Philanthropic Studies (Distance Learning) - PCert, PDip, MA
University of Kent
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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

University of Kent (Canterbury)

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Study mode

Online

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

2 years

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

University of Kent (Canterbury)

Study mode

Online

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Social Work
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Course info

OverviewThis programme is the UK’s first Masters in Philanthropic Studies. It is an innovative online course that builds on our expertise and teaching in civil society, fundraising, philanthropy, the third sector and volunteering.Our programme meets demands for better higher educational provision for the charity workforce, as well as demands from donors for greater understanding of the meaning and purpose of philanthropy. It is delivered by academics trained in a wide range of relevant ...Read more

Overview

This programme is the UK’s first Master's in Philanthropic Studies. It is an innovative online course that builds on our expertise and teaching in civil society, fundraising, philanthropy, the third sector and volunteering.

Our programme meets demands for better higher educational provision for the charity workforce, as well as demands from donors for greater understanding of the meaning and purpose of philanthropy. It is delivered by academics trained in a wide range of relevant disciplines including social policy, business, history, sociology, geography, moral philosophy, anthropology, law and economics.

The programme also draws significantly on expertise from beyond the University, including teaching contributions from leading philanthropy experts, advisers, consultants, grant-makers, fundraisers and strategic philanthropists.

Our MA in Philanthropic Studies will be attractive to students seeking a high-level understanding of philanthropy and/or a career in the buoyant philanthropy sector, as well as to professionals seeking an opportunity to reflect on their practice.

The programme is entirely distance learning, with an optional one-day annual conference for all current, alumni and prospective students, held at our Canterbury campus (recorded for students who cannot attend in person).

All students on the Philanthropic Studies course pay two years of fees, regardless of whether they pursue the full MA, PG Diploma or PG certificate.

Research areas

The Centre for Philanthropy is one of the leading European academic centres for philanthropy research, teaching and public engagement. We conduct robust and relevant research in partnership with charity sector partners on a range of topics, including fundraising, major donors, giving circles, giving across the lifecourse, corporate philanthropy, and philanthropy’s relationship with social justice.

Key stats

Social Work
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
82/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
15th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
52nd
What students say
S
Shivali
22 Sep 23

None..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
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Entry requirements

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. All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,400 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

MA - £8,800 (payable in two instalments of £4,400 per year). PDip - £5,866(payable in two instalments of £2,933 per year). PCert £2,933 (payable in one instalment in year 1, though you may take up to two years to complete).

Students from Other UK

This is the fee you pay if the University is not in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is not in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£4,400 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

MA - £8,800 (payable in two instalments of £4,400 per year). PDip - £5,866(payable in two instalments of £2,933 per year). PCert £2,933 (payable in one instalment in year 1, though you may take up to two years to complete).

£4,400 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

MA - £8,800 (payable in two instalments of £4,400 per year). PDip - £5,866(payable in two instalments of £2,933 per year). PCert £2,933 (payable in one instalment in year 1, though you may take up to two years to complete).

IDP Connect

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Uni info

University of Kent
University of Kent , Canterbury

The University of Kent is an internationally renowned institution located in Canterbury and offers an impressive portfolio of...

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
52nd
University of Kent
University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NZ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Canterbury West  0.6 miles away

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