There are two pathways available for both full and part-time students within the MA in Career Development and Coaching Studies: 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.
Route A
Route A consists of 6 x 20 credit modules and a 60 credit Dissertation module (15,000 words). It provides a full training for working as a career development professional.
Route B
Route B consists of 3 x 20 credit modules, a 100 credit Dissertation module (25,000 words) and 1 x 20 credit module from the list of Route B options below. It is designed for individuals with some experience of career development support or those wishing to pursue independent research in the field of career development and coaching studies.

This MA can be completed full-time or part-time.

The full-time route starts in October, and takes one year to complete. The part-time route starts in April or October, and take up to four years to complete.

Both routes begin with a mandatory induction the day before the Career Development Theories module.
Full-time (P-L561)

The full-time MA starts every October and is completed over 12 months. The course starts with a mandatory induction. You will then complete the core modules in Career Development Theories and Career Coaching, followed by Research in Professional Practice and your elective modules. Route A students will choose 3 optional modules and a 60 credit dissertation. Route B students will complete 1 optional module and a 100 credit dissertation.

For the full-time MA, teaching takes place via a blend of weekly sessions at the University of Warwick campus which you must attend in person, and engagement with online resources to deepen and broaden your learning.

Part-time (P-L561P)

The part-time MA can be completed in up to 4 years. The course starts with a mandatory induction. You will then complete the core modules in Career Development Theories and Career Coaching, followed by Research in Professional Practice and your elective modules. Route A students will choose 3 optional modules and a 60 credit dissertation. Route B students will complete 1 optional module and a 100 credit dissertation.

For the part-time MA, teaching takes place via a blend of workshops (usually over 2 days for each module) at the University of Warwick campus which you must attend in person, and engagement with online resources to deepen and broaden your learning.

Who can study full time?

The full-time MA is available to UK (home) students and to international students requiring a Tier 4 visa.

Who can study part time?

The part-time MA might be more suitable for students with additional commitments (e.g. work or family). Part-time study can be completed in two ways.

The 2-year MA route offers a structured route to part-time study.

The 4-year flexible route allows students to start with a PG Certificate or PG Diploma programme and then move on to the MA course, completing all elements within four years, depending on how quickly you wish to move through the MA.

The part-time MA is not suitable for international students requiring a Tier 4 visa.

Can I move between full- and part-time study?

We can consider transfers from full-time to part-time and from part-time to full- time, providing there are no visa considerations.

Does the course meet the conditions for the Postgraduate loan?

Yes, the full-time course meets the eligibility criteria for the UK government scheme. The part-time programme is eligible if the 2-year route is followed.

This course is designed for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes individuals who are currently involved in career development and coaching support, individuals who wish to make a career change and recent graduates with some experience of work who are highly motivated to forge a career in this area.

This programme’s standard entrance requirement is an undergraduate degree graded at 2:2 in any discipline.

You can also gain entry through successful completion of one of our Postgraduate Awards at level 7.

Alternatively, if you possess significant professional experience or are currently employed in a related field of work and you hold a level 4-6 cognate (related) qualification which can be supported by a related academic and/or employer reference, this would also satisfy our academic entry requirements.

If you have alternative qualifications and relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss these with the course team.

Applicants must be able to produce written work of a good standard.

Applicants must have, or be expected to achieve, an English language test certificate that meets our Band B English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall, and minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

Please see the Admissions webpage to find out if you are exempt from this entry requirement.

To access a 6 or 10-week pre-sessional English language training course at Warwick University you must meet specific entry requirements beyond those normally expected for a Band B condition in order to attend, including equivalent to an IELTS level 7.0 in listening and speaking. You would be expected to complete the course with no less than a 7.0 in listening and speaking and a 6.0 in reading and writing.

Overseas Applicants:

We have welcomed students from a range of countries including the UK, Ireland, Norway, France, Germany, Romania, Slovenia, USA, China, Oman, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Mongolia and Australia. You are invited to discuss the course options available with the course team.

Former students have gone on to publish and disseminate their work in a range of academic and professional contexts. Our graduates occupy a range of relevant roles in the private and public sectors. PhD opportunities are available at Warwick within the Centre for Lifelong Learning and the Warwick Institute for Employment Research.

You will attend a Research in Professional Project workshop (see dates) and are 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 research strategy. There is a considerable experience available within the course team and most topics connected with career development and coaching can be pursued.

Both route A and B described above enable direct entry to the MA. It is also possible for students to register for the PG Diploma or PG Certificate CDCS and then transfer to the MA.

Applications are now open for 2024 October starts.

• Apply for full-time study.Link opens in a new window Applications will close on 31 July 2024.
• Applications now closed for April 2024 part-time study.
• Apply for October part-time studyLink opens in a new window. Applications will close on 31 August 2024.

Applications are reviewed as they are received. 

Before you apply

Come onto a taster session, meet our teaching staff, ask any questions you may have and see if the part-time course is right for you:

• Sign up for 13 May 12:00-12:45

Before you apply, please read our Application Selection GuidanceLink opens in a new window to see if this MA programme is right for you.

Making an application

For guidance on application forms and reference advice, please also read our notes on How to ApplyLink opens in a new window.

See course fees and fundingLink opens in a new window for more information. View potential additional fees.

For Warwick graduates who have Home or Overseas fee status, there is a 10% tuition fee discount in place. Learn more here.

Please note the part-time Masters route is NOT eligible for a Postgraduate student loan. Although you might be eligible for a 10% Alumni Discount.

There are two routes to completing your MA. All students will complete the 3 core modules listed below. You can then choose to do route A which has 3 elective modules and a 60 credit dissertation, or route B which has 1 elective module and a 100 credit dissertation. Both routes add up to a total of 180 credits.

More information on core and optional modules is indicated below. Detailed module information is available by clicking on the relevant module title e.g. aims, learning outcomes, syllabus, teaching and assessment. For current module dates, please see Modules and Key Dates.

Core modules for all MA routes:

Optional modules: Route A, choose 3; Route B, choose 1

Dissertation

*The modules mentioned above may be subject to change. Please read our terms and conditions for more detailed information.