Top 5 Masters in Philanthropy and Charity Management

In recent years, there has been growing interest in pursuing careers in philanthropy and charity management. This has led to the development of several programs at the graduate level that provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in this field.

Most programs typically offer courses on topics such as fundraising, grant writing, financial management, marketing, and event planning. In addition, students often have the opportunity to intern with a variety of nonprofit organizations during their program. This hands-on experience allows students to gain real-world experience in the field of philanthropy and charity management. Here are our top picks:

Charity and Philanthropy Management (Macau University)

Macau University of Science and Technology in Macau, China, offers a Master of Arts degree in Charity and Philanthropy Management. Established in 2011, this program prepares students to serve in leadership roles in philanthropic organizations and to pursue research related to charity management. Every student in the program takes the following classes: Charity and Philanthropy Fundraising; Public Relations and Philanthropy Communication; Field Study On Charity and Philanthropy Institutions; Social Statistics; Civil Society: Theory and Practice; Social Statistics; and Charity and Philanthropy Management Case Study. Elective courses are also required. Most students complete all of the course requirements within two years. To be considered for admission, students must have a bachelor’s degree, a letter of recommendation, and demonstrated proof of fluency in English.

Charity Accounting and Financial Management (City University of London) 

The City University of London in London, England, United Kingdom, offers a Master of Science degree in Charity Accounting and Financial Management. This program is intended to meet the needs of individuals who work in charity finance as managers and consultants and wish to further their educations. As a result, the program is offered on a part-time basis. The course of study requires attendance at in-person on-campus classes and lasts for one year and eight months. Among the courses required for the degree are: Learning and Understanding the Voluntary Sector; Strategy, Diversity, and Governance; Marketing and Fundraising; People Management in the Voluntary Sector; Charity Accounting and Finance; Advanced Charity Accounting, Audit; and Taxation Voluntary Sector Financial Management. In addition, every student in the program must participate in a fieldwork experience.

Charity Management (St Mary’s University)

St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, England, United Kingdom, offers a master’s degree in Charity Management. This highly competitive program prepares students to enter management positions at charity organizations or to take the next steps in their careers. Upon graduation, students receive a certificate from the Chartered Management Institute as well as their degrees. The flexible program can be completed full time in 12 months or part time in 24 months. Students take a number of courses, including: Applied Research Skills; Charity and the Legal Environment; Charity Finance and Investment; Governance and Statutory Accounting;  Responsible Management and Leadership in a Global Economy; Social Marketing and Fundraising Strategy; International Non-Governmental Organization; International Strategic Management; and Social Entrepreneurship. A bachelor’s degree and paid or voluntary charity work experience are required for admission.

Charity Marketing and Fundraising (Cass Business School)

The Cass Business School at the City University of London, London, England, United Kingdom,  offers a master’s degree program in Charity Marketing and Fundraising. Geared toward professionals already working for nonprofit organizations or in related fields, the program is highly flexible and allows students to continue working while earning their degrees. Most students can fulfill all of the degree requirements with 24 months of part-time study. Some of the classes required for the program are: Learning and Understanding the Voluntary Sector; Marketing and Fundraising; Strategy, Diversity, and Governance; People Management in the Voluntary Sector; Charity Accounting and Finance; Fundraising; and Strategic Charity Marketing. Students are also expected to participate in a fieldwork exercise, which usually can take place through their employers.