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Career Guidance and Leadership Postgraduate Diploma

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught / Professional
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024/25

Introduction:

With today’s continuously changing labour market, along with education and skills reforms, career guidance and leadership have become an increasingly significant part of education, employment and training.

This unique Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance and Leadership with professional qualification will equip you with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and qualities required in practice for a range of professional roles within the career development and employability sector. You'll benefit from a flexible approach to your studies with our blended learning, as well as personalised, hands-on learning.

You’ll be ready to work with a range of clients and make a real difference in people’s lives - whether you’re planning a future in career development and employability or already working within the sector.

Why study the PGDip in Career Guidance and Leadership at NTU:

  • Join a university that has a strong reputation in this field with 50 years of experience in the careers and employability sector.
  • Opportunity to gain the Career Development Institute’s professional award – the Qualification in Career Development (QCD) - alongside our Masters’ and achieve registered professional status.
  • Flexible approach to your studies through blended delivery to enable you to balance studying with other commitments.
  • Opportunity to progress on to the MA Career Guidance and Leadership course.

What you’ll study

The course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of careers guidance, education and leadership, and enable you to develop a critical awareness of current developments, contemporary debates and insights in the discipline and sector. You will acquire professional skills and apply theory to practice in a range of professional contexts. You will learn about national and international theoretical perspectives and concepts relating to career guidance and career development, employability, career related learning, management and leadership, and their applications for practice.

Upon completion, you will be able to reflect upon your practice and performance and identify continuing professional development and personal development needs – ensuring that you are able to adapt and respond to the contextual needs of clients, employers and the sector.

Course structure

The course is formed of four core modules, four of which are worth 30 credit points, and focus on different aspects of your career development skills, knowledge and experience. You will also study a 60 credit Research Methods and Dissertation/Service Evaluation module. We have designed the course to enable you to combine your studies alongside other commitments.

Course overview

The illustration below shows the time frame for the PgDip/QCD, which takes an academic year to complete.

Year One

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3
Induction Professional Career Guidance and Theoretical Perspectives II (30 credits)
Professional Guidance Practice and Theoretical Perspectives I (30 credits) Designing and Delivering Career Related Learning (30 credits) Careers Strategy and Leadership (30 credits)

Professional Guidance Practice and Theoretical Perspectives I (30 credit points)

  • The aim of this module is to develop essential skills when working with individuals in one-to-one situations. Roles may be in a range of settings, including education, youth work, social care, and health contexts, where the focus is on enabling individuals’ development.
  • You’ll explore the knowledge, skills and approaches appropriate to guidance, coaching, mentoring, and advisory work.
  • You’ll critically appraise a range of theoretical perspectives and approaches that underpin contemporary guidance practice. It will enable you to reflect upon ethical perspectives and principles that are fundamental to professional practice.
  • You’ll develop analytical and critical skills to assist you in becoming a reflective practitioner.
  • The skills acquired will enable you to plan, execute, critique and reflect upon one-to-one guidance interactions, based on an informed ethical stance and tailored to specific individual contexts.

Professional Career Guidance Practice and Theoretical Perspectives II (30 credit points)

  • The module builds on learning from the Professional Guidance Practice and Theoretical Perspectives I module.
  • The aim of this module is to develop critical analytical and reflective skills that will enable you to plan, execute and critique one-to-one career guidance interactions, based on an informed ethical stance.
  • You’ll critically appraise a range of theoretical perspectives and approaches that underpin and inform our understanding of the influences upon career, career choice, career development and transition, and of contemporary career guidance practice.
  • You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate the implications of applying different approaches in practice to take account of individuals’ contexts.

Designing and Delivering Career Related Learning (30 credit points)

  • This module is designed to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills to enable you to plan, design, deliver and evaluate career related learning, appropriate for group activities as well as broader curriculum design.
  • You’ll develop a critical understanding of career related theory, policy, frameworks and curriculum initiatives, examining their impact for improved client outcomes and application to local, regional, national and/or international contexts.
  • You’ll critically examine how organisations/institutions and individuals work in partnership to negotiate, design, develop, organise and evaluate career related learning.
  • You’ll explore the role and use of data and career and labour market information in informing provision and meeting the needs of clients and other key stakeholders.

