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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,900
Per course
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Career Counseling | Career Development
Area of study
Education
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 16,900
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


MA Career Guidance and Development

Overview

Our MA Career Guidance and Development provides an ideal stepping stone for anyone seeking to enter the career development profession or for established professionals looking to develop their practice. This course brings together a highly regarded masters qualification and initial professional training in career guidance. If you are studying on a full-time basis, it means you can achieve both in just one year.


What You Will Study

  • Theoretical Perspectives on Career Development
  • Personal Career Guidance and Coaching
  • Designing, Delivering and Managing Programmes of Careers Education
  • The Career Guidance Professional
  • Career Guidance Policy and Contemporary Society
  • Using Career and Labour Marketing Information in Career Guidance Practice
  • Independent Studies

Learning and Assessment

This course is delivered through a blended learning approach including programmes of online learning and face to face elements delivered through lectures and workshops. You will be assessed through a variety of methods that have been designed to ensure you can demonstrate a wide range of professional understanding, knowledge and skills. Assessment methods include essays, research reports, group projects, presentations, posters and creating resources for practice.


Careers

Our MA Career Guidance and Development provides a solid preparation for anyone wishing to progress to a role such as careers adviser in schools, colleges, universities and local authorities or a careers leader in schools and colleges of further education. The skills you develop will also be invaluable for roles in private and sector based organisations offering career guidance and development activities in community and work-based settings.


Entry Requirements

  • You will typically be expected to hold an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification.
  • All applicants will be invited for interview who demonstrate an understanding of the career guidance profession.
  • As the course includes mandatory placements you will be expected to have a DBS check or provide a satisfactory Certificate of Good Conduct.

Fees and Funding

  • 2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
    • UK full-time: £9,720 for the full course
    • International full-time: £16,900 for the full course

How to Apply

  • UK students: Apply directly to the University.
  • International students: Apply directly to the University.
  • If you'd like support with your application, you can contact one of our trusted local representatives.

Additional Information

  • Membership of the CDI (Career Development Institute) is included in your fees.
  • Student portfolio assessment for accreditation by CDI is included in your fees.
  • Initial DBS check is included in your fees.
  • Printing and binding of Independent Study dissertation (2 copies) for assessment is not included in your fees.
  • Replacement DBS check if lost, approx. cost £50, is not included in your fees.
  • Travel expenses to placements are not included in your fees.

Program Outline

It is particularly valuable for recent graduates in fields like Education, Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work, as well as individuals already working in various roles within or outside the career guidance sector.


Objectives:

  • Equip students with the knowledge and skills to design and deliver effective career guidance.
  • Provide a high-quality, nationally recognized professional award, the Qualification in Career Development (QCD) from the Career Development Institute (CDI).
  • Develop practical skills and gain fresh perspectives through work-based placements.
  • Facilitate the conduct of independent research projects aligned with professional interests and ambitions.
  • Benefit from instruction by an experienced and enthusiastic team of recognized experts in the field.
  • Offer flexibility with full-time and part-time study options to accommodate individual commitments.

Outline:


Program Content:

  • Theoretical Perspectives on Career Development: Explores contemporary theories and frameworks in career development.
  • Personal Career Guidance and Coaching: Develops skills in individual career guidance and coaching techniques.
  • Designing, Delivering and Managing Programmes of Careers Education: Focuses on the design, delivery, and management of career education programs.
  • The Career Guidance Professional: Examines the role and responsibilities of career guidance professionals.
  • Career Guidance Policy and Contemporary Society: Analyzes the impact of policy and societal trends on career guidance.
  • Independent Studies: Allows students to pursue in-depth research on a chosen topic.

Structure:

  • Full-time: 1 year
  • Part-time: 2 years

Course Schedule:

  • Delivered through a blended learning approach, combining online learning with face-to-face lectures and workshops.
  • Full-time students attend for 13 Saturdays in the first semester and 14 Saturdays in the second trimester.
  • Part-time students attend for 7 Saturdays in the first and second trimesters.
  • The course runs until August, with students completing their dissertation in the summer trimester (second year for part-time students).

