Undergraduate Certificate in Coaching

In 2025, this programme received official recognition under the Association for Coaching’s (AC) Accelerated Coach Training Scheme. Students who complete the course and wish to pursue individual accreditation with the AC may qualify to apply for either Foundation Coach or Coach level status. This process offers a streamlined route by recognising the competencies acquired during the course.  

For further details, please refer to the Association for Coaching.

As part of our learning community, you will:

• understand a range of coaching processes and techniques, and the theories that underpin them
• understand the interrelationship of the concepts of coaching, mentoring, counselling and training
• gain a critical awareness of the legal and ethical considerations of coaching
• be able to demonstrate the importance of self-awareness and non-judgemental approaches to coaching
• critically review the role of awareness in development and how it leads to responsibility
• explore the concept of psychological mindedness and the importance of creating safe coaching environments
• consider and critically review the difference between life coaching and executive coaching, and explore further coaching applications, such as team coaching, career coaching and working with specific groups, such as young people
• consider the practical aspects of coaching, including managing the coaching relationship, contracting, monitoring and reviewing, and closing the relationship.

Course breakdown

This course will run from 11 October 2024 to 13 June 2025.

Each term's teaching usually takes place during four live study days (usually on Thursdays and Fridays), followed by eight weekly one-hour tutor facilitated study groups (usually on Thursdays). Exact teaching dates and times will be confirmed in the course guide upon enrolment.

Michaelmas term: Introduction to Coaching: Core skills and methodologies

• Course (Unit 1) start date: Friday 11 October 2024
• Unit 1 end date:  Wednesday 8 January 2025

Lent term: Raising Awareness in Self and Others

• Unit 2 start date: Week commencing 6 January 2025
• Unit 2 end date: Wednesday 26 March 2025 

Easter term: Coaching Applications and Coaching Practice

• Unit 3 start date: Week commencing 31 March 2025
• Unit 3 end date: Friday 13 June 2025 

Please note: Academic Directors, Course Directors and Tutors are subject to change, when necessary

After the course

Our successful certificate students often go on to:

• start their own coaching business
• promote coaching more widely in their place of work, so helping to shift the culture of their organisations
• work in a specialised area, such as wellness coaching, career coaching or DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion)
• apply to study on our Undergraduate Diploma in Coaching
• apply to study on our Master of Studies (MSt) in Coaching programme for advanced practitioners.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course, which is open to all students with an interest in the subject area.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements for Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas pages for further information.

IT requirements

The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

You will therefore need to have access to: 

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available

Identity Check 

As part of your application you are required to provide a copy of your ID. At the beginning of the course, you will be required to attend a live zoom session, so that we can verify your identity. Please note we will not be able to issue the award if an identity check has not been completed.

As part of our open and inclusive learning environment, you can enjoy the world-class resources and expertise of the University of Cambridge wherever you are on your academic journey.

Our video-based teaching platforms offer a flexible way to access lectures, while our Virtual Learning Environment makes it easy to study and learn online and interact with your tutor and fellow students.

Our teaching methods include lectures, presentations, and interactive and experiential learning activities. We will also give you reading and assignments to complete outside of classroom sessions.

Students are awarded a course mark on the basis of:

• Summative assignments totalling 9,000-10,500 words or their equivalent
  Each unit is assessed by a 3,000 - 3,500 word assignment
• Having undertaken an observed coach practice session
  Students must undertake an observed coaching session during the course, which will be assessed on a pass/fail basis against the Association of Coaching (AC) competency framework
• Submission of a reflective coaching log with evidence of satisfactory coaching practice
  Students are required to submit a reflective coaching log that evidences a satisfactory coaching process consistent with the coaching principles and practice skills as taught during the course. This will be assessed on a pass/fail basis against the Association of Coaching (AC) competency framework. The coaching log will consist of evidence of 20 hours coaching. These 20 hours can include up to 7 hours of coaching with fellow students on the course, including classroom based activities.

There are more details about how this course is assessed in the course guide we will send you once you have enrolled.

Qualifications

This course is equivalent to half of the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree. It offers 60 CATS credits, which are recognised by higher education institutions and employers.

How many hours of study are required?

The award of academic credit is a means of quantifying and recognising learning and within the UK, one credit notionally represents 10 hours of learning. This course attracts 60 credits, so students should expect to need to study for approximately 600 hours in total to complete all units successfully. However, it is recognised that students study at different paces and use a variety of approaches, so this is a recommendation, rather than a hard-and-fast calculation.

SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (2021) here

The fee for this course is £4,500. You can either pay:

• in full when you enrol,
  or
• in 3 equal instalments: the first when you enrol, the second by 1 January, and the third and final instalment by 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in your booking details.

Important: your place on the course is not secured until we receive your first payment along with any required documents, such as proof of English language proficiency.

If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. 

Help with fees

The University has many sources of financial help that you can explore. Please visit our pages on bursaries and sources of funding and Disabled Student’s Allowances (DSAs) for more information. 

Refunds

This course will require a minimum number of students to run. In the rare event that the course is cancelled by us, due to minimum numbers not being met, or for any other reason, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid.

If you would like to cancel your place on the course, please refer to our Cancellations and Refunds policy, which we encourage you to read in full before applying.
 

Irene Cooper Coaching Bursary

The University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) is deeply grateful to all who have contributed funds in memory of Irene Cooper, an alumna of the Institute.

The Irene Cooper Coaching bursary is intended to enable prospective adult learners, for whom finance may be a barrier to part-time study, to enrol on the part-time University of Cambridge Undergraduate Certificate in Coaching. One bursary is available, providing a subsidy of £1000 tuition fee reduction.

How to apply for a bursary

Step one: Apply for a place on the course. Applicants can only apply for a bursary after making an application for the Undergraduate Certificate in Coaching course through the online application portal.

Step two: Complete the online bursary application form. You will be required to provide a personal statement (up to 200 words), outlining your motivations for applying for the bursary and how it will enable you to student at ICE if successful.

The deadline for applications for this bursary has been extended until 11 June 2024.

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs). Please do read through these, as well as the information provided on the tabs, and you should find the answers to most questions. However, if you still cannot find what you are looking for then please click on, the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link at the top right of this page to send the course team a message and we will respond as soon as possible.

Level of study

What is the difference between the Certificate and Diploma level?

Please see a full explanation on the Requirements tab. The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your Coaching studies. The Diploma is suitable for those who have successfully completed the Certificate course or who have a level 4 or equivalent qualification in Coaching or a very closely related subject area. Students are encouraged to complete the Certificate first, to ensure there are solid foundations upon which to build coaching practice.

Why should I take the Certificate if you offer a Diploma?

Our Certificate course provides students with fundamental knowledge and a strong foundation for further study in the subject area of Coaching and provides excellent groundwork for those wishing to go on to take our Diploma course. The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your Coaching studies. The Diploma is suitable for those who have successfully completed the Certificate course or who have a level 4 or equivalent qualification in Coaching or a very closely related subject area. Students are encouraged to complete the Certificate first, to ensure there are solid foundations upon which to build coaching practice.

I already have a degree so can I start my studies with the Diploma?

If you have a higher-level qualification, do not be put off by the Certificate qualification at level 4. Coaching is distinct from many management and leadership qualifications; it is highly experiential. We are looking for a demonstrable level of competence in Coaching from Diploma applicants rather than previous academic attainment. Those holding a PhD or Master’s but are new to Coaching should start their studies with the Certificate.

I am still unsure as to what level would be right for me. What is a quick gauge I can use?

There are a few key indicators of why you would be more suited to starting on the Certificate rather than the Diploma. These include:

• Difficulty in completing the 300-word reflective written task required for applying to the Diploma course. You should be able to describe your coaching approach stating which models and/or theories inform your current practice, how these have developed your coaching and what you have learnt from applying them. You should also be able to cite your academic sources to support this.
• Struggling to think how you would be able to build 40 hours of coaching practice to provide evidence of coaching beyond the course. You are required to submit coaching logs for each unit of the course, they should reflect on your current coaching practice and how academic learning has been integrated. Our Diploma students will normally have built up a coaching network before they start to support this.

Delivery and Learning Methodology

How are classes taught?

For the 2024-2025 academic year this course is being taught remotely. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous (live) teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, using video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will have access to resources, discussion forums, and course tasks within ICE's Virtual Learning Environment. Teaching methods will include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, interactive and experiential learning activities, reading and assignments to be completed by participants outside classroom sessions and online discussion forums.

Does the course include any coach practice or does it just teach theory?

Yes, the course includes coach practice.