Careers Strategy and Leadership (30 credit points)

  • The module is designed to enable you to take a strategic approach to career development and employability practice, exploring the values and principles that underpin a strategic careers/employability plan, and the drivers of strategy.
  • You’ll critically evaluate how a strategic approach can contribute to institutional/organisational improvements and enhanced service delivery.
  • You’ll apply understanding of key components of leadership and management and reflect on how this can support a strategic approach being adopted within an institution/organisation.
  • The module will support you in advocating for strategic careers practice and enhancing your personal effectiveness as a career professional.

Further information on what you'll study

The PGDip is highly regarded in the sector. You’ll also have the opportunity to combine this with the professional award of the Qualification of Career Development (QCD),and achieve registered professional status by joining the UK Register for Career Development Professionals. NTU is one of only eight universities in the UK to have approved centre status from the Career Development Institute to deliver the QCD.

Please note that registration and student membership fees incur a separate cost and must be paid directly to the CDI. Further details can be found on the CDI website.

The learning outcomes for the postgraduate diploma have been mapped to the learning outcomes for national Careers Leaders training, fulfilling those requirements if in a relevant role and applying the learning to careers education and leadership in secondary or further education.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Bushra Rashid

Having experience in recruitment and selection, I knew that my HR background would aid my learning in the course although understanding and applying career theories was a completely new experience!

How you’re taught

Study and support

Our dedicated team of staff are professionally trained practitioners from the career development and employability sector. They provide a wealth of experience from across the sector to support our students. The team is actively engaged in professional activities and networks within the sector, and along with their research activity, this not only enriches the curriculum content but also feeds directly into our approaches to teaching and the assessment of skills development.

A blended learning approach is taken to the delivery of the PGDip.

There is a mix of online learning and virtual/on-campus workshop days for one day a week in Terms 1 and 2 (the same day throughout), reducing in frequency from Term 3.

A key feature of the learning experience is that – although you may be at a distance from the University’s campus – you are able to learn from each other, as well as from the tutors, in a supportive environment.

The learning model is as follows:

  • workshops and lectures to attend (on-campus and/or online – all online for the distance route), the proportion of which will vary depending upon whether you are studying on the blended or distance route and as you progress through the course
  • structured online teaching and learning activities to engage with on all routes
  • tutorials with course tutors
  • work-based and work-related learning, opportunities to learn from guest speakers from the sector and attend sector conferences/events, such as the CDI Student Conference.

A range of teaching and learning methods are used. These may include:

  • lectures and workshops
  • structured online teaching and learning activities
  • individual tutorials
  • case study investigations
  • simulation exercises and experiential learning related to specific aspects of career guidance practitioners’ work, practice and skills, enabling students to practice in a controlled environment
  • observations
  • interactive and group learning, for both face-to-face and online delivery
  • real-life, work-based and workplace practice, and application of skills through the University networks and partners, such as one-to-one guidance interactions and group work in a range of settings, including schools, colleges, universities, and community and private organisations.

Personalisation of learning is a significant element of the course, and you’ll have choice around the case studies you engage with, the work-related and work-based practice, as well as the content area for your assessment tasks.  The teaching and learning activities, whether online or face-to-face, will provide opportunities for peer learning and gaining insights from each other.

Staff Profiles

Jo McFadden - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Jo McFadden

Dean Penford - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Angela Vesey - School Employability Manager

School of Social Sciences

Angela Vesey

How you’re assessed

Assessment methods are varied and accommodate a variety of learning preferences. Written assignments include case studies, enquiry-based reports, a reflective journal, a portfolio of evidence, and a dissertation or service evaluation, while skills-based assessments include one-to-one guidance interactions and group work.

In-sessional English language support

In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.

Careers and employability

The course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and attributes that are highly sought after by employers in the career development and employability sector.  As such, careers and employability are core themes throughout the course – not only will you have acquired the skills necessary for professional practice within the sector, but you’ll be able to apply the insights to yourself in order to assist you in managing your own career and employability.

Through our close links with the sector, the professional body and our own employability team at NTU, you will have the opportunity to learn from others from within the sector and to network with employers and practitioners.

The course will enable you to develop your own career in a sector that is flexible, varied and rewarding.  It will enable you to work with a range of clients – from young people, students, adults, career changers and those seeking to (re)enter the labour market – and in a range of settings, including secondary, further and higher education, private and third sector organisations, as well as self-employment.

