MSt in Coaching

The Master's in Coaching has been developed in response to demand from qualified and experienced coaches who are seeking advanced training that complements and extends the existing University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) provision of entry-level qualifications focusing on coaching knowledge, practice skills and professional standards.  

The Cambridge MSt differentiates itself from existing Master’s programmes offered by other higher education institutions in the UK by focusing on:  

• evidence-based models of coaching 
• professional applicability beyond specific sectors and domains, such as mentoring, education or career coaching, to include the full range of coaching contexts 
• an inter-disciplinary approach that challenges students to develop a wide-ranging curiosity of thought and research 
• advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills that result in robust academic writing and research output, commensurate with a world-leading institution  

Who is the course designed for?

This course is aimed at coach practitioners who have at least 3 years demonstrable coaching experience in their relevant fields or chosen domain. 

Aims of the programme

The MSt aims to produce graduates who have:  

• developed high levels of expertise as advanced practitioners of coaching; through engagement with current theoretical and methodological approaches 
• advanced their coaching practice through the exploration of evidence based creative approaches 
• utilised contemporary theory and philosophy to develop and enhance their coaching practice  
• the ability to critically explore and evaluate different theoretically informed approaches to advanced coaching practice 
• engaged with and analysed current and future developments within the field of coaching 
• developed inherent curiosity and advanced critical thinking and research skills relevant to advanced practitioners in contemporary and future coaching scenarios in a range of contexts 
• the confidence to explore and experiment with new approaches to enable the development of their authentic, future-focused and unique coaching identity

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate the following: 

Knowledge and understanding

• specialised, advanced knowledge of inter-disciplinary theory and models relevant to advanced coaching practice 
• critical engagement with and evaluation of the evidence base for effective coaching practice and measurement of outcomes 
• extensive understanding of a specialised field within coaching 
• detailed understanding of contemporary and future trends and issues in coaching and their implications for the coaching profession 
• advanced awareness of self and identity as a coach and the impact of culture, values and ethics on advanced coaching practice 
• advanced knowledge of research methodology 

Skills and other attributes

• ability to critically review advanced theoretical discourses from a multi-disciplinary perspective 
• development of new, creative approaches and concepts in response to contemporary issues and developments within coaching 
• highly developed research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• the ability to design and execute investigations to explore contemporary and future areas of theory and practice 
• sophistication with the selection of and critical evaluation of research methodology 
• advanced specialised (life or executive) evidence based and psychologically informed coaching skills for complex and evolving contexts 
• the ability to critically reflect on the application of contemporary and multidisciplinary thinking to specific areas of coaching and the value of different reflective models to reflect on practice 
• critical sensitivity to the ethical implications of developments and issues within coaching and their impact on advanced practice

Continuing

Successful completion of the MSt at a high grade may allow students to progress to a PhD either at the University of Cambridge or another institution.  

Graduate employability and career destinations

It is expected that candidates accepted onto the programme will either have an established coaching business practice or will be working as professional coaches within an organisational context. However, by undertaking further learning and development in coaching within a highly respected institution this will implicitly improve a person’s marketability and/or employability.

We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.

Standard entry requirements

Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.

If your degree is not from the UK, check international qualifications on the University’s postgraduate site to find the equivalent in your country.

In addition to the academic requirement, applicants need to: 

• hold a coaching qualification at Level 4 or above
• have at least 3 years of practical coaching experience  

Non-standard applications

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, we still encourage you to apply. You’ll need to show you have relevant, professional experience that makes you a strong candidate, and/or have completed higher-level study. Please include this information when you apply. 

English language requirements 

Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. For more information, visit Postgraduate and Master's admissions and the University’s English language requirements. 

Visa information

We welcome applications from international students. If you’re coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission. 

It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions. To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website.

Teaching

Residential dates 

This course has 4 short residential teaching sessions that are held in Cambridge. Attendance at these sessions is a crucial part of engaging with the course.  

Below are the expected teaching dates for this course. If they change, we'll update offer-holders in line with the University's terms of admission. 

Year 1  

Residential 1: 6 to 10 September 2027  

Residential 2: 10 to 14 January 2028  

Residential 3: 24 to 28 April 2028 

Year 2

Residential 4: 11 to 14 September 2028

Modules

Psychological and philosophical foundations of coaching

This module consists of 4 taught days in residential 1 and sets out the landscape for the course. It advocates a psychological and philosophically minded approach to coaching, irrespective of the coaching context in which students operate. It explores coaching as a professional field that is built on the foundations of established research positioned in contemporary and rapidly changing settings.

