Diploma in Coaching
The Open Studies Diploma in Coaching aims to enable you to deepen your knowledge of the theory and practice of coaching. By the end of the programme, you will have built on your core coaching skills and developed clarity around your coaching presence and your unique coaching approach.
Given the challenges of COVID-19, the course will be delivered online, with continuous reviews based on the government's advice. This approach has been taken since March, with very positive feedback from students. The online workshops will be delivered live via MS Teams, and replicate the classroom experience as much as possible. The workshops take a 'group-coaching' approach, so there are group plenary discussions, small group discussions in breakout rooms, trio coaching practice in breakout rooms, as well as theory inputs on models and approaches
The programme is designed to develop a community of learning, so that all students learn together and from each other. Some aspects of the content will be co-created collaboratively as you and the other students collectively determine your areas of interest for the diploma, incorporating experiential and theoretical inputs on coaching models and approaches as well as developing self-awareness.
Volunteer coaching is an important element in developing coaching skills. You will be encouraged to further develop your coaching practice by working with three volunteer coachees for the duration of the diploma programme.
The programme is delivered at FHEQ Level 5/ university level 2.
2020/2021 planned sessions
Pathway A - Applications closed
Pathway B - Applications closed
Pathway C - Applications closed
8 sessions in total.
4 sessions on Thursday/ 4 sessions on Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm:
25/26 February, 25/26 March, 13/14 May, 24/25 June
The areas of study below are indicative, as the specific content is co-created collaboratively and collectively by participants.
Coaching theories and approaches:
| Carl Rogers and person-centred coaching | Non-directive vs directive coaching | Clean language and metaphor |
| GROW model | Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) | Neuroscience and coaching |
| Team coaching | Gestalt coaching | Cognitive behavioral coaching |
| Solutions focused coaching | Challenging coaching | Mindfulness and compassion based coaching |
| Positive psychology | Appreciative inquiry | Feedback in coaching |
| Coaching and change | Coaching supervision | Ethical issues in coaching and boundaries |
| Coaching professional bodies |
Learning about self:
| Responses to conflict | Values | Personal drivers |
| Strengths | Fixed vs growth mindset | Courageous goals |
| Assumptions and limiting beliefs |
The course fee for 2020/21 is £1860. The first 50% of the course fee (£930) must be made in advance, the final 50% will be requested following enrolment. View potential additional fees
One of the following: (1) have successfully completed CLL's Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring; (2) have an equivalent qualification and be able to demonstrate the level of coaching skills required to pass the Certificate; or (3) have substantial experience in coaching or other related one-to-one work
2 x 2,500-word assignments (70%) and observation of coaching practice (30%).
Career Development and Coaching Studies Postgraduate programmes. On completion students will have improved interpersonal communication skills to support their current roles, or to be used as evidence when considering for new areas of employment
By the end of the Open Studies Diploma you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of ideas, tools and frameworks relevant to coaching
- Use confidently and with clarity of intent key coaching skills, such as listening, questioning and playing back
- Understand how the relationship between a coach and client evolves over time; appreciate how trust, rapport and openness develop; and know how to manage the different stages of a coaching relationship, from initial contracting through to closing review and disengagement
- Articulate and justify your personal approach to coaching which takes into account
- your own strengths, weaknesses and development needs as a coach
- the context within which you coach
- the needs of the clients you work with - Articulate and justify their personal stance on key ethical and practical issues (e.g. confidentiality, supervision, managing boundaries)
- Develop a personal and authentic coaching presence and approach, being able to link this to theories and models of coaching.
Hear what a previous student thought of the course here:
Applications are closed
Key facts
Qualification: Open Studies Diploma in Coaching (30 credits at Level 5)
Mode of Study: Classroom attendance, part-time
Venue: The University of Warwick, room tbc
Reference: D001
Tutors: Ian Day and other experts
Success stories
" The Diploma in Coaching has been an amazing course which includes a broad range of theories, techniques and resources. I searched for ages for the right course and I am so glad that I chose this one. It's versatile to suit anyone who's interested in exploring coaching from any aspect and gives you essential skills, and more importantly the confidence to discover the kind of coach you want to be."
Mel Pepper, former student