Postgraduate Diploma in Coaching
This part-time course provides participants with a thorough understanding and critical evaluation of the higher-level skills and theoretical knowledge required for coaching in a range of contexts. The course is focused on experienced adult learners who wish to develop their practical and theoretical capability and credibility to apply coaching skills in practice. The PG Diploma is made up of six modules of twenty-credits each at Master's level 7. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to build a deep awareness of self, and so participants are able to articulate their unique personal coaching presence in relation to a critical evaluation of theories. You will also gain an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of the coaching process, as well and developing a comprehensive understanding of research methods in professional practice.
This part-time course is delivered over two academic years and provides the essential core skills and knowledge. The first year gives you the Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and building on this, after successful completion of the second year, you will receive a postgraduate diploma in coaching:
Year 1 Postgraduate Certificate Core Modules, one module covered each term:
- Listening, Questioning and Direct Communication
- Establishing Trust and Building Relationships
- Ethics and Standards
Year 2: Choose any three of the following modules:
- The Coaching Process
- Use of Self and Coaching Presence
- Career Vocation and Calling
- Leadership and Team Coaching
- Researching in Professional Practice (this is an essential module if you wish to progress to the full Coaching Master’s and undertake a dissertation)
See below for further module information on module content
As this is a new course, we are working on developments for new modules to begin in the second year, to include important areas including Leadership & Team Coaching, as well as Resourcing and Talent Management.
The course is delivered by skilled tutors who are also experienced coaches. You will engage in workshops, independent study, and virtual learning. The workshops take place at The University of Warwick, usually over two days. There is no place on this course for lectures, everything we do is with coaching at its heart; the workshops are designed and delivered as team coaching events to role model coaching in everything that we do. Assignments are project-based and follow each workshop.
There is significant individual support available through the course team and assignments are project-based to demonstrate both your skills and knowledge and are completed following each workshop.
The content of our coaching courses has been informed by the professional coaching bodies' competency frameworks, including the Association for Coaching (AC), the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) International Coach Federation (ICF). This ensures that our courses are focused on developing coaches in line with internationally recognised standards of best practice.
Video overview
This course is designed for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes individuals who are currently involved in career development and coaching support, individuals who wish to work in these areas and/or those who are interested in studying for personal interest. The University's standard entrance requirement is an undergraduate degree graded at 2:2 in any discipline Equivalent professional qualifications can also be considered. If you have alternative qualifications and relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss these with the course team.
Applicants must be able to produce written work of a good standard.
Applicants must have, or be expected to achieve, an English language test certificate that meets our Band A English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component score below 6.0 (or equivalent). Please see the following webpage to find out if you are exempt from this entry requirement: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/aro/sroas/admissions/pg/english
Student VISAs
The University of Warwick is not currently sponsoring students on part-time courses, including part-time courses that are akin to distance learning, with a Student visa.
Therefore, we will not be able to produce a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for a part-time course.
Please click on the following link and read the guidance provided to see if your visa permits study at The University of Warwick: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/immigration/othervisas/whatvisa/risks/Link opens in a new window
Student VISAs
The University of Warwick is not currently sponsoring students on part-time courses, including part-time courses that are akin to distance learning, with a Student visa.
Therefore, we will not be able to produce a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for a part-time course.
Please click on the following link and read the guidance provided to see if your visa permits study at The University of Warwick: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/immigration/othervisas/whatvisa/risks/Link opens in a new window
Overseas Applicants:
We have welcomed students from a range of countries including the UK, Ireland, Norway, France, Germany, Romania, Slovenia, USA, China and Australia. You are invited to discuss the course options available with the course team.
If you wish, after successful completion of this Postgraduate Diploma in Coaching, you can progress to complete a part-time dissertation of your choice in the third year, to give you a full Masters in Coaching.
The University of Warwick is one of the UK's leading universities. Our postgraduate coaching courses will develop you as a credible expert coach so you will be able to build a career in coaching, in the context of your choice. Alternatively, you will be able to apply your coaching skills within your organisation, such as HR professionals, to enhance your leadership skills and improve individual and team effectiveness, so supporting promotion potential.
