MA Education: Guidance Studies

“The course was divided into three levels – certificate, diploma and masters – and this meant that if for some reason I needed to stop the course, I would still get accreditation for the part I had completed.” 

Dorianne graduated with a Distinction in January 2011. She also won the award for the highest overall academic achievement across all MA Education students that year.

Looking further afield for learning opportunities

After a number of years working as a guidance teacher in a state secondary school in Malta, I decided that I needed to further and specialise my studies in career guidance. After completing a First Diploma in Occupational Guidance and Career Counselling with the University of Malta, I wanted to progress to masters level. This time I decided to study outside of Malta so that I would be exposed to new ideas from foreign lecturers.

Derby’s online course attracted me

University of Derby especially interested me because it offered an online distance learning programme. This fitted well with my hectic lifestyle as a working mother. Moreover the course was divided into three levels – certificate, diploma and masters – and this meant that if for some reason I needed to stop the course, I would still get accreditation for the part I had completed.

I was supported from day one

I was given a lot of initial support with regards to filling in the application form, course clarification, information about access to course material, etc. This was very helpful especially since the start of a new course is always difficult and in this case being an online student was a totally new experience to me.

I had access to materials not available in Malta

The course resources were very useful and provided a very structured and valuable guide to my studies. Access to online journals through the electronic library opened up doors to reading material I never had access to in Malta. All lecturers were very helpful and available to answer any queries I put forward.

Working while studying was a big advantage

One of the biggest assets of the course was that since I was working in the area of career guidance at the same time, I could apply, evaluate and be critical of the knowledge I was gaining. This was especially reflected in the assignments I undertook which always revolved around some aspect of my professional practice.

Find out more about MA Education: Guidance Studies online.