Education: Guidance Studies MA
The Masters in Guidance Studies provides opportunities for practitioners, managers and researchers to explore key issues relating to guidance theory and practice, with particular emphasis on developing the evidence base. The overall aim of the programme is to support professionals to develop their practice by encouraging reflection on traditional and contemporary career perspectives.
Central to the programme is a commitment to link theory to practice and explore ways in which new theories can be developed as a result of reflection on practice. You will gain an improved understanding of the policies and practices that underpin and influence guidance work at local, national and international levels. You'll be encouraged to develop a research portfolio relevant to their interests.
This innovative and exciting programme offers more than a traditional taught Masters programme in that it emphasises:
- practical applications of guidance theory in relation to current and future policy and practice;
- action research techniques to develop experience, knowledge and skills of research approaches;
- links with a vibrant research community at national and international levels
- reflective practice related to personal, career and professional development.
Specially designed for your field of work
This course is ideal if you are interested in, and have current experience of, careers or educational guidance to support lifelong learning. Our students are usually practitioners, researchers, teachers or managers working in the following areas:
- Schools, colleges and guidance services for young people
- Services to support information, advice and guidance for adults
- Further and Adult education
- Training providers
- British Forces' education and guidance services
- University guidance and careers services
- Guidance research services.
Assignments and online class discussions are driven by your own experiences, so it’s stimulating, engaging and highly relevant to your day to day professional life.
Unique resources and expertise
Our International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) delivers this course. It’s a centre for excellence at the cutting edge of research and professional development within the career guidance sector. With this expertise and their unique career guidance research and literature resource, you will have first-rate support and materials to aid your learning.
Course Length:
3-4 years of part time study for the full MA
Start Dates:
September and January
Entry Requirements:
You will normally need all of the following.
- Experience in education guidance, counselling, workforce development or related sectors.
- An undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent.
- A CV detailing your academic and work experience. Please include a statement that identifies your motivation for undertaking the programme, ie career development, personal interest. Tell us about your experience within the guidance field – is it as a practitioner, manager, trainer or researcher? How do you see this programme supporting your aspirations?
However, we also welcome applications from people who don’t have an undergraduate degree, but have extensive and relevant work experience at an appropriate level.
You are also normally required to have one of the following English Language qualifications:
- GCE O level English Language Grade C
- GCSE English Grade C
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL (paper-based) 550
- TOEFL (computer-based) 213
- TOEFL (online) 93.
Fees:
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £360 | 12 | £4,320* | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £560 | 12 | £6,720* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
Career Information:
This Masters degree is excellent professional development for your career in guidance.
As well as enhancing your knowledge and confidence in your current role, it could open doors to new opportunities in a wide range of settings: career services companies, adult guidance services, young people's services, further and higher education, or the voluntary sector. You could also work in a school or even be self employed.
One of our graduates, Julie Blant, is now a Deputy Director for the Postgraduate Careers Service within Nottingham University's Business School.
Testimonials:
Dorianne Gravina from Malta, graduated with a distinction in January 2011
Dorianne also won the award for the highest overall academic achievement across all MA students graduating that year. She is a career guidance teacher from Malta who took up the opportunity to gain a UK masters degree by studying online.
Dorianne said, “Because it was online, it fitted in well with my hectic lifestyle – a working mother. Moreover the course was divided into three levels – at certificate, postgraduate and Masters level – 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.”
Val Bromage is the Learning Centre Manager and Personal Learning Advisor at the Ministry of Defence
"It has been one of the most rewarding personal learning experiences I have had. Completion of each module increased my confidence, not just in my ability to complete the course, but in my professional stance as a Personal Learning Advisor. Gaining an understanding of the different guidance theories provided an informed insight as to how to assist my clients with their enquiries, and how to deal with their different attitudes to guidance."
Julie Blant is Deputy Director of the Postgraduate Careers Service, at Nottingham University Business School
"By doing the MA I was able to research and write about things that I was passionate about, ie career education in the HE curriculum and the role of guidance. I was fortunate enough to be able to present my research findings on careers education in HE at the iCeGS event and also at an AGCAS Research Conference. My research was also highlighted in a book aimed at practitioners."
