Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Coaching

The first module focuses on developing coaching skills and techniques, using models to support practice, and discusses ethical and professional issues. We will look at coaching mind-set, relationships and setting an effective coaching environment. There is a strong focus on developing skills and so a portfolio of evidence including critical self-reflection and analysis is a core component of this part of the course.

Learning outcomes

• Introduce and critically discuss the key skills and frameworks used in coaching
• Critically apply the theory of coaching to the practice of a coach
• Place coaching in the context of learning and development and critically discuss the underlying influences and perspectives (both empirical and theoretical)
• Critique the main models of coaching and the principal skills required to be an effective coach
• Understand how to utilise a coaching approach to enhance self-awareness
• Develop a coaching mind-set

This module explores human psychology and its relevance to coaching. It will cover psychological approaches to coaching, personality theory and neuroscience. We will also explore creative coaching interventions to elicit further self-discovery. This module addresses the impact of change, stress and the importance of resilience, and explores the attributes of different coaching approaches.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the importance of human psychology to coaching outcomes
• Discover impediments to change and how to overcome these in coaching
• Critically review and evaluate alternative coaching approaches, e.g. Gestalt, Somatic and Systems Coaching
• Explore creative coaching interventions and discuss their application to coaching
• Analyse and reflect on the impact of coaching to develop resilience in a complex and changing environment

This module covers the potential organisational applications of coaching and developing as a professional coach. It covers developing a coaching practice, which includes contracting, ethics, boundaries, stakeholder management and ROI/ROE. The focus of this module is on the realities and integration of coaching in action. Additionally it covers professional accreditation and continued professional development.

Learning outcomes

• Critically discuss organisational applications of coaching, e.g. leadership, team and group coaching
• Consider the potential multiple impacts of developing coaching relationships including contracting and stakeholder management
• Understand and apply the use of psychometrics and 360 degree feedback in a coaching context
• Discuss ethical and boundary issues from both a theoretical and practical perspective
• Review the importance and relevance of professional accreditation, CPD and supervision
• Apply and integrate the skills, tools and techniques of professional coaching

This module employs a range of teaching and learning strategies to optimise learning. We will utilise a coaching style and through this questioning approach, students will start to develop key coaching skills. The material will be delivered over 2 x 3 day block teaching Wednesday - Friday and 1 x 4 day teaching block Tuesday - Friday including a live assessment combining tutor-led input with student centred interactive activities, including experiential learning, personal reflection, group discussion and peer coaching. We have a body of experienced coaching professionals contributing to the course allowing you to learn from a variety of different coaching styles and techniques. Guest speakers will be incorporated to enhance the learning experience, along with optional evening activities.

Outside of the module students' self-study will be supported by:

• Comprehensive Blackboard site: course materials, discussions, networking, self-tests, virtual classrooms
• Textbook readings
• Skills practice and application
• Completion of a learning journal and reflection on coaching practice

The assessments for the course will be as follows:

• Personal Coaching Approach (1000 words)
• Critical Evaluation of Approaches to Transformational Coaching (2500 words)
• Client Case Study (1000 words)
• Critical Analysis And Evaluation Of Effective Organisational Coaching Practice (2500 words)
• Live Coaching Assessment (1 hour plus 1000 word critical appraisal)

Teaching is block taught in 2 x 3 day block teaching Wednesday - Friday and 1 x 4 day teaching block Tuesday - Friday including a live assessment

These will be:

2021 Start:

Module 1: Coaching Fundamentals, HRMX5000 - Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th, Friday 8th October (Week 1)

Module 2: Coaching Exploration and Discovery, HRMX5001 - Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th, Friday 10th December (Week 10)

Module 3: Organisational Coaching, HRMX5002 - Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th, Friday 18th February (Week 20)