As well as developing your 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.
Applications are open for 2024.
- Applications now closed for April part-time study.
- Applications for October 2024 start will close on 31 August 2024. Apply online.
Before you apply
Come to an Online Taster session and meet course teaching staff Ian Day to get all your questions answered and find out if the course is right for you.
For guidance on application forms and reference advice, please also read our notes on How to ApplyLink opens in a new window.
See course fees and fundingLink opens in a new window for more information. View potential additional fees.
Core modules:
Available for 2022
All modules are taught via a blend of workshops and virtual learning and are 20 credits
Year 1
CE9B3-20 Listening, Questioning and Direct Communication:
This module provides you with comprehensive knowledge of the foundation skills and theoretical perspectives required for coaching in a range of contexts. Linked to professional competencies, this module is designed to develop systematic theoretical knowledge, skills in practice, and self-awareness, focusing on three fundamental coaching elements: Active listening, Powerful Questioning, and Direct Communication. The module will also focus on how listening, questioning and direct communication are fundamental to developing the working and learning alliance, and consider the integrated nature of coaching.
CE9A8-20 Establishing Trust and Building Relationship
This module provides you with a comprehensive view of the skills and knowledge required to build and maintain an effective coaching relationship. You will develop detailed theoretical and practical knowledge about integrity, confidentiality, respect, support, and challenge, while holding the coachee in “unconditional positive regard.”
CE 9B2-20 Ethics and Standards in Coaching
This module provides you with comprehensive knowledge of the ethics and standards required in professional coaching, as well as maintaining high levels of professional practice through supervision and continuing professional development.
Year 2
Choose any three of the following modules:
CE9B1-20 Use of Self and Coaching Presence
This module provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical basis for developing a deep awareness of what is happening within self and for the coachee during a coaching conversation. You will develop a systematic knowledge and comprehensive understanding of ‘coaching presence’ and through self-awareness, develop confident and creative professional practice.
This module provides you with a comprehensive view of the key skills and theoretical knowledge required to manage the coaching process, facilitate progress for the coachee, and to congruently address issues that are counter to the achievement of the coachee’s (and sponsor’s) objectives.
CE 955 Career Vocation and Calling
This module enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of classic and contemporary perspectives on career, vocation and calling and to integrate and apply these perspectives with career development and coaching in a variety of contexts and practices
CE 9B6 Leadership and Team Coaching
This module provides you with comprehensive knowledge of the skills and theoretical perspectives relating to leadership coaching and team coaching. Designed to develop systematic theoretical knowledge, skills in practice and self-awareness, focussing on coaching in organisations in which leadership coaching and team coaching will be used. The module will provide an understanding of the skills and models of leadership and team coaching and the impact this has on the role and skill requirements of the coach.
CE956 Research in Professional Practice
To develop an understanding of research methods necessary to complete a small-scale research project related to professional practice including literature review, research questions, research strategy, sources, evaluative framework, reflexivity, and dissemination.
(This is an essential module if you wish to progress and compete the full Coaching Master’s and undertake a dissertation of your choice)
Duration
The Postgraduate Diploma Coaching starts every October and April* and takes two years to complete (*there is only October start for 2023-24 cohort).
Induction
The course begins with a mandatory induction day to orientated you and to familiarize you with everything you need to know before the course starts:
| Induction Day (April 2024 starters) |
Thursday 9 May |
In-Person at FAB5.01, main campus |
|
Time Dates and Location
Each 20 credit module is taught via a blend of workshop-based and distance learning. The workshops take place at The University of Warwick, usually over two days. All workshops will be two-days held 9.30am-4.30pm. See the up-to-date course Key Dates.
Assessments
Assignments are project-based and follow each workshop.
Apply now
Come to an Online Taster
Key facts
Level: Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7)
Length: 2 years (Part-time)
Course code: L58B
Venue: Main Campus/Distance Learning
