Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 4 October 2011

The University of Leicester is offering a management degree focusing on charities and the voluntary sector, which has recently become affiliated to the Institute of Leadership and Management, giving graduates a head start into potential management opportunities.

The part-time distance learning foundation degree in Managing Voluntary and Community Organisations combines volunteering and management skills, making it invaluable both for newcomers to the voluntary sector and those looking for promotion.

Among the many benefits of the degree are:

• on-line contact and networking with like-minded people, nationally and internationally

• an excellent grounding for those new to the third sector/charities/social enterprise

• personal and tutor support throughout the course, and workshops at the University in April and October

• flexible study - an opportunity to develop skills alongside volunteering experience

• University of Leicester expertise in Distance Learning, as one of the largest providers in the UK, with over 20 years experience and more than 18,000 distance learning students

• The University’s rating in the National Student Survey (NSS), which measures student satisfaction, has placed Leicester top after Oxford and Cambridge

A tutor on the course commented:   “It’s recognised that more young people are looking for different opportunities because of the lack of meaningful jobs, few apprenticeships and more competition for internships.

“Distance Learning provides flexible study opportunities which can be combined with volunteering or work in a charity/community setting.    It also makes the degree accessible for both national and international students.

“The course can also provide opportunities to network with other students in variety of organisations and countries.”

For more information on the part-time distance learning foundation degree in Managing Voluntary and Community Organisations, please contact Julie Cawthorne (0116 229 7560) or Sue Livingston (0116 229 7599) or visit www.le.ac.uk/lifelonglearning

Notes to Editors: Further details are available from Julie Cawthorne (0116 229 7560) or Sue Livingston (0116 229 7599) or visit www.le.ac.uk/lifelonglearning