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.
Gain a high-level understanding of philanthropy to advance your professional development or to gain knowledge and insights that will enable you to pursue a career in the rapidly expanding philanthropy sector. Our programme is designed so you can fit learning around your life and work commitments with a flexible course and a variety of study options (MA, PDip, PCert, and Standalone Modules). So whether your looks to take the first step in your career, or take a step further to reach a new level, our programme is your best way to get to wherever you want to go.
You'll benefit from internationally renowned academic expertise and guest speakers from beyond the University, including teaching contributions from leading philanthropy experts, advisers, consultants, grant-makers, fundraisers, and strategic philanthropists. Tutors include major donor expert Professor Beth Breeze (author of ‘Richer Lives: Why Rich People Give’) and Dr Alison Body (author of the 'Children and Charities: A Decade of Change'). All tutors have a practitioner background and are frequent contributors to charity sector and media debates.
Kent is a real leader in the field, this programme is the first Master's in Philanthropic Studies in the UK, so you can be assured that our experts will help bring you to the very forefront of the field, keeping your up to date with all the latest developments, so you can make a real impact in your career, and in society as a whole.
It is possible to study certain individual modules from the MA on a Standalone basis. They provide a taster and introduction to studying Philanthropic Studies, and if you wish to continue studying, you can use the credits from your taster modules to work towards a qualification in Philanthropic Studies (PCert, PDip or MA). Costs for standalone modules can be found on the Kent Online store (please note that you must submit an application (link below) before paying for a module on the online store).
Apply to study a Standalone module
If you work with, or manage, new or junior fundraisers we also offer the Fundraiser apprenticeship to meet their needs for evidence-based training from leaders in the field with extensive practical experience. Find out more here.
As home of the first UK Master's in Philanthropic Studies, Kent is leading the way in research and expertise for Philanthropic Studies.
You can study some modules from the MA on a Standalone basis, and our course is taught part-time through distance learning, to fit around your life and work.
Our alumni go on to do incredible things, we're extremely proud of them. Hear from Adale about how her time on the MA prepared her for success.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of our Social work and social policy research was classified as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for impact and environment.
Following the REF 2021, Social work and social policy at Kent was ranked 3rd for research in the UK in the Times Higher Education.
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.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from the UK
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.
You must study the compulsory modules listed below.
Philanthropy is not an easy word to pronounce or define yet it is a timeless feature of societies across time and place. It is also a timely topic because private donors are being increasingly called on to help improve local communities and meet global challenges, whilst philanthropic practice is evolving faster than ever before with new tools emerging to facilitate collaborative action and enable more financial and non-financial capital to achieve social impact. These developments are generating complex debates and adding new twists to enduring questions including “why be philanthropic?”, “how does philanthropy relate to state and market action?” and “what does it mean to do philanthropy ‘better’”?
Addressing such questions requires understanding the historical roots of philanthropy, philosophical and theoretical explanations of private action for the public good, assessment of its impact on society over time, and engagement with debates about contested philanthropic practices.
This module provides an up-to-date overview of current academic knowledge about philanthropy. You will gain an understanding of historical and contemporary issues relating to philanthropy, the various theories and ideologies regarding the existence of philanthropic behaviours and the role of government and policymakers in shaping the legal, fiscal and cultural context for philanthropy.
Charities and Non Government Organisations in the UK and around the world depend on fundraised income: indeed, we know that 85% of donations are given because someone is asked. Fundraising and fundraisers are therefore essential to the effect functioning of civil society, and central to work that enables people to both survive and thrive, from providing services to homeless people, to putting on world-renowned opera performances.
You will explore the current state of fundraising, including evidence-based techniques and strategies (the ‘science’ of fundraising), and the latest research on the personal attributes of fundraisers that are understood to lead to successful outcomes, balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders and embedding fundraising within an organisation (the ‘art’ of fundraising). You'll explore topics including ethics and EDI in fundraising, alongside other current issues facing the profession, developing fundraising strategy and shaping an internal culture to support fundraising activities.
By the end of the course, you will develop a critical understanding of fundraising, its role in society, and the ways in which it shapes both philanthropic practice and that of the non-profit sector.
When we think of ‘philanthropy’ we often focus only on the ‘philanthropists’, that is the people who are voluntarily giving away resources. But donors rarely, if ever, act alone. They exist and operate within a much broader set of individuals and institutions that includes all other charitable bodies, potential grantees and their beneficiaries, staff, trustees and volunteers, other philanthropic funders and relevant governmental agencies, and – if they are wealthy –financial and wealth managers and family offices.
We make sense of this complex philanthropic eco system and explore what kinds of support are available to all types of donor to make more effective, efficient and ethical decisions. Topics include both structural issues (tax, legal and wealth management) as well as strategic approaches (theory of change, goal-setting and distributional consequences). We explore current debates in advising and supporting donors, including the different approaches, outcome-orientations, methods of measurement and impact assessment.
