There are a number of Higher Education routes into the career development profession.
Some qualifications provide a direct route to becoming a professionally qualified career development practitioner. Others provide valuable learning but require further study before an individual meets the qualification requirements to apply to join the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.
The tables below show:
Eligibility to join the UK Register is also subject to meeting the CDI’s current membership, professional practice and registration requirements.
Direct-entry professional qualifications
The qualifications below provide a direct route to becoming a professionally qualified career development practitioner. Holders do not need to complete an additional qualification before applying to join the UK Register of Career Development Professionals, subject to meeting the CDI’s usual registration requirements.
| Qualification/Standard held | Higher Education Provider | Professional Status |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Guidance and Counselling | Northumbria University | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Higher Apprenticeship: Career Development Professional | University of Warwick | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s in Career Coaching | Birkbeck, University of London | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma in Career Development | University of the West of England | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma in Career Development and Coaching Studies | University of Warwick | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma in Career Development and Employability, including the Qualification in Career Development | University of Huddersfield | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma in Career Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education | University of Warwick | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Career Development and Coaching Studies | University of Warwick | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Career Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education | University of Warwick | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance and Development | University of Derby | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance and Development | Edinburgh Napier University | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
| Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance and Development | University of the West of Scotland | Full qualifying route. No additional qualification is required. |
The following qualifications do not, by themselves, provide a full professional qualification for the delivery of personal career guidance. The additional study shown below is required before an individual can apply to join the UK Register as a Registered Career Development Professional.
People entering career development from a related area may be able to apply directly to an appropriate professional qualifying programme.
Related experience may include:
The appropriate route will depend on the individual’s existing qualifications, experience and intended professional role.
Please see Qualifying to Provide Career Guidance and Coaching for more information about qualification routes and entry requirements.
Once professionally qualified, career development practitioners can continue to develop through experience, continuing professional development or further qualifications.
Possible progression opportunities include:
If you are unsure whether your existing qualification provides a direct route to the UK Register or whether you need to undertake further study, please contact the CDI for individual guidance.