Destination outcomes from the course are excellent. Graduates have entered a range of roles in career guidance, employability, management and leadership across the sector, including:

  • Careers Adviser
  • Careers and Employability Adviser
  • Career Coach
  • Careers Consultant
  • Careers Development and Education Consultant
  • Careers Leader
  • Curriculum Manager
  • Deputy Director of Student Services (Employability)
  • Employability Education Projects Officer
  • Graduate Transition Manager
  • International Officer (HE recruitment)
  • Project Manager (Employability)
  • Team Manager – Employment Adviser.

The course will enable you to work as a careers adviser in schools and colleges in line with statutory guidance.

Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.

Campus and facilities

NTU offers a wide range of learning resources and facilities to all students. As a Social Sciences student, you’ll also have easy access to the fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings. These include:

  • Lecture theatres and teaching classrooms
  • Open access PCs and secure wireless points
  • Study areas and social spaces
  • Chaucer café, serving drinks and light snacks
  • Our School of Social Sciences reception provides you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff
  • The School’s media room for visual recording of one-to-one guidance practice to aid your learning. Recording equipment is also available for group work practice and assessment undertaken at the University.

If you wish to gain the Qualification in Career Development (QCD, in addition to the PGDip, then as a Student Member of the CDI (Career Development Institute) you will also have access to CDI events, webinars, conferences and courses.

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across our City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services, with a free printing allowance for each student.

Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.

Books and library resources

Our state-of-the-art Boots library will give you access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the built environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.

Within the library, there is a liaison librarian who has specialist subject knowledge and can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and with areas such as Harvard referencing and research skills.

Entry requirements

  • You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree or other equivalent higher education qualification e.g. HND / DipHE.
  • Applicants without such qualifications will be considered but will be required to evidence relevant work experience in a related field, and demonstrate their motivation and ability to study at postgraduate level.
  • Via the admissions process, all suitable applicants are invited for an interview, which takes place at a convenient time via a Teams or phone call.  This is an opportunity for the applicant to discuss their application and motivation to study the course and to have questions about the course addressed. Areas for discussion include the applicant’s understanding and interest in the following areas:
    • career development/employability
    • commitment to a “career in career”
    • an insight into the demands of the sector for practitioners working in the profession
    • the ability to manage the demands of postgraduate study.

Other requirements

DBS checks

DBS checks are mandatory for this course. If a DBS check indicates that a student is unsuitable to work with young people or vulnerable adults, their case will be referred to the Dean of the School of Social Sciences and the student will be required to withdraw from the course.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

  • You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree or other equivalent higher education qualification e.g. HND / DipHE.
  • Applicants without such qualifications will be considered but will be required to evidence relevant work experience in a related field, and demonstrate their motivation and ability to study at postgraduate level.
  • Via the admissions process, all suitable applicants are invited for an interview, which takes place at a convenient time via a Teams or phone call.  This is an opportunity for the applicant to discuss their application and motivation to study the course and to have questions about the course addressed. Areas for discussion include the applicant’s understanding and interest in the following areas:
    • career development/employability
    • commitment to a “career in career”
    • an insight into the demands of the sector for practitioners working in the profession
    • the ability to manage the demands of postgraduate study.

Other requirements

DBS checks

DBS checks are mandatory for this course. If a DBS check indicates that a student is unsuitable to work with young people or vulnerable adults, their case will be reported to the Dean of the School of Social Sciences and the student will be required to withdraw from the course.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Fees for September 2024

Study route Home (UK) students
PGDip full-time £5,080

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

If you choose to top up your PGDip to a Masters degree the fee would be £2,540. This may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.  Postgraduate loans are available for full Masters’ qualifications (180 credits).

There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.

Career Development Institute (CDI) fees

You can become a Student Member of the Career Development Institute (CDI) at the start of the course. Students who choose to complete the QCD must register with the CDI in addition to becoming a Student Member.

Please note that registration and student membership fees incur a separate cost and must be paid directly to the CDI. Further details can be found on the CDI website.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Fees for September 2024

Study route International/ EU students
PGDip full-time £10,600

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

If you choose to top up your PGDip to a Masters degree the fee would be £5,300. This may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.

Career Development Institute (CDI) fees

You can can become a Student Member of the Career Development Institute (CDI) at the start of the course. Students who choose to complete the QCD must register with the CDI in addition to becoming a Student Member.

Please note that registration and student membership fees incur a separate cost and must be paid directly to the CDI. Further details can be found on the CDI website.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

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.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact the course leader, Dean Penford.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.