By the end of this module you will develop a critical understanding of philanthropy advising and its role in society, and the ways in which private philanthropists and institutional donors are, and can be, supported.
How can social and collective action bring about meaningful change in the world? And what is the role of philanthropy in enabling this to happen? In this module you will develop an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of social action and social change theories within the philanthropic sector. You will be supported to evaluate historical and contemporary theories of social action and social change, addressing ethical challenges and complex social issues.
You’ll develop advanced leadership and management skills as you develop your own social action project. As you combine theory with hands-on application you will engage deeply with leadership principles and the ethical questions that arise when driving social change initiatives. You will develop your ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders to address complex social issues.
Through a combination of theory, practical application, and reflection on your own personal leadership capacities, you will gain the expertise needed to lead impactful social action projects and contribute meaningfully to positive societal change.
The Dissertation in Philanthropic Studies module is compulsory for students on the MA stream only. Students who obtain 120 credits, but excluding the dissertation, will be eligible for the award of postgraduate diploma in Philanthropic Studies (Distance Learning).
Should we expand our definition of philanthropy to understand global giving practices or stop using the word? Greater understanding of giving traditions and practices of contemporary philanthropy across the world are emerging alongside a call for decolonising western dominated institutional discourse and practice.
You will take a critical look at how philanthropy discourse is still dominated by western conceptualisations and practices and, through cross country case studies, engage in comparative analysis of individual monetary donations, donor motivations and welfare provision. Reflect on how and why philanthropic behaviour varies across different political, cultural and socio-economic contexts.
Learn how to apply current academic theory, knowledge and empirical research to take a critical perspective on global philanthropic organisations. Engage in podcasts, webinars and debate with guest speakers from across the sector. You will explore the role of global philanthropic institutions in global causes such as health, climate change and education and gain a broader understanding of philanthropy across the world.
How can social research help us to understand the changing world of fundraising and philanthropy? Which research methods can we use to generate insights that strengthen policy and practice? How can ethically grounded research help us to ensure that different voices will shape the future of fundraising and philanthropy?
By introducing you to methods and approaches used in social research, this module develops your ability to design and undertake social research on fundraising and philanthropy. You will develop skills in understanding, interpreting and critiquing social research to answer fundamental questions about the history and future of fundraising and philanthropy.
This module will prepare you to conduct research or read the latest findings on trends in giving. Using examples from fundraising and philanthropy, you’ll learn how different philosophical approaches shape research design, methods and analysis. You’ll explore ethical issues in research and learn how to conduct your investigation safely. You’ll develop research questions and explore common techniques of collecting and analysing data to answer them, from interviews to secondary analysis. And you’ll gain practical experience in reviewing reports and articles to assess research confidently.
Philanthropy stands as an exciting, emerging field within the academic sphere, offering fertile ground for exploration and advancement. This module empowers students to become active architects of this evolving discipline by engaging them in the dynamic process of conducting independent, in-depth research inquiries into philanthropic themes of their choosing. Through this immersive process, students will identify an area of philanthropy they feel requires further understanding, conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature, engage in rigorous, ethical research methodologies, analyse findings and draw conclusions within the framework of a dissertation. This research project aims to instill a research-centric mindset among students, nurturing their ability to undertake scholarly investigations in real-world contexts. Moreover, it seeks to equip students with the proficiency to potentially assume leadership roles, guiding others in similar scholarly pursuits.
Collaborating closely with their supervisors, students will refine their dissertation proposals to reflect their scholarly ambitions. Through regular and structured meetings with their supervisors, students will devise monthly work plans and establish achievable milestones, and will have ample opportunities to discuss the trajectory of their research and receive constructive feedback on their written work. This culminates in the creation of a robust and compelling dissertation thesis.
Our continued understanding of philanthropy is based upon asking questions and undertaking research as new issues emerge or the environment changes. In this module you will ask your own questions about philanthropy as you undertake your own dissertation research.
Building upon the Research Methods in Philanthropic Studies module, you will design and conduct rigorous, independent and ethical research into your chosen topic. You will deepen your knowledge of theory and research methods as you critically review the relevant literature and in response to your questions. You will collect and analyse data from primary or secondary sources and draw conclusions for further research or policy and practice. Throughout, you will work closely with your supervisor to refine and implement your dissertation plans, including regular meetings and feedback on written work. You will develop research skills and knowledge that will empower you to lead or conduct critical investigations in a work-based context.
Duration: 2 years part-time
This programme is offered as a distance-learning course, with an optional two-day induction at the start of each year, and one study day per term, held at our Canterbury campus. All course work is completed online, where you participate in online discussion forums and have access to journal articles and specialist materials.
We offer a ‘modular’ system so that you can choose whether to study three modules to gain a PG Certificate or five modules to gain a PG Diploma. To obtain the Master's qualification you will complete five taught modules followed by a 60-credit dissertation module. There is also the opportunity to study any one module as a standalone course, or as a taster before committing to a full Certificate, Diploma or Master’s programme.
