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Career Development and Coaching Studies (MA) (2023 Entry)

Career Development and Coaching Studies in conversation

Explore our Career Development and Coaching Studies taught Master's degree.

Join Warwick's Career Development and Coaching Studies MA and boost your skills in supporting the career development of others. Warwick's Centre for Lifelong Learning will provide you with a thorough grounding in the skills and knowledge required for your career.


Course overview

This course is now now closed for 2023 entry

This MA provides a thorough grounding in the skills and knowledge required to support the career development of others in a range of contexts. We will enable you to make a distinctive contribution to the field of career development and coaching studies through taught modules and independent research. The MA is approved by the Career Development Institute (CDI)Link opens in a new window as meeting the qualification requirement for the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.Link opens in a new window

Course structure:

The full-time MA is available to UK (home) students and to international students requiring a Tier 4 visa.

The part-time MA might be more suitable for students with additional commitments (e.g. work or family). Part-time study can be completed in two ways.

  • The 2-year MA route offers a structured route to part-time study.
  • The 4-year flexible route allows students to start with a PG Certificate or PG Diploma programme and then move on to the MA course, completing all elements within four years, depending on how quickly you wish to move through the MA.

The part-time MA is not suitable for international students requiring a Tier 4 visa.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:i in any discipline.

Or

Level 7 Postgraduate Award from the Centre for Lifelong Learning

Or

Significant professional experience/current employment in a relevant field of work + level 4-6 cognate qualification in a related field + related academic/employer reference.

This course is designed for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including individuals who are currently involved in career development and coaching support, and individuals who wish to work in these areas. If you have alternative qualifications and relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss these with the course team. You must be able to produce written work of a good standard.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores ofat least 7.0 for speaking and listening components

Find out if you are exempt from this entry requirement. Please note we do not ordinarily offer exemption from the IELTS requirement for having studied in an English-speaking institution/environment, but this can be discussed and agreed at interview.

To access a 6 or 10 week pre-sessional English language training course at Warwick University you must meet specific entry requirements beyond those normally expected for a Band B condition in order to attend, including equivalent to an IELTs level 7.0 in listening and speaking. You would be expected to complete the course with no less than a 7.0 in listening and speaking and a 6.0 in reading and writing.


International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

Career Development Theories

This module aims to develop systematic knowledge and comprehensive understanding of classic and contemporary career development theories from a range of discipline areas. It also aims at enhancing confident and creative theoretically-informed practice in relation to a range of relevant roles.

Career Coaching

This module enables participants to develop understanding and skills in career coaching, and their use in facilitating career development learning. In addition, it aims to develop an ability to use career development theories skilfully and creatively in managing career coaching conversations. Students also integrate this understanding with their ongoing reflective practice of career coaching in a variety of contexts.

Research in Professional Practice

This module aims to develop understanding of the research process and its relevance to professional practice. This includes identifying research questions and appropriate research strategies and gathering and analysing sources using a variety of methods. It will enable you to carry out research into an aspect of career development or coaching practice of interest and relevance to you. For those of you who are working in the career development area, you may identify a topic for research that arises out of your practice.


Optional modules

There are two possible routes:

  • Route A: choose 3 optional modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
  • Route B: choose 1 optional module and a 100-credit dissertation.

Previously, a selection of the following options typically offered:

  • Career-related Learning
  • Labour Market Information and Employment
  • Careers in Organisations
  • Career, Vocation and Calling

Teaching

The core and optional modules are taught through a blend of workshops and virtual learning. Each module typically consists of in-person workshops combined with independent learning using on-line study materials, links to key readings, and online webinars. For the dissertation, you will be allocated a dissertation supervisor to support your work. Group workshops and supervision are provided to assist you with undertaking an initial literature review, constructing research questions, and designing a methodology. There is considerable experience available within the course team and most topics connected with career development and coaching can be pursued.


Class sizes

Vary between 20-40 students dependent on the module.


Typical contact hours

For full-time students, you will have weekly sessions in each term. Modules in term one will have one weekly session each; the delivery of modules in terms two and three will vary from one, or twice weekly sessions, so that some modules will have two, two-hour sessions over five weeks, or one, two hour session over ten weeks. Your timetable will clarify the precise details once you are enrolled on your modules.

For part-time students, your pattern will reflect a more blended approach. Each module typically consists of 2 days of intensive, attendance-based workshops combined with some independent learning using on-line study materials, links to key readings, online webinars and tutorial support.


Assessment

Modules are assessed through a combination of assignments (5,000 word projects) and case studies. Dissertation A (60 credits) consists of a 15,000 word dissertation (100%). Dissertation B (100 credits) consists of a more in-depth 25,000 word dissertation (100%). Typically, the dissertation is focused on a topic of your choice and includes an initial literature review, research questions, methodology and findings and discussion.


Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web pageLink opens in a new window.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Your career

Our graduates occupy a range of relevant career development roles in the private and public sectors in the UK and internationally. Former students have gone on to publish and disseminate their work in a range of academic and professional contexts. PhD opportunities are available at Warwick within the Centre for Lifelong LearningLink opens in a new window and the Warwick Institute for Employment ResearchLink opens in a new window.

Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL)

For more than 30 years, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has been a centre of expertise in the education of lifelong learners in different contexts. It has a focus on enabling adult learners to achieve their personal and professional goals by accessing a Warwick education, irrespective of background.

Our departmental research strategy focuses on four interconnected themes: concepts of lifelong learning; people-focused professions; wellbeing and identity; participation and collaboration. We seek to enthuse staff, students, and the wider community with this vision. More information is available on our website.

Find out more about us by visiting our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate Taught courses


Our Postgraduate Research courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

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Admissions statement

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Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

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Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

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