What will I learn on this module?
This module explores theories of career choice and development and how these are used in career guidance practice with young people and adults. In this module you are encouraged to develop insight into a range of multi- disciplinary models of career choice and development and consider their relevance to current practice in the UK (both in schools and in in a range of settings for all ages). You will have the opportunity to further develop and apply important guidance and counselling skills in the context of careers work. You will undertake formative assessments which allow you to practice and further develop guidance skills. The summative assessment will involve planning and delivering a career guidance intervention, for example a career guidance interview or a group activity, and written commentary, drawing upon career development theory.
How will I learn on this module?
Teaching and learning strategies for this module will include lectures and seminars to introduce and discuss the main concepts, trends and theories. Much of your learning will be experiential as you apply theoretical concepts and models to practice, through one to one and group interventions, enabling you to further develop guidance skills. You will be expected to engage with directed independent study tasks, as well as working collaboratively with peers to plan, develop and reflect upon career guidance work
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Tutors will support your learning in a variety of ways: they will provide a programme of lectures which relate to the learning outcomes for the module. Seminars will provide a supportive environment in which you can discuss and share your ideas. Tutors will provide reading materials, examples, and activities for seminars to support the development of your understanding and you will also be provided with an electronic reading list which will include essential and recommended reading for the module and its assessment. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the eLP and where appropriate and with your agreement, answers to your queries that would be beneficial to the whole group will be posted on the eLP discussion board so all may benefit.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically explore a range of theoretical perspectives relating to career choice and development.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of models and approaches to career guidance and apply to your own practice
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Using a range of models/approaches, plan, conduct and evaluate career guidance interventions
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Develop an awareness of ethical principles underpinning career guidance practice
How will I be assessed?
Summative Assessment:
Plan and deliver a career guidance intervention (a one to one career guidance interview or a group based activity). Provide a written commentary on the use of career guidance approaches/models applied within this intervention and critically explore the theoretical perspective from which they are drawn (LOs 1-4)
Formative Assessment:
Peer feedback on one to one and group interventions.
Group presentation exploring one theory of career choice and development and the implications for practice.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Throughout this module you will explore theories of career choice and development and their use in career guidance practice with young people and adults. You will develop insights into a range of multi- disciplinary models of career choice and development and consider their relevance to current practice in the UK (both in schools and in in a range of settings for all ages). You further develop and apply important guidance and counselling skills in the context of careers work.
Course info
UCAS Code B9L5
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025 or September 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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