Each module comprises:
In addition we hold an annual one day conference on the Canterbury campus for all students and alumni, usually on the Friday after Easter Sunday.
Teaching is delivered online and assessment is by coursework with no exams.
You will have access to an online learning platform to watch video lectures, readings, and participate in online forums to discuss ideas with your tutors and fellow students. For those seeking in-person contact you have the option of joining regular live webinars, an annual on-campus conference, and arranging one-on-one meetings with your tutors.
For those taking the MA, you will have one-on-one supervision to conduct an independent research project, written up in a 12,000 word dissertation.
All the texts that you need are available through the university’s digital library so you can read or download them wherever you are. When you accept your offer on the programme we will send you a hard copy of The Philanthropy Reader, co-edited by Beth Breeze in the Kent teaching team, so that you can dive in and start reading straight away, and start to build your bookshelf.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
The Graduate and Researcher College ensures that the academic and social interests of postgraduate students are provided for within the University. It works alongside academic schools to support and develop internationally distinctive, exciting and innovate programmes of study that combine academic excellence with an exceptional student experience and appropriate learning resources through the provision of:
For more details see our Graduate and Researcher College page.
Tutors on this course are all research-active, publishing regularly in academic journals, writing books and presenting research at international conferences.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
The Centre for Philanthropy is a leading global academic centre for philanthropy research, teaching and public engagement. We conduct robust and relevant research in partnership with nonprofit partners on a range of topics, including fundraising, major donors, how children learn to give, corporate philanthropy, and philanthropy’s relationship with social justice.
This research informs our teaching in which we use innovative methods to engage with our students, many of whom work in the nonprofit sector or have ambitions to do so. Our expertise makes us a regular source of comment and analysis for the media in Britain and beyond, and we are always keen to share our work with diverse audiences. We also regularly speak to local, national and international charities to explore ways in which our research can inform their work and in turn how their experience can guide our future research.
The Centre's research projects include:
Million Pound Donors Report: From 2008 to 2017 researchers in the Centre for Philanthropy compiled annual data on the incidence, size and destination of philanthropic donations worth £1 million or more. Case study interviews with donors giving at this level brought the data to life.
The New Fundraisers: Professor Beth Breeze received funding from the Leverhulme Trust for a three-year project which explored how fundraisers’ personalities interact with their professional skills to affect the amount of money they raise for good causes.
Unleashing Children’s Philanthropic Power: This project critically explore the ways we teach children to give, focusing on how ideas of benevolence and activism are framed within these experiences.
Educating for Social Good: Dr Ali Body received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council to provide the first nationwide, multi-disciplinary critical analysis of how philanthropic behaviours and attitudes are encouraged in primary schools in England.
Moonshot Philanthropy: With support from the Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation we are conducting research to underatand the concept and practice of ambitious, bold and collaborative philanthropy, particularly in relation to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Rising to the Challenge - a study of philanthropic support for unpopular causes: this project explored the uphill struggle that some charities face when seeking to fundraise. Such charities may work on issues which are complex to communicate, may have beneficaries who don't easily engage donors' emotions and may not be able to easily identify potential supporters.
Richer Lives: Why Rich People Give: Funded by Pears Foundation, we are conducting the third ten-yearly study based on surveys and interviews with major donors across the UK.
Philanthropy Advising: We conducted the first global study of advisors who support private donors across the world. This research was published in Advising Donors: Principles and Practice which is the core text on our Advising Donors MA module.
You can find out more about these projects and many other past and ongoing studies, on our website. You can also view individual staff research profiles on the Centre for Philanthropy website.
The support is generous, even for North American students in a different time zone. I made particular use of the Student Learning and Advisory Service.
The networking helps so much, I have met brilliant colleagues who have experience and knowledge across so many specialisms. We help each other not just around coursework but also with career issues.
Understanding philanthropy is a crucial skill for anyone aspiring to be effective in a role in a charity or grant-making body or as a philanthropist. The knowledge and skills that you gain through this Master's programme will equip you with an essential and highly practical understanding of the history, methodologies and impact of philanthropic activity.
The distance learning delivery of the Master’s programme enables you to fit learning around your life and work commitments and you have the chance to apply your knowledge as you progress. Each cohort contains a unique mix of experiences and professions, providing a valuable opportunity for information exchange and networking, so you can make rapid progress in your career, without having to take time out.
Our expert academics - who are leaders in the field - are also excellent teachers, who will able to ensure you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive after you graduate. Whether you are looking to break into the sector, or looking for that extra edge to take the next step in your career, we'll make sure you can get to where you want to go, and hit the ground running when you get there.
The 2025/26 tuition fees for this course - which are the same for Home, EU and International students - are:
MA - £9,068* (payable in two instalments of £4,534 per year*)
PDip - £6,046* (payable in two instalments of £3,023 per year*)
PCert - £3,023 (payable in one instalment in year 1, though you may take up to two years to complete)
*NB Year 2 fees may be very slightly higher due to inflationary increases.
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.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
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