As the world of work evolves, the thinking that drives careers guidance is constantly changing. On our PGA, you’ll build a deep understanding of the classic and contemporary career development theories. Growing your skills and confidence to support people navigating the modern labour market. With one 20-credit module, you can step up your current role or move onto further study. Our 20-credit PGA can also be the start of a bigger development journey – giving you the opportunity to progress to PG Certificate, Diploma or full MA.
Modules
Develop a strong foundation in career development theory and practice.
Core knowledge: explore classic and contemporary approaches from a range of disciplines
Practical insight: apply your theoretical understanding to relevant roles
Progression opportunities: extend your studies with the Career Development and Coaching Studies suite
Note that information found by following the links to the module catalogue is subject to change for future years of study, as we evolve our courses in response to the latest developments in academia and industry.
Please note all dates are provisional and will be confirmed later in the timetabling process once you are enrolled on the course. Please contact us for more detailed information on content and availability.
You’ll combine flexible study with supported learning that fits around your life and commitments.
Flexible learning: study a single 20-credit module
Research-led teaching: learn from experienced tutors in career development and coaching studies
Blended study: workshops, independent study and distance learning
Supportive learning: a personal tutor throughout your course, along with support from modules tutors and our wellbeing team.
Vary between 15-30 students dependent on the module.
Each module typically consists of intensive in-person workshops combined with independent learning using on-line study materials, links to key readings, and online webinars.
Two Annual Start Dates
There are two intakes each year in April and October for this course. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply three months before each intake.
The assignment consists of a work-based project.
Entry requirements
The University's standard entrance requirement is an undergraduate degree graded at 2:2 in any discipline*. Equivalent professional qualifications can also be considered, including being able to produce written work of a good standard.
*If you have alternative qualifications and relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss these with the course team.
IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0
Please adjust your country as required:
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.
We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and assessment and some student amenities.
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue, where module-related costs are detailed. Associated costs can be found on the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2026/27 year of study).
Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
Core text books
Printer credits
Dissertation binding
Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Dissertations and Assignments are only submitted digitally. However, students may wish to print and bind their dissertation for their own purposes. Students on some courses will have a final poster presentation as part of their project and the printing of posters may be at the students’ expense.
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

(We work with over 20 partners, including professional bodies and partner colleges, and are always looking to build new partnerships)
85%
1st and 2nd class degrees
(From 2016 to 2022, 85% of our undergraduate have achieved a first or second class honours degree)
Transform your future through learning that fits your life.
Why study with us?
For more than 30 years, our Centre has supported adult learners in achieving their personal and professional ambitions, whatever their background. And with options to study on campus or online, as well as apprenticeships, you can make your course fit around your life.
Here, you’ll discover that learning has no limits as you explore ideas around four interconnected themes: concepts of lifelong learning, people-focused professions, wellbeing and identity, and participation and collaboration. Immerse yourself in a culture of growth that inspires staff, students and the wider community.
If you’re studying online, you can still access all of the same academic and student support. Plus, if you’re near to the University, you’re free to use the facilities on campus.
Careers
All students who attend courses as part of the CEIGHE programme are currently employed in a career/employability role within Higher Education. CEIGHE courses rely on ongoing practice experience and incorporate your context and practice into our assessments to further build your employability in highly relevant ways and build your impact in your role at work.
As well as developing your careers and coaching skills and knowledge, the course will help you develop a strong network formed through the shared experience, which can be of on-going support after the course has finished.
While this course does not offer a formal work placement, postgraduate taught students at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ can self-source internships and work experience to complete alongside their studies, subject to visa conditions and the 20‑hour weekly limit for full‑time students.
Opportunities can vary in length and location, including in the UK, online and internationally. Postgraduate students find that shorter, remote and/or flexible opportunities work best around their studies, often seeking opportunities over the summer when teaching decreases and the focus moves to final dissertations and projects - although this can vary depending on the nature of the course and personal preference.
Support available:
The Internships, Placements and Work Experience team provide workshops to help you to source and prepare for work opportunities, and organise peer-to-peer support so you can hear about other students’ placement experiences.
°Õ³ó±ð WorkReady Toolkit guides you through the whole process, from sourcing to completing work placements.
Our Work Experience Bursary can help you cover costs if undertaking unpaid work experience.
Part-time work allows you to gain experience and additional financial support, with opportunities advertised on ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s careers portal, myAdvantage and Unitemps.
¹û¶³´«Ã½ students worked 286,295 paid hours via Unitemps in 25/26.
Access short-term international study, work or volunteering abroad experiences, without extending the length of your studies (duration is typically between 3 days and 12 weeks), with opportunity to apply for funding.
Students can apply to TeamWork, a four-week part-time online international experience programme, helping them to gain work experience and improve their employability skills.
Volunteer for projects which support the local community through the award-winning ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Volunteers.
Getting involved in societies and sports teams, especially on exec teams.
In 25/26 our jobs portal advertised 1577 12-month placements, work experience opportunities, vacation employment and volunteering from 564 employers.
Whilst there is lots of support available at the University to help, students themselves are responsible for finding and securing a suitable internship or work experience. You will also be responsible for ensuring opportunities meet visa requirements, do not exceed the universities advised 20 hours per week for full-time students and for balancing extra-curricular activity with your studies.
Tags: Centre for Lifelong Learning, Alumni profile, Postgraduate
Why ¹û¶³´«Ã½
Your university experience is defined by far more than your course or the career path you follow. At ¹û¶³´«Ã½, it’s where you discover who you could become.
68th
¹û¶³´«Ã½ is ranked 68th in the world and top 10 in all major UK league tables
standard teaching; the highest possible rating across all three categories (student experience, student outcomes, and overall)
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6th
Coventry is ranked as the 6th Best Student City in the UK, and 43rd in the world.
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Our alumni community still call ¹û¶³´«Ã½ home. From a few hundred in 1965 to more than 310,000 alumni, and it's ever-growing.
As ¹û¶³´«Ã½ graduates, our students have access to employability support for two years after graduation, including access to careers appointments, job vacancies and professional networks.
Applications for courses starting in September and October 2027 are now open.
The on-time deadline for taught postgraduate courses starting in September/October 2027 is 2 August 2027.
We will still accept late applications, however cannot guarantee that the application will be processed in time to complete the admissions process if received in September or there are a number of conditions to meet.
If applying late please include your degree certificates and transcripts, English proficiency evidence (if needed) and ensure referees can submit references promptly to allow time for CAS and visa processing (if applicable).
This information is applicable for 2027 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our web page 'Important information to consider before making an application' in advance of applying to ¹û¶³´«Ã½.
Next steps
Explore your future university further at an upcoming event, online or in-person. Can't join? Receive regular email updates or ask current students and staff questions about life at ¹û¶³´«Ã½.