Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching (Part Time)

Coaching is a process which supports individuals, groups and teams to move forward; it is proactive and focused on
solutions and the future. Coaching is a rapidly growing form of development and is used by 71% of firms (CIPD Survey
2008). Our Postgraduate Certificate Course in Coaching provides an opportunity for managers, aspiring managers and
others with an interest in coaching to develop and enhance their skills and knowledge of corporate coaching, people
management and development from the basis of current theory and research.

Reasons to study a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching at the University of Aberdeen

Coaching is increasing in popularity, particularly as it is recognised as delivering both individual and organisational
benefits.

• The rapidly evolving business environment and structural features of modern organisations – coaching
helps individuals to adjust to workplace changes;
• The requirement for targeted, individualised, just-in-time development – coaching is a flexible way of
meeting individual needs at a time and place which is convenient for individuals;
• Improved decision making by senior employees – a coach can be used as an objective sounding board for
senior employees to explore ideas and issues;
• Enhanced responsibility for development – coaching helps individuals to take responsibility for their
personal and professional development;
• Support for other learning and development initiatives – coaching helps support the transfer of other skill
and behavioural development activities to the workplace;
• Tuition from qualified professionals – the course tutors are qualified coaches with considerable experience
and expertise.

Entry Requirements
A degree at second class honours or above. Alternative equivalent qualifications and experience as may be approved by
the Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate) will also be considered.

All applicants should have some professional experience as demonstrated by one of the following, and in addition, in
the absence of a second class Honours degree, the applicant should be able to identify some academic work which has
been undertaken which testifies to his / her ability to profit from the postgraduate level of work associated with the
Certificate in Coaching.

• Two years line management / supervisory experience

• Two years staff management experience (HR department)
• Designated trainee in Company management development scheme

It is expected that applicants will be able to identify individuals who are willing to act as clients for the practical
coaching, either from the workplace or other sources. If this is not possible then alternative options can be pursued.

Students whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. This
usually takes the form of an IELTS or TOEFL score (minimum score of TOEFL 600 + at least TWE 5, or overall
IELTS band 7.0 + at least 6.0 in the writing component is required). A month of pre-sessional English will be required
if TOEFL score is between 580 and 599 (TWE 4.5), or IELTS score is between 6.5 and 6.9 with 6 in the writing
component.

Programme Structure and Content

The programme aims to develop a robust knowledge and in-depth understanding of the theory and application of
coaching and how this can have an impact on an organisation to maximise individual and organisational performance.
The modules will take place at the University of Aberdeen Kings College Campus on 6 Saturdays from 9am – 5pm. A
blended learning approach will be adopted. Dates are as follows:

27 February 2010 24 April 2010 29 May 2010

26 June 2010 4 September 2010 13 November 2010

During these sessions the programme will cover:

• The theory and practice of coaching • Values and beliefs, challenging mindsets
• Models of coaching • Coaching in the workplace
• Core coaching skills • Practical applications of coaching

Practical Coaching
Students will be required to undertake practical coaching activities and keep a coaching development record. Coaching
will be supervised on an individual basis. Practical coaching skills will be supervised and feedback provided on an
individual basis.

Students will be required to undertake a minimum of 30 practical coaching sessions during the course and record the
outcomes of the coaching session in their coaching log. This log will be assessed.

Fees & Funding

The overall cost of the programme is likely to be £2000. This may be paid in instalments throughout the year. There are
various funding sources available for the programme and information can be found at
www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or by telephone 0800 100 900.

Further Information / How to Apply

Queries specific to the Coaching programme should be sent to Nichola Duncan, Postgraduate Coordinator,
n.duncan@abdn.ac.uk.

For further details of the University of Aberdeen Business School graduate programmes please visit
www.abdn.ac.uk/business/smartthinking

Application forms are available to download at www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml. Application forms

together with a copy of your transcript and degree certificate, two letters of recommendation and proof of English
proficiency should be sent directly to the Postgraduate Admissions, Student Recruitment & Admissions Service,
University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX.

The Foundations of Coaching Models of Coaching

What coaching is, how it can be applied and what can be
achieved for individuals and organisations.
• The coaching relationship and its boundaries;
different approaches to coaching.
• Ethics of coaching.
• Introduction to core coaching skills: listening,
questioning, managing the process of coaching.
• Supervision.
• One-to-one, face-to-face and telephone coaching.
• Research Skills – required for the Critical Study
Paper.
Core Coaching Skills
The range of communication skills used in coaching will
be studied.
• Diverse questioning techniques to raise
awareness and responsibility on the part of the
client.
• Summarising, paraphrasing, giving feedback,
challenging, using metaphor and creativity.
• Managing the coaching process.
• How to create “flow”.
The theoretical and practical benefits of a number of
coaching models and associated tools will be explored.
• Using the TGROW model.
• Setting goals.
• The coaching continuum, from non-directive to
directive.
• Introduction to psychometric tools and 360°
feedback, and their role in coaching.
• Coaching case studies.
• Boundary issues.
Challenging and Changing Limiting Beliefs
The beliefs and values which we hold determine our
behaviour and responses to situations.
• What are values, beliefs and mindsets?
• How to challenge and change limiting mindsets
and beliefs – a key to managing change
successfully.
• How values influence work, career and lives.
• Modifying unhelpful beliefs, particularly with
regard to self esteem, which can limit the
effectiveness of coaching as a development tool.