MA Faith-Based Community Practice and Policy

Faiths & Civil Society Unit, Goldsmiths College, University of London

Faith-based organisations are playing an increasing role at the public table because of what they offer in terms of service delivery, extended forms of governance, and community cohesion. Practitioners and policy-makers face the challenges of working in partnership, within, between and beyond faiths.

We are proposing to develop a course to develop your skills in meeting these challenges, whether you are a member of a faith community, working with one, or interested in getting involved.

Areas of study will include:
• Faiths literacy – understanding each other’s professional ‘languages’ and values
• Representation and leadership – hierarchy, power and influence in practice
• The role of women, young people and minorities
• Working with people of other faiths and of none
• Researching faith-based policies and practice
• Policy contexts for faiths and community practice
• Skills for practice
• Being strategic

The course is intended for practitioners, policy makers and those interested in developing a career in faith-based practice and policy. It will include practice learning in a faith-based placement (which could be one in which you already work) and can be completed full time, part time or by open (distance) learning. You should have a first degree (or equivalent) and at least six months practice/policy experience (or equivalent) in a community setting. 

There has been considerable interest in this course which is now in full development.  Details of availability, and start dates, will be available in early 2009.
Register interest by emailing Dr Adam Dinham at a.dinham@gold.ac.uk.

Course costs (approximate):
Full time (1 year) £3000
Part time (2 years) £1500 p/yr   
(Bursaries may be available).