Modules:

  • Theoretical Perspectives on Career Development: Explores contemporary theories and frameworks in career development.
  • Personal Career Guidance and Coaching: Develops skills in individual career guidance and coaching techniques.
  • Designing, Delivering and Managing Programmes of Careers Education: Focuses on the design, delivery, and management of career education programs.
  • The Career Guidance Professional: Examines the role and responsibilities of career guidance professionals.
  • Career Guidance Policy and Contemporary Society: Analyzes the impact of policy and societal trends on career guidance.
  • Independent Studies: Allows students to pursue in-depth research on a chosen topic.

Assessment:

  • Methods:
  • Essays
  • Research reports
  • Group projects
  • Presentations
  • Posters
  • Portfolio of evidence for QCD accreditation
  • Criteria:
  • Demonstration of professional understanding, knowledge, and skills.
  • Achievement of QCD learning outcomes.

Teaching:

  • Methods:
  • Blended learning approach
  • Lectures
  • Workshops
  • Guest lectures
  • Networking opportunities
  • Webinars
  • Telephone tutorials
  • Online activities
  • Faculty:
  • Other experienced and recognized experts in the field.
  • Unique Approaches:
  • Integration of the Qualification in Career Development (QCD) from the Career Development Institute (CDI).
  • Emphasis on practical skills development through work-based placements.

Careers:

  • Potential Career Paths:
  • Careers adviser in schools, colleges, universities, and local authorities.
  • Careers leader in schools and colleges of further education.
  • Enterprise adviser.
  • Widening participation practitioners.
  • Researchers.
  • Roles in private and sector-based organizations offering career guidance and development activities in community and work-based settings.
  • Opportunities:
  • Practical experience through work-based placements.
  • Research and job opportunities within the career development sector and other industrial sectors.
  • Outcomes:
  • Development of career management skills, including building professional networks.
  • Enhanced employability through practical experience and networking.

Other:

  • The program is designed to help students balance their studies with other commitments, particularly for those in employment.
  • The course includes mandatory placements, requiring a DBS check or a satisfactory Certificate of Good Conduct.
  • Students are encouraged to explore a range of delivery contexts in different settings.
  • The program provides access to workplaces such as schools, colleges, universities, research centers, large employers, and sector bodies.
  • Students can benefit from the iCeGS library and archive of career literature and research.
  • Students can participate in extra-curricular activities such as the iCeGS annual lecture, research seminars, and workshops.
  • The program emphasizes the use of technology for teaching, learning, and professional practice.

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025) TypeFull-timePart-time UKFull-time£9,450 for the full course Part-time£1,050 per 20 credits InternationalFull-time£14,900 for the full coursePart-timeN/A

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Courses

University of Derby Summary


Overview:

The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.


Services Offered:

The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.

    Campus and Facilities:

    Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.

    Fees and Finance:

    Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.

    International Students:

    Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.

    Employability:

    Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

    Clubs and Societies:

    A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

    Sport at Derby:

    Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.

    Union of Students:

    A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Teaching Excellence:

    The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

    Applied Research:

    The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.

    Student Satisfaction:

    The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.

    Strong Employability:

    The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.

Academic Programs:

The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Programs:

    BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.

    Postgraduate Programs:

    MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.

    Short Courses:

    A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.

Other:

The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

    Campus and Facilities:

    While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.

    Fees and Finance:

    The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.

Total programs
629
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • Typically: You will need to hold an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification.
  • Mandatory Placements: You will be expected to have a DBS check or provide a satisfactory Certificate of Good Conduct.
  • Non-Traditional Entry Qualifications: Your suitability will be assessed by reviewing your academic achievement, professional or occupational experience, level of operation and personal qualities.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • If English is not your first language: You will need to have passed the International English Language Teaching System (IELTS) at the overall level IELTS 6.5, including a minimum score of 5.5 in each test category.
  • The test must be taken within the last two years leading up to the course start date and must still be valid when a visa is issued.
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