Career Development and Coaching Studies
The PG Certificate provides a foundation of knowledge and skills for anyone involved in the support of career development. The course is designed for you if you wish to enrol on a shorter course than the PG Diploma and MA CDCS and progression is available to both courses. It is approved by the Career Development Institute (CDI) as meeting the qualification requirement for the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.
The PG Certificate consists of three modules: two core 20 credit modules and one 20 credit optional module. Everyone will start with the core module in Career Development Theories. The remaining modules can be taken in any order depending on availability.
The course involves engaging in workshops, independent study and virtual learning. There is significant individual support available through the course team. Assignments are project-based and are completed following each workshop.
For an introduction to the qualifications we offer in Career Development and Coaching Studies, watch the following video from course director, Wendy Pearson.
This video was filmed in February 2023.
Multiple Start Dates
The course starts in April or October.
Flexible Approach
This part-time PG certificate can be completed over a period of between 10 and 24 months. A flexible approach is adopted to enable attendance if you are based overseas and/or with full-time work or other responsibilities. Each 20 credit module is taught via a blend of workshop-based and distance learning. The workshops take place at the University of Warwick, usually on a Friday and Saturday. You will start with the Career Development Theories module and 1 or 2 further modules per year depending on how quickly you wish to move through the course.
This course is designed for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes individuals who are currently involved in career development and coaching support, individuals who wish to work in these areas and those who are interested in studying these areas for personal interest. The University's standard entrance requirement is an undergraduate degree graded at 2:2 in any discipline*. Equivalent professional qualifications can also be considered.
Applicants must be able to produce written work of a good standard.
*If you have alternative qualifications and relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss these with the course team.
Applicants must have, or be expected to achieve, an English language test certificate that meets our Band B English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall and all components. Please see the following webpage to find out if you are exempt from this entry requirement: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/aro/sroas/admissions/pg/english
Overseas Applicants:
We have welcomed students from a range of countries including the UK, Ireland, Norway, France, Germany, Romania, Slovenia, USA, China and Australia. You are invited to discuss the course options available with the course team.
Former students occupy a range of roles in the private and public sectors. Many students progress from the PG Diploma CDCS to the MA CDCS.
More information on core and optional modules are detailed here. Detailed module information is available by clicking on the relevant module title e.g. aims, learning outcomes, syllabus, teaching and assessment.
Modules available for 2022/23, please see Modules and Key Dates.
Core modules
Module code | Module title | Teaching method | Credits | Level |
CE 951 | Career Development Theories | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 |
CE 952 | Career Coaching | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 |
Optional modules
Module code | Module title | Teaching method | Credits | Level |
CE 944 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 | |
CE 953 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 | |
CE 954 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 |
Applications are now open.
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Part-time April 2023 start - Applications closed.
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Part-time October 2023 start. Apply now.
Read our notes on How to ApplyLink opens in a new window.
See course fees and funding for more information. View potential additional fees
Key facts
Level: Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7)
Length: Up to 2 years
Venue: Main Campus/Distance Learning
Success stories
"I was at a crossroads as to what kind of career I wanted, but I knew it was working directly with vulnerable individuals and supporting them to take positive steps forward."
Shaheen, MA Graduate 2017