Evidenced-based approaches to coaching  

This module consists of 4 taught days in residential 2 and focuses on approaches to understanding coaching that are inter-disciplinary and evidenced-based. It engages with coaching as an emerging academic discipline in its own right. Through this module students are enabled to develop the competence to critically and rigorously understand, critique, challenge and begin to contribute to current research conversations. 

Neuroscience and coaching   

This module consists of 4 taught days in residential 3 and builds on the previous modules and helps to strengthen students’ competence in critical and analytical thinking. Neuroscience is presented as one of the foundational ways of understanding human behaviour and therefore potentially the process of coaching. However, this is a critical and evidence-informed exploration that also delves into critique of this way of understanding the brain and the mind.  

Emerging trends in coaching  

This module consists of 4 taught days in residential 4 and builds on the learning gained from earlier modules and is in part a synthesis of the content of all the modules studied so far. However, the content of this module is also informed by innovative and recent research studies and by contemporary approaches. Students are enabled to explore in depth the emerging trends most relevant for their practice.  

Research Methods  

This module consists of 3 taught days during residential 1, 2 and 3; focusing on research methods, with additional online support. This is in preparation for researching and writing a dissertation, supported by a supervisor. As such it prepares students to be able to conduct meaningful, and credible research into coaching within the context of their interests and practice.   

Assessment

All modules on the course use summative assessment approaches designed to ensure experiential learning and work-based real-life relevance. Approaches may include, but are not limited to:   

• critical literature informed essays 
• reflective pieces that may be embedded in essays 
• a research proposal and research dissertation   

All module assessments are the equivalent of a 4,000-5,000 word essay.  

The dissertation examination includes a research project of 12,000 words.

Fees

The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.

To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the University’s fee status page.  

To help you manage your finances more comfortably, you can pay the fee in instalments. See how to pay for more.  

There are also some additional costs you’ll need to cover as part of this course. These are usually: 

• an application fee of £85, unless you're eligible for a fee waiver, payable online
• any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the residential teaching sessions held in Cambridge

Funding

We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore external funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries. 

Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application. We consider applications on a 'gathered field' basis, reviewing them all together after the application deadline. 

Key timings for your application

• The application deadline is 28 April 2027. 
• We’ll hold interviews for shortlisted candidates in May 2027. 
• If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you in the weeks before interviews to arrange a time and format for yours.  

How to apply and what you'll need 

The ‘Apply now’ button will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can:  

• create, save, and submit your application 
• upload your supporting documents   
• submit and manage your references 
• pay your application fee 
• track your application 

Supporting documents

When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide supporting information.

Personal statement 

Applicants are required to provide information about their motivation for applying for the course and to outline relevant practical coaching experience (please do not exceed 1000 words).  

CV 

Please provide a standard, 2-page professional CV. This enables us to gain an understanding of your professional history. Practical coaching experience should be outlined in your personal statement (see above). 

Evidence of coaching qualification and practical experience 

Applicants are required to hold a coaching qualification at level 4 or above. Please upload a certificate and transcript of your coaching qualification and suitable evidence of 3 years practical coaching experience.  

Employer letter of support 

Applicants are expected to have support from their employer in undertaking the MSt. This can be provided either at the time of submitting your application or when an offer is made. The letter must:  

• state your employer supports you undertaking the MSt, and 
• state they will facilitate your attendance at the residential sessions 
• be on company letterhead, emails will not be accepted, although the letter can be sent as an attachment  

If you’re self-employed, please provide a letter (on your company letterhead) stating that you are self-employed and can attend the residential periods.  

Qualifications and transcripts  

Upload details of degree-level courses you have completed or are studying.  

References 

Submit contact details for 2 referees, one academic and one professional, who we will contact on your behalf.  

For more information on applying and admissions, see Postgraduate and Master's admissions. 

As an MSt student, you'll become a member of a Cambridge College. For the MSt in Coaching, we partner with Homerton.  

If you have a pre-existing membership at a Cambridge College other than Homerton, you can ask them to consider you as a member for this course. However, we cannot arrange this for you. If you do not have a pre-existing College membership, you can only become a member of Homerton. 

To find out more about Colleges, watch our video on 'How to choose a Cambridge College'.

We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.