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Coaching (PGCert) (2024 Entry)

Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education in conversation.

Explore our Coaching taught Postgraduate Certificate.

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.


Course overview

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). The course is accredited by the Association for Coaching and 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.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

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.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

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

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 visit our visa pages and read the guidance provided to see if your visa permits study at The University of Warwick.


International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

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.


Teaching

The course is delivered by skilled tutors who are also experienced coaches and take a coaching approach to learning.

The course involves engaging in interactive 2-day workshops for each module, plus, independent study, and virtual learning available 24/7. 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.


Class sizes

A maximum of 21 students.


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.

Your career

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, such as HR professionals, and line managers 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. 

Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL)

For more than 30 years, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has been a centre of expertise in the education of lifelong learners in different contexts. It has a focus on enabling adult learners to achieve their personal and professional goals by accessing a Warwick education, irrespective of background.

Our departmental research strategy focuses on four interconnected themes: concepts of lifelong learning; people-focused professions; wellbeing and identity; participation and collaboration. We seek to enthuse staff, students, and the wider community with this vision. More information is available on our website.

Find out more about us by visiting our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate Taught courses


Our Postgraduate Research courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are normally payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. However, this course is part of the Centre for Lifelong Learning department which follows a non-standard fee structure. Full fee details are listed via the 'Find your course fees' button below.

Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status.


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.