Course Leader:
Student Profile:
Dorianne Gravina from Malta, graduated with a distinction in January 2011
Dorianne also won the award for the highest overall academic achievement across all MA students graduating that year. She is a career guidance teacher from Malta who took up the opportunity to gain a UK masters degree by studying online.
Dorianne said, “Because it was online, it fitted in well with my hectic lifestyle – a working mother. Moreover the course was divided into three levels – at certificate, postgraduate and Masters level – 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.”
Val Bromage is the Learning Centre Manager and Personal Learning Advisor at the Ministry of Defence
"It has been one of the most rewarding personal learning experiences I have had. Completion of each module increased my confidence, not just in my ability to complete the course, but in my professional stance as a Personal Learning Advisor. Gaining an understanding of the different guidance theories provided an informed insight as to how to assist my clients with their enquiries, and how to deal with their different attitudes to guidance."
Julie Blant is Deputy Director of the Postgraduate Careers Service, at Nottingham University Business School
"By doing the MA I was able to research and write about things that I was passionate about, ie career education in the HE curriculum and the role of guidance. I was fortunate enough to be able to present my research findings on careers education in HE at the iCeGS event and also at an AGCAS Research Conference. My research was also highlighted in a book aimed at practitioners."
Career Information
This Masters degree is excellent professional development for your career in guidance.
As well as enhancing your knowledge and confidence in your current role, it could open doors to new opportunities in a wide range of settings: career services companies, adult guidance services, young people's services, further and higher education, or the voluntary sector. You could also work in a school or even be self employed.
One of our graduates, Julie Blant, is now a Deputy Director for the Postgraduate Careers Service within Nottingham University's Business School.
Modules
Stage 1
Core Module
As well as studying the traditional theories about careers guidance, you will also explore new and developing theories. You will look at how theory can support your professional practice and have the opportunity to reflect on your own practice.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 30
Optional Module
This module will help you to develop the key skills and competences you need to study at masters level.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 30
Stage 2
Core Module
This module will give you an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and how to report research findings.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 30
Core Module
You'll look at how the role of guidance is developing and being used to support lifelong learning. We will also consider its relationship to work and learning.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 30
Optional Module
Learning to lead and manage in the educational arena now involves confronting issues including diverstiy, inclusion and equity, as well as embracing change. You'll examine the concepts of leadership and management for the 21st century, engaging in debates on leadership characteristics, styles and appraoches at all levels of the institution.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 30
Optional Module
In this module, you need to demonstrate that you can locate your work role within wider professional practice. You will adopt an ethical, enquiry-based approach, looking for how you can develop your own practice
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework, focussed on investigations of current practice issues (equivalent to 5,000 words of academic writing).
Credits: 30
Stage 3
Core Module
Supported by your tutor, you'll explore an area of your own choice in-depth, within the guidance studies field.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework, usually a 15,000 word written assignment.
Credits:
You will normally need all of the following.
- Experience in education guidance, counselling, workforce development or related sectors.
- An undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent.
- A CV detailing your academic and work experience. Please include a statement that identifies your motivation for undertaking the programme, ie career development, personal interest. Tell us about your experience within the guidance field – is it as a practitioner, manager, trainer or researcher? How do you see this programme supporting your aspirations?
However, we also welcome applications from people who don’t have an undergraduate degree, but have extensive and relevant work experience at an appropriate level.
You are also normally required to have one of the following English Language qualifications:
- GCE O level English Language Grade C
- GCSE English Grade C
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL (paper-based) 550
- TOEFL (computer-based) 213
- TOEFL (online) 93.
Apply Now
Applications for Online courses are made through the main University of Derby website.
By clicking on "Apply now" below you will be redirected to the University of Derby website to continue your application process.
Fees
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £360 | 12 | £4,320* | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £560 | 12 | £6,720* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
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