MA in Coaching
The Coaching MA integrates theory with the practical skills to ensure a rounded approach to coaching. Coaching is nothing without the application of the highest levels of coaching skills, which are informed by evidence-based theory. The MA Coaching will enable you to make a distinctive contribution to the field of coaching through taught modules, skill practice and independent research.
The Coaching MA is designed and led by Ian Day, an internationally recognized executive coach, thought leader and co-author of the ground-breaking book Challenging Coaching: Going Beyond Traditional Coaching to Face the FACTS, along with other highly skilled and experienced coaches and tutors. The course encourages independent thought, the questioning of assumptions, development of self-awareness and mastering of an authentic coaching approach suited to the context in which you operate.
This Coaching MA is completed part-time over three-years, through three 20-credit core modules in year 1, three 20-credit modules in year 2 and a dissertation on a subject of your choice in year 3. The modules are taught via a blend of interactive workshops and distance 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.
Year 1: Core Modules, one module covered each term:
- Listening, Questioning and Direct Communication
- Establishing Trust and Building Relationships
- Ethics and Standards
Year 2: Choose any two of the following modules:
- The Coaching Process
- Use of Self and Coaching Presence
- Career Vocation and Calling
- Leadership and Team Coaching
Plus the core module of Researching in Professional Practice
Year 3: Dissertation on a subject of your choice
Your studies will be supported by the module leaders, experts in their topic, as well as a personal tutor who will work with you throughout the course.
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.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this course students will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive specialist knowledge and mastery of techniques relevant to coaching.
- Demonstrate systematic understanding and critical analysis of coaching research, theories and practice, which can be applied in practice and are adaptable to the context and sensitive to the coachee's needs.
- Take a self-reflective role to develop self-awareness and to critically examine personal and professional experience, evaluate strengths and development needs.
- Draw on theoretical concepts and relevant literature giving appropriate evidence and examples to discuss the essential components of effective coaching.
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 the study 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
Overseas Applicants:
We have welcomed students from a range of countries including the UK, Ireland, Norway, France, Germany, Romania, Slovenia, USA, China, Oman, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Mongolia and Australia. You are invited to discuss the course options available with the course team.
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.
You will learn essential research skills during the research in the professional practice module. Following this, you will be allocated a supervisor
Applications are open for 2024.
- Applications for April 2024 start will close on 29 February 2024. Apply online.
- Applications for October 2024 start will close on 31 August 2024. Apply online.
Online Taster Session
Before you apply, find out first-hand if the 2024 postgraduate courses in Coaching is a good option for you and meet course teaching staff Ian Day to ask any questions you might have in our Online Taster sessions!
- Sign up for Tuesday 12 December 16:30-17:15: Warwick PG Coaching Taster Sessions booking form - University of WarwickLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window
- Sign up for Wednesday 31January 2024 16:30-17:15:: Warwick PG Coaching Taster Sessions booking form - University of WarwickLink opens in a new window
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
For students who apply to the full master's you may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master's loan or a 10% Alumni Discount.
Duration
The MA Coaching starts every October and April* and takes three 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 for October 2023-24 Cohort: Thursday 12 October 2023, in-person.
Time, Date and Location
This MA is delivered part-time with flexibility. 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 between 9:30am-4:30pm.
See the up-to-date course Key Dates.
Assessments
Assignments are project-based and follow each workshop.
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.
CE955 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.
CE9B6 Leadership and Team Coaching
This module will provide you with comprehensive knowledge of the skills and theoretical perspectives relating to leadership and team coaching. The module is 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. This is not sector specific, and so the material is generalisable to private, public, not for profit, large or small organisations, and aims to give you the skills and knowledge that can be applied in any organisational context.
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.
Year 3
Dissertation on a subject of your choice
Your studies will be supported by the module leaders, experts in their topic, as well as a personal tutor who will work with you throughout the course.
Sign up for an Online Taster
Key facts
Level: postgraduate (Level 7)
Length:
3 years (Part-time)
Course code: L58A
Venue: main campus/distance learning
Success stories
"I was at a crossroads as to what kind of career I wanted, but I knew it was working directly with vulnerable individuals and supporting them to take positive steps forward."
Shaheen, MA Graduate 2017