CAREER GUIDANCE & DEVELOPMENT at University of West of Scotland

OVERVIEW

Our MSc Career Guidance and Development is professionally recognised by the Career Development Institute (CDI). The postgraduate diploma enables you to develop the knowledge and practical skills through academic study and work related learning opportunities to become a career development practitioner. The masters dissertation “top up” enables you to undertake a piece of research focused on a particular area of interest in the sector.

The programme will support you to develop professional practice competence in working with individuals and groups and to undertake critical analysis of professional practice, while deepening your knowledge of the career development sector and developing your research skills. As a trainee practitioner you will learn how to provide accurate and relevant advice on employment, education and training opportunities to an ever-widening client group.

FLEXIBLE DELIVERY

The PG Dip can be completed full-time in one academic session or on a part-time fully online basis in 2 years.

If you will be studying the course on a full-time basis, you will be provided with placement and practice opportunities to meet the requirements of the CDI for the QCD.

If you currently work in a guidance-related role, you may complete the course online (incorporating work-based learning). You must normally be employed for the duration of your studies in a guidance related role where you have access to clients and the support of a qualified professional willing to act as your workplace supervisor.

COURSE DETAILS

The Certificate consists of three modules and the Diploma consists of six modules.

All students complete the core module:

• Ethical & Inclusive Practice (core, 20 credits)

Plus a further two (PG Cert) or all five (PG Dip) 20 credit modules from the following list:

• Professional Practice (CGD) (optional, 20 credits)
• Advanced Practice (CGD) (optional, 20 credits)
• The Contemporary Labour Market (CGD) (optional, 20 credits)
• Career Related Policy (optional, 20 credits)
• Career Development Theory (optional, 20 credits)

Successful completion of the PGDip allows students to proceed to the Master's Dissertation module (60 credits) which is usually completed over one academic year, on a part-time distance learning basis.. Students who have completed an equivalent PG Dip at another institution may apply directly for masters study.

Postgraduate Diploma students learning on-campus undertake placements and engage in in practical learning,. If you are already working in the career development sector and studying online as a part-time distance learner, then you will undertake work-based learning for the practice elements.