Explore our Coaching taught Postgraduate Certificate.

P- L58C

PGDip

1 year part-time

October and April

Centre for Lifelong Learning

University of Warwick

The part-time Postgraduate Certificate Coaching comprises three 20-credit modules at Master’s level 7. These modules provide the essential theoretical and practical building blocks for effective coaching. The PG Certificate provides a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge required to build and maintain an effective coaching relationship and participants will develop a detailed and critical awareness of the theories and practice.

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.

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:

• 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.

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 Master's in Coaching.

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.

A maximum of 21 students.

Each module typically consists of 2 days of intensive, attendance-based workshops combined with some independent learning using on-line study materials, links to key readings, online webinars and tutorial support.

Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you when you join us.

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:ii 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.

• Band A
• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Year One

One module covered each term:

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.

Establishing Trust and Building Relationships

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.”

Ethics and Standards

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.

There are two possible routes: 

• Route A: choose 3 optional modules and a 60-credit dissertation. 

• Route B: choose 1 optional module and a 100-credit dissertation. 

Previously, a selection of the following options have been offered: 

• Career-related Learning 
• Organisations and Labour Markets 
• Career, Work Experience and Employability 

• Career, Vocation and Calling 

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