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Career Development and Coaching Studies (MA) (2022 Entry)

About this ... course header
Course overview header

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) as meeting the qualification requirement for the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.


Entry requirements header Entry requirements header

2:ii in any discipline.

This course is designed for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including 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. 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 header
  • Band B
  • Overall IELTS (Academic or UKVI) score of 7.0 and component scores.

International requirements header
Additional requirements header

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Module header

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 and Counselling

This module enables participants to develop understanding and skills in career coaching and counselling, 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 your professional practice, including designing and carrying out research into your own practice field. 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.


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 have been offered:

  • Career-related Learning
  • Organisations and Labour Markets
  • Career, Work Experience and Employability
  • Career, Vocation and Calling

Teaching header

The core and optional modules are taught through a blend of workshops and virtual learning. Each module typically consists of 2 days of intensive, attendance-based 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 one to one. The workshop 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 size header

Vary between 20-40 students dependent on the module.


Contact hours header

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 header

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.


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 page.


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.

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