Career Development and Coaching Studies

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.
Multiple Start Dates
The course starts in April or October.
Flexible Approach
This part-time PG diploma can be completed over a period of between 14 and 36 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 over two days (key dates). You will start with the Career Development Theories module and attend between two and six workshops 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/or those who are interested in studying 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.
You will attend a Research in Professional Project workshop (see dates) and are allocated a dissertation supervisor. The workshop and supervision are provided to assist participants with undertaking an initial literature review, constructing research questions and designing a research strategy. There is a considerable experience available within the course team and most topics connected with career development and coaching can be pursued.
Applications are now open.
- Part-time April 2023 start - Applications closed.
- 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
For latest modules available in 2022/23 and 2021/22, please see Modules and Key Dates.
Core modules:
Available for 2020-21:
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 |
Further optional modules:
Module code | Module title | Teaching method | Credits | Level |
CE 953 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 | |
CE 954 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 | |
CE 955 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 | |
CE 944 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 | |
CE 956 | Blend of workshops and virtual learning | 20 | 7 |
Key facts
Starts: April or October 2023
Level: Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7)
Length: Up to 3 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