Page 67 - Professionalising-career-guidance-practitioner-competences-and-qualification-routes-in-Europe

clearly developed within the Lisbon strategy and all its subsequent policy documents and
initiatives, including the 2004 resolution of the Council of the European Union on
strengthening policies, systems and practices in guidance throughout life in Europe. The
second-cycle master’s programme in career counselling is a key element of the Latvian
strategy.
Latvia has an action plan for recognition of qualifications from other Member States and,
in particular, has an agreement with Estonia and Lithuania, called the Baltic educational
space, and another with Germany. Both were signed in 2001 after Latvia signed the Lisbon
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recognition convention ( ).
The master’s programme in career counselling is formulated in line with the Bologna
process, and comprises 120 ECTS credits.

4.5.3. Entry requirements and alternative routes to entry and qualification
Entry to the two-year master’s programme is dependent on either having a first-cycle
bachelor’s degree in education, social sciences or psychology, or a qualification as a
professional psychologist, or a teacher’s qualification. Alternatively, another bachelor’s level
programme and at least two years’ experience as a career counsellor would be sufficient to
apply for the course. There is also a part-time route available, which lasts 2.5 years.

4.5.4. The course teaching methods
The content of the programme is arranged in four modules: career theories; social
environment and labour market; methodology of professional activities; and research. Both
theoretical courses and practical training are included in each module to ensure that students
obtain both knowledge and practical work experience in counselling methodology, and
address issues relevant to the master’s thesis.
All of the programme modules include a number of study courses, each with its own
independent content. The outcomes of each course are that students will be competent as
required by the Latvian standards of profession (career counsellor). Assessment takes the
form of tutorials, tests, presentations at seminars, projects, accomplishment of practical
work, and the examinations and tests at the end of every study course and practical training
period.
The practical training is divided into five parts:
(a) research on the performance of an institution providing guidance;
(b) observation of a guidance counsellor’s work;
(c) counselling practice under the supervision of a professional;
(d) research related to the master’s thesis, and application of theoretical and practical
knowledge;
(e) completion of the research and counselling.

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( ) See: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/highereducation/Recognition/LRC_en.asp [cited 28.11.2008].

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