Explore our Coaching taught Postgraduate Diploma.

P-L563

PGDip

2 years part-time

October and April

Centre for Lifelong Learning

University of Warwick

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.

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.

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/or those who are interested in studying 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.

Year Two

Choose any two of the following modules:

The Coaching Process

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.

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.

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.

Leadership and Team Coaching

This module provides students with comprehensive knowledge of the skills and theoretical perspectives relating to leadership coaching 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. 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.

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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