This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module provides an overview of the contribution of the third sector to social, economic and political life. It includes analysis of definitions and categorisations, exploration of the theories which underpin the study of the third sector, an examination of theories and the current state of volunteering and charitable giving, examination of the historical and current public policy agenda in relation to the third sector in the UK, the EU and more generally and, an overview of current issues in the third sector and how social scientists go about studying them.
Total Contact Hours: 22
Private Study Hours: 128
Total Study Hours: 150
Optional for all bachelor degree programmes offered by SSPSSR
Main assessment methods
Essay (3,000 words) – 50%
Examination (2 hours) – 50%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
Anheier, H.K. (2005) Non-profit Organisations: Theory, Management, Policy. London: Routledge.
Bridge, S., Murtagh, B. and O'Neill, K. (2008) Understanding the Social Economy and the Third Sector. London: Palgrave MacMillan
Deakin, N. (2001) In Search Of Civil Society. New York: Palgrave.
Kendall, J. (2003) The Voluntary Sector: Comparative Perspectives in the UK. London and New York: Routledge.
Payton, R., and Moody, M. (2008) Understanding Philanthropy: It's Meaning and Mission. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press
Rochester, C., Ellis Paine, A. and Howlett, S. (2010) Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century. London: Palgrave MacMillan
Steinberg, R. and Powell, W.W. (2006) The Non-profit Sector: A Research Handbook 2nd edition. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Warren, M. (2001) Democracy and Association. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate systematic sensitivity to the contested character of the sector's basic definition, and appreciate why and how boundary
disputes persist;
8.2 Demonstrate understanding of the nature of, and rationale for, the third sector from key disciplinary perspectives (including politics,
economics and sociology);
8.3 Demonstrate a sound grounding in the history, development and scope and scale of the sector in the UK;
8.4 Demonstrate understanding, in outline, of how the third sector participates in the policy process;
8.5 Set the British third sector in comparative perspective, with reference to the situation in other developed western countries;
8.6 Demonstrate understanding, in outline, of the achievements of, and limitations to, social science frameworks in evaluating the
performance of the third sector.
8.7 Appropriately describe and anatomise the third sector's contribution to economic and social life by utilising - and understanding the limits
of - relevant economic and social data
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate their ability to find and critically assess relevant sources of information in the library and on-line;
9.2 Demonstrate, though participation in seminars, including group work in relation to key questions, the ability to operate collectively, and
how to present argument and evidence effectively to fellow participants;
9.3 Demonstrate, though writing critical essays, the ability to present argument and evidence effectively;
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
