Explore our Coaching taught Master's degree.

L58A

MA

3 years part-time

October and April

Centre for Lifelong Learning

University of Warwick and Distance Learning

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 one, three 20-credit modules in year two 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.

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 and 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.

Vary between 20-40 students dependent on the module.

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.

Modules are assessed through a combination of assignments (5,000 word projects) and case studies. Dissertation A (60 credits) consists of a 15,000 word dissertation (100%). Dissertation B (100 credits) consists of a more in-depth 25,000 word dissertation (100%). Typically, the dissertation is focused on a topic of your choice and includes an initial literature review, research questions, methodology and findings.

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 the study 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.

Plus the core module of Researching in Professional Practice

Year Three

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.

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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