MA in Career Guidance
incorporating The Qualification in Career Guidance
Introduction
This programme of academic study and professional training will enable participants to gain entry to the career guidance profession and work in a range of settings (e.g. career service companies, youth guidance services, further education, higher education, adult guidance, the voluntary sector).
Programme Outline
The programme provides a blend of academic study and research, professional placements, and practical days in the University.
Learning on the MACG is both active and interactive, with many opportunities for activities such as group discussion, examination of case studies, role play and placement experience.
The programme is organised in three stages:
Stage 1 (Part-Time Year 1)
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Career Guidance Practice
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Career Guidance Theory
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Reflective Professional Development
Stage 2 (Part-Time Year 2)
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Career Learning and Development
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Equality and Social Justice
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Labour Markets and Partnerships
Stage 3
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Evaluation, Research Methods and Dissertation
Full-time students undertake all three stages in one full calender year. The QCG is awarded following the successful completion of Stages 1 and 2.
Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
If you have studied with Canterbury Christ Church University in the past, this opens up the opportunity for you to gain up to 90 masters level credits for your QCG via our APL process, thereby giving you access to our MACG programme. If you have gained the Diploma in Careers Guidance at CCCU, the College of Guidance Studies or another University you will also be eligible to apply.
If you would like an application form, please contact the Programme Administrator Jacquie Minter on 01892 507663.
Do I have to Study Full-Time?
The MA in Career Guidance (MACG) is offered on a Full Time (one full calendar year) and Part Time (two years and 3 months) basis.
There are 2 timetabled teaching days in the University per week, plus blocks of time on placement. Part-Time students attend the University on average one day per week during term time.
Any Part-time students who are not engaged in a guidance role must complete their placements by the beginning of Year 2.
How will I gain experience?
You will take part in a number of Practical Skills Days - these involve Interview and Group Work Practice with students from local schools, using our Interview Training Suite with CCTV. In addition there will be opportunities to practice using role play.
Where will I do my Placements?
You will be able to gain a variety of relevant and useful experience whilst studying for the MACG. Placements are offered in Careers Guidance and Connexions services, in further and higher education and in schools. In addition students spend some time in an organisation that works more informally with young people, e.g. youth centres, voluntary organisations. In total students spend six weeks on placement. You will be asked to organise most of your placement activity yourself.
How will I be Assessed?
You will be assessed using a variety of methods. These include written assignments (such as essays, case studies or reports) and practical assessment (such as 1-1 interviews, groupwork and presentations). In Stage 3 you will complete a dissertation on a research area of your choice.
Where might I work following the MACG, and do many students find jobs?
You could work in a professional career guidance role in a range of settings (e.g. career services companies, Connexions services, further education, higher education, adult guidance, the voluntary sector). The vast majority of students find work in guidance within a short time after the end of the MACG, and currently many then go on to take a small cluster of NVQ level 4 units if working in the statutory sector.
Where will I study?
The MA in Career Guidance is run at the Salomons Campus in Southborough (between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells). Salomons is set in a beautiful landscaped parkland estate - the perfect place to reflect and focus on studying.
Fees
The fees for 2011-2012 are £3,340 for both the Full Time (one year) and Part Time* (two years). Following successful completion of the Diploma in Career Guidance (QCG), progression to the MA would cost an additional £1,995.
Students must also register with the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) and take out student membership, a total fee of £315 (this may increase slightly).
*The Part Time fee is paid in two annual installments of £1,670 in both the first and second years, however the fees for the second year are subject to an increase due to inflation.
In addition before registration, students are asked to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau (currently the cost is £41 including a £5 handling charge). Full details of this requirement are discussed at interview.
International Fees
The fees for International Students are £10,605 for the MA in Career Guidance undertaken over one calendar year.
Entry Requirements
To gain entry to the MA in Career Guidance you will need to have a degree in any discipline. If you are not a graduate, but have experience of work, you will be asked to submit a piece of written work as part of the selection process.
Applicants meeting the entry requirements will be interviewed and the University is looking for applicants who can meet the following selection criteria:
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Good oral and written communication skills
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The ability to analyse and evaluate
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Adaptability
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Organisational skills
Applicants will also need to be able to demonstrate their commitment to the programme, that they can take responsibility for their own learning, that they are non-judgmental and are able to show openness to new ideas.
International Students - additional entry requirements
If English is not your first language you will be required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or the equivalent result from the Canterbury Christ Church University English test. If you would like to take the Canterbury test, please apply via the Canterbury approved representative in your country.
For further advice please contact the International Office on +44 (0) 01227 458459 or click here for the International Office website.|
Applications
Please complete an application form. Applicants for this programme will be contacted regarding an interview. The interview day includes a briefing session and an opportunity to raise questions. If you would like an informal discussion, or would like to come and visit us, please contact us as shown below.
Further Enquiries
For a more informal discussion please contact the Programme Director Dr Barbara Bassot on 01892 507511.
Alternatively please contact the Programme Administrator Jacquie Minter on 01892 507663.