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Coaching (MA) (2023 Entry)

Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education in conversation.

Explore our Coaching taught Master's degree.

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.


Course overview

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.


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/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.


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.

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.

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.

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.


Teaching

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.


Class sizes

A maximum of 21 students.


Assessment

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 pageLink opens in a new window.


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, 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 payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research 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 the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (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.

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

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Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
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Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

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Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

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Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

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