Our courses combine the rigorous academic standards of the University of Cambridge and the professional practice of the Association for Coaching. For both the Certificate and Diploma in each unit there will be sessions dedicated to coach practice, where you work with fellow students to practice your coaching skills. You will also be required to undertake coaching beyond the programme to reflect on your personal coaching practice and how academic learning has been integrated.

Will this course help decide what direction I want to take my coaching in?

The course enables students to develop their knowledge, skills and competence in a range of coaching approaches and techniques, and to be able to critically select and use appropriate techniques in different situations. It does not focus on a particular niche of coaching (such as Executive Coaching, Medical Careers Coaching, Maternity Coaching, Career Coaching, Leadership Team Coaching etc.) but does explore niches as a topic. It is completely up to the individual student as to what they would like to focus their coaching practice on. You may start with one idea and then through the skills and knowledge you gain on the course your journey and interests could develop into another area.

What is the Flipped Classroom Approach?

The Flipped Classroom approach is a blended learning strategy which aims to increase student engagement with the course. Teaching and learning for the unit are delivered through a combination of formal presentations by the tutor, a range of interactive and participatory methods of teaching and learning, and through reading and tasks to be undertaken individually by students outside the unit sessions.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of each unit, you will be required to submit an academic assignment that is written in a clearly articulated, critically analytical manner and demonstrates your understanding of the course subject, and your ability to include appropriate references.

You will also be required to submit reflective coaching logs with the assignments, which are not part of the word count. These provide evidence of your ability to coach and your development of coaching practice and will include personal reflections of experiences and how academic learning had been integrated with the intention of deepening self-awareness as a coach.

When do the study days (live teaching) normally take place?

Please see the Teaching & Assessment tab for full details of study days and tutorials. Study days are usually scheduled within the first two weeks of the unit and take place between the hours of 9.30am to 4.30pm GMT/BST. A timetable is provided prior to the start of each unit. Students are expected to participate actively in study day sessions as they provide interactive teaching, such as small or whole group practice sessions, exercises and structured seminar discussions. Parts of the study days are recorded for later reference however not all content can be recorded due to the confidential nature of some of the discussions that take place.

Accreditation

Is this course accredited?

The Institute of Continuing Education is an organisational member and recognised coach training provider of the Association for Coaching and our courses have been awarded the Accredited Certificate in Coaching Training (ACCT) and Accredited Diploma in Coaching Training (ADCT) status. During your studies with us, you will have the support of the full range of AC services available to AC Affiliate Members. Benefits include Co-coaching forums, Group Supervision, and discounts on events, conferences and third-party services including insurance.

What does Accredited Certificate/ Diploma in Coaching Training (ACCT/ ADCT) status mean?

The Association for Coaching (AC) Coach Training Accreditation Scheme is designed to further the AC’s purpose of championing standards of excellence in the coaching professions. Our Undergraduate Coaching courses have been awarded ACCT/ ADCT status, this means the training provided by ICE meets the rigorous standards set by the AC in terms of knowledge, practical experience and application of coaching competencies (all benchmarked against best practice).

Can I call myself an accredited coach upon completion of this course?

No – achieving the award does not allow you to call yourself an accredited coach. The training is accredited rather than the individual; therefore, you need to apply to a coaching body to gain accredited coach status. The main coaching bodies are the Association of Coaching (AC), the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), you need to directly apply your chosen coaching body and meet their requirements in order to gain accredited coach status.

General

Why should I study Coaching at ICE?

Where you train is a personal decision for what and where suits you. Our courses combine the rigorous academic standards of the University of Cambridge and the professional practice of the Association for Coaching. ICE is an organisational member and recognised coach training provider of the Association for Coaching and our courses have been awarded the Accredited Certificate in Coaching Training (ACCT) and Accredited Diploma in Coaching Training (ADCT) status. During your studies with us, you will have the support of the full range of AC services available to AC Affiliate Members. Benefits include Co-coaching forums, Group Supervision, and discounts on events, conferences and third-party services including insurance.

In addition to the live workshop sessions where there is an opportunity for coaching practice, each term comprises teaching via the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and weekly tutorials where you will be supported by your tutor and other students on your course.

Can I undertake this course whilst working?

Yes. As a part time course, the Certificate in Coaching enables learners to maintain personal and professional commitments while also studying at ICE. It is important to consider all aspects of your life before you decide to study on a course, having a clear idea of how you will accommodate studying into your current routine before you apply will enable you to get as much out of the course as possible.