Coaching (PGCert)

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.

Core modules

CE9B3-20 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.

CE9A8-20 Establishing Trust and Building Relationship

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.”

CE 9B2-20 Ethics and Standards in Coaching

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.