About the MA Professional Practice in Career Guidance course
This course provides the opportunity for you to advance your knowledge and contribution to the development of professional practice, by critically engaging in contemporary research within the profession.
The MA Professional Practice provides a route for those who already hold a Professional qualification in Career Guidance to acquire the 60 credit points at M-level to qualify for a Master's degree.
Why choose the MA Professional Practice in Career Guidance?
The course provides an understanding of research methodology, the interpretation of research evidence and the use of evidence in determining best practice.
An ideal opportunity for continuous professional development, updating professional practice inline with current theory, studying at a pace set by you.
Students can disseminate their findings through publication in peer reviewed journals and participation in research conferences.
Contact us
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Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
Please note the following information for applicants
Fact file
Entry requirements: Please see the
Applying section
Starting: 23 September 2013 and 22 September 2014
Study location: City site
Fees and funding:
Please visit the fees and funding section.
MA Professional Practice in Career Guidance course content
Research Methods
Research Methods training provides students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake critical and ethical research. With an emphasis on practitioner based research, this module acts as a pilot study and prepares students for the following module, either the Dissertation or the Service Development Evaluation Plan.
Dissertation
Building on the pilot study undertaken above, students can choose to undertake a dissertation focussed on their chosen area of professional practice. All students will be supported in their research by an individual supervisor.
Service Development Evaluation Plan
An alternative to the Dissertation is the Service Development Evaluation Plan, this applied project allows students to evaluate and contribute to the development of an area of service delivery, addressing real world concerns in the workplace.
Study and support
The teaching methods will offer a blend of direct contact at study days and independent study supported by electronic resources and a supervisor.
The programme will consist of five one-day study days, the first three will run over three consecutive weeks and will be related to the first module Research Methods. Students will then have a gap between the next two study days to allow them to complete their assignments. All study days are complemented by e learning.
Assessment
This is 100% coursework (including methodological reports, dissertations, projects and a business plan).
Graduates will be well placed to progress to a professional doctorate PhD programme to build upon the intellectual curiosity and technical skills that the MA will have fostered. The course provides its graduates with personal transferable skills, such as critical thinking, autonomy, originality in the application of knowledge, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and to contribute to evidence-based practice.
It is anticipated that any research will focus on the student's place of work, providing an ideal opportunity to undertake the research at a distance from the University.
Entry requirements
- You will need a Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance or an equivalent qualification.
- Students will be required to demonstrate in their personal statement that they have access to a placement or workplace within which they can conduct their research or project, and that this service provider has agreed for such activities to take place.
- One academic or vocational reference is required.
English language entry requirements
See the English language entry requirements for courses at the School of Social Sciences and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School. To find out more about these events visit the School of Social Sciences website.
How to apply
Click the apply online button at the top of the page to complete your application. As places are limited you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
