Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (MA) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE, taught Master's degree.
The MA in Career Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education enables you to make a distinctive contribution to higher education career and employability work through taught modules and independent research. The course is taught via collaboration between Warwick’s Centre for Lifelong Learning and AGCAS. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the theories, practices, issues, ethics, and models surrounding higher education career and employability work.
Course overview
This MA covers all aspects of higher education career and employability work. It is developed in conjunction with the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS)Link opens in a new window and taught in partnership with them. It is also 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 ProfessionalsLink opens in a new window.
Flexible approach
There are two pathways available within the MA in Career Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education: Route A and Route B. It is not necessary to finalise your preferred route at the time of application as this can be confirmed later. Both pathways enable direct entry to the MA.
Route A
Route A includes the 3 x core 20 credit modules (including the Research in Professional Practice module), a choice of 3 x 20 credit optional modules from the table below and a 60 credit module completed via a 15,000 word Dissertation (A). All participants start with the core modules: Career Development Theories and the next available Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education module. These modules run twice a year (See Modules and Key Dates page) and further details are available in AGCAS events calendar).
Route B
Route B includes the 3 x core 20 credit modules detailed below (including the Research in Professional Practice module), a choice of 1 x 20 credit optional module, and a 100 credit core module completed via a 25,000 word Dissertation (B). This route is particularly suitable if you have a relevant prior qualification and experience.
Hear from our students
Hear from Laura Ingham, one of our recent graduates, about how she finds the course.
This video was filmed in June 2023.
Accreditation
Our partner
Programme run in conjunction with AGCAS.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:2 in any discipline.
If you have alternative qualifications and relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss these with the course team. You must be working in a higher education career and employability development context.
Duration
The course lasts up to 4.5 years and you are able to complete earlier if your circumstances allow.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
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.
If you have alternative qualifications and relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss these with the course leader Dr Tania LydenLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Core modules
Some modules are linked to an additional AGCAS course--they are shown below. The AGCAS/Warwick Qualification page provides general information, whereas you can find more detailed module information including dates, costs, aims, learning outcomes and assessments on the AGCAS Training and Conferences pages. Please note that:
- AGCAS courses are run by AGCAS and separately charged.
- For publicity purposes, the Career Development Theories, Employer Engagement and Labour Markets, Marketing the Service and Research in Professional Practice workshops are advertised in the AGCAS calendar but are not run by AGCAS and do not carry a separate charge.
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 2023 CEIGHE key dates.
| Module code | Module title | AGCAS course? | Credits |
| CE 951 | Career Development Theories | No | 20 |
| CE 946 | Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education | Yes | 20 |
| CE 956 | Research in Professional Practice | No | 20 |
| CE 941 | Dissertation A , OR | No | 60 |
| CE 942 | Dissertation B | No | 100 |
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
| Module code | Module title | AGCAS course? |
Credits |
| CE 930 |
Employability and Career Education: Strategy and Inclusive Design |
Yes | 20 |
| CE 931 | Yes | 20 | |
| CE 932 | Yes | 20 | |
| CE 933 |
Marketing, Communications and Engagement (previously Marketing the Service) |
No | 20 |
| CE 934 | No | 20 | |
| CE 935 |
Management of Higher Education Career and Employability Services |
Yes | 20 |
| CE 938 | Yes | 20 | |
| CE 9C3 |
Recruitment Practices and Talent Management: Bridging the Gap |
Yes | 20 |
| CE 968 | Yes | 20 | |
| CE 993 | Yes |
20 |
*The modules mentioned above may be subject to change. Please read our terms and conditions for more detailed information.
Teaching
There are two intakes each year at the start of April and October. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply three months before each intake.
Each module is taught via a blend of contact time and distance learning with the precise blend varying according to each module. You will be taught by experienced AGCAS Trainers for at least two modules.
The workshops are highly interactive and led by either Warwick teaching staff or experienced career development professionals.
The distance-learning materials are delivered via a virtual learning environment.
Class sizes
Vary between 5-40 students dependent on the module.
Typical contact hours
Each module typically consists of independent learning using on-line study materials, links to key readings, online webinars, and tutorial support. Most modules also include workshops of which a small number may be run in-person. The precise blend varies according to each module and is explained in the relevant module section. There is no need to purchase core reading materials.
Assessment
The course is generally assessed through work-based projects depending on the module choices each student makes.
Support for research
You will attend a Research in Professional Practice workshop (see Modules & Key Dates) and be 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 methodology. There is considerable experience available within the course team and most topics connected with career development and coaching can be pursued.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be accessible when you register for each module and you will be allocated to any relevant Warwick small group classes. We will facilitate your registration for the core modules 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 Higher Education and many rise within the sector as they progress through and achieve the CEIGHE qualification. Former students have gone on to publish and disseminate their work in a range of academic and professional contexts and secured prizes for this. 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)
- 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 part-time course has two intakes each year.
October Intake
April Intake
April 2025 applications are now open.
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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Applicant Portal
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Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Online applicant event
Before you apply, see if you could come onto an online event to meet course teaching staff and like-minded applicants. Ask any questions you have about studying this course, and get personalised guidance to see if this is the right option for you.
Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window
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.