Career Development and Employability MA (Distance Learning)

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.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you hold the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development and are currently employed in a professional career development role, you may be eligible to apply for entry to the MA or PgDip in Career Development and Employability through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) route.

Through this process, you may be able to claim up to 60 credits towards the programme, depending on the relevance and quality of your prior learning and experience. This route recognises both formal qualifications and professional experience.

Applicants will be required to submit an APEL portfolio, which outlines the evidence you have to support your claim.

All APEL claims are reviewed by academic staff in line with university policy.

To learn more about the APEL process, please visit our APEL guidance page. Accreditation of Prior Learning - University of Huddersfield.

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 with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in any single component 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 page.

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 CDI
• 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 (PG Dip) 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.

Discover more about Distance Learning at Huddersfield.