The Postgraduate Certificate Coaching will develop exceptional coaches through an integration of theory and practice. The course takes an adult learning approach, with individual experiential learning at the centre. On completion of the programme participants should have shown evidence of being able to:

• Demonstrate in-depth specialist knowledge and mastery of techniques relevant to coaching.
• Demonstrate systematic understanding and critical analysis of coaching theories and practice, which can be applied in practice and is adaptable to the context and sensitive to the coachee’s needs.
• To critically evaluate current theories, issues and research in the relation to coaching and to be able to critically apply these in practice.
• Critically evaluate current research and literature to examine the relationship between effective coaching and active listening, powerful questioning, and direct communication.
• To take a self-reflective role in working 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 video was filmed in 2021.

This part-time course is delivered over one academic year, and provides the essential core skills and knowledge:

Postgraduate Certificate Core Modules, one module covered each term:

• Listening, Questioning and Direct Communication
• Establishing Trust and Building Relationships
• Ethics and Standards

See below for further information on module content

The course is delivered by skilled tutors who are also experienced coaches.

The course involves engaging 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.

Start Dates

The course starts in October.

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 those who are interested in studying these areas 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 and Australia. You are invited to discuss the course options available with the course team.

If you wish, after successful completion of this postgraduate certificate in coaching, you can progress to study the Postgraduate Diploma part-time, taking another academic year, and then continue and 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 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.

Core modules

Available for October 2022

All modules are 20 credits and delivered via a blend of workshops and virtual learning.

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.

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 funding for more information. View potential additional fees

The Certificate in Coaching starts every October and April* and takes 1 year to complete (*there is only October start for 2023-24 cohort). The course begins with a mandatory induction the day to orientated you and to familiarize you with everything you need to know before the course starts.

2023 - 24 dates

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. Assignments are project-based and follow each workshop.

All workshops will be two-days held 9.30am-4.30pm. See module Key Dates