Skip to main content Skip to navigation

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

About this taught graduate course

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


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

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

You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • Overall IELTS (Academic or UKVI) score of 7.0 and component scores.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.


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 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

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 sizes

Vary between 20-40 students dependent on the module.


Typical contact hours

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.


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.

Your career

Our graduates occupy a range of relevant career development roles in the private and public sectors. 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 Learning and the Warwick Institute for Employment Research.

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.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

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.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

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

See our online departmental events

Connect with us

Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.