Birkbeck University of London has come under fire over plans to close its Masters course in Voluntary and Community Sector Studies.

Its MSc Voluntary and Community Sector Studies course has been running since 2008, but following a review it has decided to withdraw the course, citing a fall in enrolments making the programme economically unviable.

But, a programme director at Birkbeck University has said all courses relating to the public and voluntary sector at the organisation have seen a drop in enrolments, and does not understand why this particular course was singled out.

At least 70 letters from former students and acedemics have been sent to the Master at Birbeck College, Professor David Latchman, urging him to keep the course going.

Hilary Barnard, a senior visiting fellow at Cass Business School, has told Latchman that the closure would be “ill-advised”.

In a letter to Latchman, he says, “I know that postgraduate programmes have to change to fit changing needs and demands, particularly of their consumers/students. However, I have not seen a convincing case as to why this well regarded programme should close. Indeed, student feedback on the programme is consistently highly complimentary.”

There is also a petition to keep the course going.

A spokeswoman at Birkbeck said:  “Following a portfolio review, Birkbeck has taken the decision to withdraw the MSc Voluntary and Community Sector Studies. Enrolments on the programme have fallen significantly in recent years and have dropped below a level where the programme is economically viable. Birkbeck will be exploring how the work of this programme can be integrated into other area of the College's work.”

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