Career Guidance and Development

Entry requirements

You are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, in any subject.

If you do not possess the qualifications above then you may still be considered. For example, you may have completed a workplace qualification such as an S/NVQ in Advice and Guidance whilst working in the sector. In all cases you should be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, experience and maturity, and satisfy the University that you have the potential to reach the academic standards required of a course at postgraduate level by holding at least an HNC in Social Sciences, Career Guidance or an equivalent qualification.

The programme team is committed to improving diversity in the career development sector. We encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.

Applicants who wish to complete the PG Cert or PG Diploma online must normally be employed for the duration of their programme in a guidance related role where they have access to clients and to a QCD accredited professional willing to act as their workplace supervisor. Applicants who wish to complete the PG Cert online must normally be employed in a guidance-related role.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Our postgraduate diploma (PgDip) Career Guidance and Development is professionally recognised by the Career Development Institute (CDI). The PgDip enables you to develop the knowledge and practical skills through academic study and work related learning opportunities to become a career development practitioner.

The course 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.

The PgDip is a vocational programme aimed at providing the knowledge, skills and attributes required for employment as a career guidance and development professional. The programme has been identified by the Scottish Government and the national skills body, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), as the 'core' qualification for career guidance and development professionals in Scotland.

The PgDip in Career Guidance and Development incorporates the internationally recognised Qualification in Career Development (QCD) accredited by the UK-wide professional body, the Career Development Institute (CDI).

Our Career Guidance & Development course is considered to be a 'flagship course' by the CDI. It is currently the largest programme of its kind in the UK.