The next intake for this course will be in April 2012, after that the fees will be increasing to a much higher level. Click here to apply on line for the April 2012 intake and beat the tuition fees rise. Furthermore, if you indicate in your application that you intend to continue your studies to the BSc Honours in Human Resources Management, we will honour the current fees for those later stages

Click here to view a unique taster of how the course works

Is this course for me?

•        The degree is supported by the Institute of Leadership and Management.
•        It is a practical degree delivered via distance learning, and it is designed to be combined with volunteering and/or paid work in the voluntary sector.  
•        It provides the knowledge and skills involved in setting up and managing voluntary organisations effectively. Skills and information needed to negotiate with official agencies and funders are included in the course content.
•        Current students come from many different parts of the world, and opportunities for networking are excellent.
•        Course content also explores the changing social, political and demographic contexts in which voluntary/community groups operate.
•        The Foundation degree can be ‘topped up’ to a BA Honours degree. 

Modules

Foundation Degree Level One

• Module 1: Voluntary and Community Organisation – Structures and Skills
• Module 2: Managing People
• Module 3: Social Policy and the Third Sector
• Module 4:Managing Funding and Finance
• Module 5: Work Based Learning and Personal Development

Foundation Degree Level Two

• Module 6: Managing Contracts
• Module 7: Managing Risk and Uncertainty
• Module 8: Influencing, Campaigning and Marketing
• Module 9: Strategic and Project Management
• Module 10: Research Methods and Work Based Project 

How will the course be assessed?

To complete assignments successfully, students must be in regular paid or volunteer contact with a voluntary or community organisation. 
Assessment includes:
• A written assignment or presentation 
• A Reflective Journal 
• On-line discussions with tutors and other students.
• Two longer modules which involve work-based projects and research - these may bring direct benefits to the organisations in which students are based.

Career relevance and employability

The FdA in Managing Voluntary and Community Organisations is supported by the ILM affiliated and will provide management skills and enhance career prospects within a community context. The course contributes towards the ongoing professionalism of a growing sector.

Opportunities for further study

The course is structured in two levels. Students who complete the FdA programme successfully may be eligible for progression to an honours level course in Human Resource Management.