Objectives-To help you acquire the necessary and appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills, competencies, attributes and values to become an effective, professional guidance practitioner. -To explore both the theoretical and practical basis of the work of guidance deliverers in an objective, critical and analytical way, considering the needs of both clients and customers. -To enable participation in a wide variety of guidance activities and functions by direct work-based learning with guidance deliverers and educational establishments and by experimental role play activities and the use of closed circuit TV. -To simulate the pressures, demands and standards of the guidance worker?s environment - including organisational, administrative and time management elements as well as broader professional practice. -To review and reflect upon performance and learning experiences through tutorials centred around student portfolios and/or training plans. -To introduce students to the competencies/standards approach and combine it with the academic rigour of master's level study ensuring a smooth transition from study to employment. -To examine new trends and developments in the future role of careers guidance provision.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements -You should normally hold a degree or equivalent. However applicants with other qualifications or with other relevant experience are encouraged to apply. If selected you are required to provide some written evidence which is used to assess whether you will cope with the academic demands of the course. -We positively encourage applications from men, minority ethnic groups and those with a disability as they are under represented on the course and in guidance work generally. -You are required to have Criminal Records Bureau clearance and health checks.
Academic titleGuidance, Postgraduate Diploma
Course descriptionIntroduction
Careers guidance is recognised as playing a key role in helping people make appropriate decisions about their training, education and employment needs.
The Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG) provides comprehensive training for all aspects of guidance work and prepares students to work in a variety of guidance environments.
The course is modular and combines theoretical, academic and practical approaches to guidance in a range of different contexts, including the Connexions Service and other guidance providers. There is a focus on personal development and teamwork exercises both at the University and in work-based learning with guidance providers. The learning experience is based on participation, critical analysis, self determination, self reflection and shared responsibility. The course totals 120 master?s level credits.
Course Structure
There are four modules:
The Framework for Practical Practice
Theory and Policy of Career Education and Career Guidance
Career Guidance Interventions
Multi-Agency and Partnership Working
If you complete the PgDip in Guidance and meet the Institute of Career Guidance regulations you will be awarded the QCG. You must successfully complete a cluster of units from an NVQ Level 4 programme in order to deliver the Connexions contract. The NVQ Level 4 is usually obtained in the first
year of employment.
The course starts in September. Attendance is three days a week at the University (usually Wednesday, Thursday and Friday).
Attendance usually starts at 9.15am and finishes at 4.15pm. Students involved in fieldwork and workbased learning must observe the hours of work of our partner organisations. The course is extremely intensive and involves private study in your own time. Sessions are varied and include video interview work, visits to schools and colleges as well as the more familiar lectures and seminars.
Teaching and Assessment
Practical work is assessed and includes interviewing, group work, public speaking, personal organisation and time management. This takes place both at the University and in work-based learning. A range of written assignments is required, including essays, projects and reports. You will need to pass all four modules and comply with the ICG regulations to gain the PgDip in Guidance award.
Fieldwork
Work Based Learning (WBL)
This consists of three weeks in Term 1, two weeks in Term 2 and four weeks in Term 3. We take account of personal circumstances and any family/personal links that you might have in other areas of the country. Our well established local and regional links usually mean that we can provide placements within daily travelling distance. Although every attempt is made to consider individual circumstances, you must be prepared to be mobile and to live away from home if necessary.
Student Finance Office for information and advice.
For the past three years sponsored places have been available through the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). Full information on this is given at recruitment and selection days and it is the course centre which administers the funds. Potential applicants cannot access this through individual applications to the DfES.
Special Features
The course has a good reputation for students gaining employment. The profile of guidance has been raised considerably over the last five years. You will have a range of employment options to consider other than the Connexions Service, including Further and Higher Education and adult guidance work.