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"I'm more passionate about working for an international organization and I have more confidence in the kind of job that I want to do. I've also become more independent, globally aware, and secure about the skills I've gained from the program."
- Claire, CSU-Monterey Bay
The spring semester focuses on theoretical and practical issues of organization, management, global politics, and development. You will continue to utilize and test theories in your service placement, and work with your advisor to revise and develop your thesis ideas and then to write your thesis.
There are four required courses, plus the continuing "Reflection on Service-Learning" course. All studies continue to integrate the service experience into the academic learning.
Structure and Management for Not-For-Profit Organizations
Involves classes, lectures, discussion, and library research on organization theory as applied to not-for-profit organizations. It also uses this conceptual framework for the writing of a major paper about the operation of the London-based agency in which you are serving.
Global Governance & Citizenship
Focuses on the mechanisms that are available for meeting needs in a global economy and on the philosophy that lies behind different political choices about which mechanisms to use.
Development Studies
Considers the main theoretical perspectives on development and current issues in development, such as the implications of social power and identity categories including gender, race, nationality and class.
Project Management and Service Delivery
Considers the critical issue of managing projects. The use of contracts and competitive bidding is now commonplace, and those who seek to provide social services are often forced to learn a more commercial approach to securing grants and other monies in order to provide important services. In this module, students develop research and project-management skills that will be useful for their work in service agencies or NGOs.
OR
Managing in the Voluntary Sector
For this course, IPSL M.A. students join students in Roehampton University's Voluntary Action Management Program. The module considers the issues arising from the recruitment and deployment of volunteers, and is designed to equip students to develop policies and procedures for the recruitment, support and supervision of volunteers.
As in the fall semester, you are placed in a service assignment of approximately 15–20 hours per week, through which you will continue to learn about the workings and management of an agency in its cultural context. Service assignments in London are available in a wide variety of organizations. The Placements Officer will works with you to find the most suitable placement, given both community needs and your interests, thesis focus, and career goals. Students have served in agencies such as: Plan International, a humanitarian organization that helps children in need in developing countries; Survival International, which helps tribal people protect their lands and determine their own futures; Crisis, an organization that provides support and opportunities to the homeless and advocates on their behalf; Kids Company, which delivers emotional and practical support to children within structures that are directly accessible by them; Age Concern, the UK's largest organization working with and for older people; the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative; World Jewish Aid; Voluntary Service Overseas; and many others.
In England, you may choose to live on campus if space is available, or arrange off-campus housing for yourself with assistance from the off-campus housing office of Roehampton University. In both cases, you are responsible for your own meals and housing costs.
