Career Development and Coaching Studies (MA) (2024 Entry)
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 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 (P-L561) is available to UK (home) students and to international students requiring a Tier 4 visa.
The part-time MA (P-L561P) 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 (P-L561P) is NOT suitable for international students requiring a Tier 4 visa.
More information about enrolment, choosing the right course, and fees and funding - please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Hear from our students
Accreditation
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:2 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
- Overall IELTS score of 7.0, and minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above
Find out if you are exempt from this entry requirement.
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
Please note all dates are provisional and will be confirmed later in the timetabling process once you are enrolled on the course.
For 2023/24 entry, please see Modules and Key Dates.
| Module Code | Module title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CE 951 | Career Development Theories | 20 |
| CE 952 | Career Coaching | 20 |
| CE 956 | Research in Professional Practice | 20 |
Optional modules: Route A, choose 3; Route B, choose 1
| Module code | Module title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CE 953 | Career Related Learning | 20 |
| CE 954 | Employability and Labour Markets | 20 |
| CE 944 | Careers in Organisations | 20 |
| CE 955 | Career, Vocation and Calling | 20 |
Dissertation
|
Module code |
Module title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Route A, CE941 | Dissertation | 60 |
|
Route B, CE942 |
Dissertation | 100 |
*The modules mentioned above may be subject to change. Please read our terms and conditions for more detailed information.
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 10-40 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.
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
- Career Coaching (PGA)
- Career Development and Coaching Studies (MA)
- Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGCert)
- Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGDip)
- Career Development Theories (PGA)
- Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (MA)
- Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGCert)
- Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGDip)
- Career Development Theories - CEIGHE (PGA)
- Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education (PGA)
- Coaching (MA)
- Coaching (PGCert)
- Coaching (PGDip)
- Leadership and Team Coaching (PGA)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling (MSc)
Our Postgraduate Research courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are normally payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. However, this course is part of the Centre for Lifelong Learning department which follows a non-standard fee structure. Full fee details are listed via the 'Find your course fees' button below.
Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
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.
Apply to the course
This course has full-time study and part-time study options. This part-time course has two intakes each year.
Application for 2024 entry is now closed. However, please go to our 2025 entry webpages to apply for April 2025 or October 2025 course.
Before you apply, please read our Application Selection GuidanceLink opens in a new window to see if this MA programme is right for you.
Read our notes on how to apply
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
After you’ve applied
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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.