector Management)
3 Years (part time)
This Foundation Degree is designed for those either working in, or aspiring to work in, the voluntary and community sector of the public services. The course contains strong elements of public management and can be seen as a programme of personal development for those engaged with client groups in their local communities. The course offers progression to a full honours degree in Public Services at the University of Plymouth and includes a key research strand to make this progression seamless.
At present this programme is available on a part-time and a full-time basis and will be delivered over three calendar years (part-time) and 2 years (full-time)..
What will I gain?
In essence students gain a thorough introduction to the development, impact and social context of the voluntary and community sector. Since many of the participants have current experience of the sector there are ample opportunities for students to learn from each other. In addition, there is a strong vocational theme that implies career development for students. An awareness of the legal, economic and social aspects of the voluntary and community sector is another key feature of what students will take away with them on completion of the award. The professionalisation of the sector, and its “business management” approach to meeting the needs of the communities it serves, are also reflected in what the course offers.
What qualifications do I need?
Normally 4 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade C or above, at least 60 UCAS tariff points gained through A or A/S levels, GNVQ Advanced, AVCE/BTEC National Diploma, NVQ level 3 - or the equivalent – in any subject, and preferably current or recent work or volunteer experience in the sector.
Mature Students
An Access to Higher Education certificate is preferred but relevant experiential learning may be an acceptable substitute.
What is my commitment?
To make the course accessible to those already working/volunteering in the sector, it is intended to teach in one 4 hour block per week (part-time). Students will be supported in their supplementary self-study and research via email, telephone and by postal communication. In total about 15-20 hours per week are required (part-time). The full-time scheme will entail 2 days per week in college.
What will I study?
In the first stage there are 8 modules delivered:
- Professional Development
- Organisational and People Management
- The Law Relating to Community and Voluntary groups
- Basic Research Skills.
- The Changing Nature of the Community and Voluntary Sector
- Public Services: Key Sociological Perspectives
- Public Policy Process
- Work-Based Learning.
The second stage comprises:
- Resources Management
- Social and Economic Inequities
- Economic Regeneration and the Voluntary and Community Sector
- Governance of the Community and Voluntary Sector
- Research Methods for the Voluntary and Community Sector
- Voluntary and Community Sector Research Project.
Assessment
Much of the assessment comes from individual and group project or essay work; however, there are some examinations and assessed presentations and the preparation of a research project.
Method of Teaching
The 4 hour block (part-time) will contain very different teaching and learning approaches. Some lecturing will be interspersed with group discussions and IT laboratory practicals. The skills and experiences of the participants will be drawn on wherever possible. The full-time delivery will be similar, but all 8 areas of study will be covered in each week.
Higher Education Facilities
HE students have their own quiet study area in the Cyberloft section of the Library. Relevant learning resources have been acquired by the College to support your development. There are ample computers available for those wishing to self-study in College.
Our lecturers are happy to make an appointment with you and will be pleased to discuss the full details of the course.
For further information
Contact: Lynne Franklin Course Co-ordinator