Course summary
This course is for current or aspiring career guidance and employability professionals across a range of settings such as schools, colleges, universities and government employment agencies, or those who work independently like career coaches or counsellors. On this distance learning course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding of critical reflection and how to employ independent learning strategies to enable you to evaluate and inform your professional practice. You’ll also develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational research and learn about policy, practice and theories underpinning career guidance, equality and diversity, partnership working and research-based practice. Why Career Development and Employability?
- The course can lead to a wide variety of interesting and rewarding career prospects in the career guidance and development sector including higher and further education careers and employability services, secondary education and third sector organisations. You can find out more via the Career Development Institute (CDI) (https://www.thecdi.net)
- Successful completion of the course can result in the CDI approved career guidance professional qualification (the Qualification in Career Development or QCD).You’ll study 100% online which gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace and fit your studies alongside other work and home commitments.
- Students who do not wish to commit to the full MA may choose to study the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) which also leads to the award of the QCD.
- Huddersfield has been teaching career guidance courses for over 40 years and has established a strong national reputation in the sector. You’ll also have access to our extensive professional and academic network which feeds directly into course design and delivery and to excellent facilities and specialist equipment.
- This course is open to graduates from any discipline, as well as applicants with a professional qualification and/or suitable experience.
Modules
Core Modules You will study the following core modules: Developing Professional Practice: Organisational Culture and Professional Practice The Guidance Network Critical Literature Review Professional Research Project Option Modules You will also have the option to choose two of the following optional modules: Developing Professional Practice: Work with Individuals and Groups Leadership & Management in Career Education & Development Higher Education in Context Employer Engagement and Business Support
Assessment method
Our course offers a combination of teaching styles: lectures, tutorials, independent study and work-based learning. Assessment is continuous and varied and includes written assignments, presentations, and reports. The course is assessed through coursework; there are no timed tests or exams. The assessment on the course allows you to demonstrate your practical knowledge and skills alongside developing your critical and theoretical understanding of the subject. The assessment builds on your particular interests and context and is likely to have outcomes that will be of benefit to your professional life and to your employer. You’ll be provided with guidance to help you develop your assignment work by module tutors and specialist learning support staff. For international students, we provide weekly academic study skills support workshop to help you get the most from the main modules.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this course are normally: * A degree or an equivalent professional qualification. Suitably experienced applicants without a degree will be considered. In addition you must also have: * Relevant experience in a paid or voluntary basis. * Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. * Complete a satisfactory interview. * International applicants must be available for interview in person or via Skype. In order to successfully study this distance learning course, you must also have: * Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. * The ability to access and use online study guidance and support. * Appropriate video and audio devices so that you can participate in webinar tutorials.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent or Duolingo English certificate, score 105 or above.
Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements pages.
https://hud.ac.uk/international/courses-and-entry-requirements/international-entry-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7900* | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £7900* | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7900* | Whole course |
| Wales | £7900* | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £7900* | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £7900* | Whole course |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The information provided below is for those applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2025/26. The University may increase its tuition fees each year to ensure our distance learning fees are competitive and/or in line with RPI-X, which is the rate of inflation set by the government. We will notify you of any increase in your tuition fees before you register or re-register in each year of your course.
Fees for courses starting in the academic year 2026/27 (e.g. from 1 September 2026) will be published in March 2026.
Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University. Read more about what is and is not covered by Tuition Fees including compliance for Goods and Services Tax for International Students studying an online course (https://www.hud.ac.uk/distance-learning/fees-and-finance/).
Employers looking to enrol a number of learners may be eligible for a corporate discount.
Contact [email protected] for further information.
Sponsorship information
For further information please visit (https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding-studies/’)
Provider information
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH