Centre for Coaching, London, UK

INTRODUCTION 
 

This modular Diploma in Psychological Coaching programme provides opportunities for learners to become knowledgeable about the theory, research and practice of coaching. Learners can choose to demonstrate in their written and recorded coaching a psychological model of coaching depending. The programmes provide over 100 hours of training plus a distance learning component. The taught work for the Diploma is usually the three certificate programmes, but one or more of these may be omitted where students can demonstrate a sufficient standard. In the Certificate in Psychological Coaching/Coaching Psychology module, students will be expected to be coaching coachees, clients or staff. The programme includes coaching in particular forms of coaching: life/personal, performance, business, executive, stress management. 

AIMS
To enable successful graduates to become knowledgeable in coaching and the psychology of coaching and be proficient in coaching skills. The course objectives are all of those in each of the modules.

CONTENT
The Diploma consists of three modular certificate programmes:

a) *Certificate in Coaching (Option 1 or 2) (6 days or 5 intensive days)
b) *Certificate in Stress Management and Performance Coaching (6 days)
c) *Certificate in Psychological Coaching/Coaching Psychology (5 days)
*  One or more of these may be omitted where the student can demonstrate a sufficient standard

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In addition, learners may choose to complete the following optional modules, fees for which are payable separately upon application:
• Enhancing Resilience: A cognitive behavioural approach
• Health coaching
• Self acceptance techniques

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The training will provide a broad-based understanding of the theory and practice of coaching and will take a cognitive-behavioural, rational emotive behavioural and solution focused approach to psychological coaching and its application to life, performance, business and executive coaching. Module c) includes training-related coaching supervision. Learners are expected to undertake skills practice and read course books/material. It is recommended that module c) is taken at the end of the programme whereas modules a) or b) are taken at the beginning of the programme.

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NB. Exemptions are given towards module b) if the primary certificates have been previously undertaken. Very experienced coaches or professionals already accredited in the cognitive behavioural approach will need to consider if the introductory courses are suitable. All three modules include seen take home assignments that must be successfully passed. Whilst undertaking the programme, Learners are actively encouraged to attend conferences/workshops and networking groups run by the Association for Coaching, International Society for Coaching Psychology or the BPS Division of Coaching Psychology. 

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?
The programme is suitable for coaches, managers, supervisors, HR staff, trainers, psychologists, counsellors, ministers, nurses and other professionals.

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SELECTION
Selection is a threefold process which may include: application form, reference from a professional who knows the applicant and their work, and may include a personal interview with a course tutor to ascertain suitability for the programme. The potential attributes looked for in the selection process are evidence of: the ability to reflect upon life experience and use it to enhance self-awareness and maturity; the ability to form a coaching relationship; the ability to build upon self-criticism; the capacity to cope with the emotional, intellectual and practical demands of the course and of providing coaching. The course is not an opportunity to work out personal issues which may need the support of personal coaching or counselling but a commitment to self-disclosure in relation to course learning and personal awareness will be expected.

ASSESSMENT

• Three reports of completed coaching with three different coachees (500-750 words each)
• A 6500 word extended essay on an aspect of psychological coaching or the psychology of coaching for the Diploma in Psychological Coaching
• Two book reviews for the Diploma in Psychological Coaching (750 – 1000 Words each)
• Reference from a coaching or coaching psychologist supervisor signifying student is a competent practitioner
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Overall, the submitted client work should demonstrate that the learner has coached coachees/clients with a range of different issues. Learners will need to demonstrate a solution focused and/or cognitive-behavioural psychological model of coaching in their coaching practice and the assessed work for the programme (see above). Their 6500 word written assignment and choice of books to review will reflect psychological coaching models, in particular although not exclusively, those taught on the programme. Full guidance on choice of books to review and possible essay titles will be provided.

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Learners will be expected to maintain a training and learning log which must specify the length of study, number of taught hours, and a record of the lecturers participating in the training. In addition, it will include a log of their experience on the course i.e. lecture notes, handouts, assignments, essays, a link between the work and learning on the course and its application to the participant’s coaching and work context. The learner will also keep a record of those aspects of personal growth and self-awareness, which inform coaching practice and relate to the ability to understand course material as well as their personal views of the course. The learning log is mainly a record of the student’s personal and professional development; it should be made available for presentation if required. Reading recommended books and other work undertaken at home is likely to take at least another 500 hours over the course of the programme for the Diploma in Psychological Coaching.

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Learners are expected to submit their course work within eight to twelve months from the end of the formal training programme for the Diploma in Psychological Coaching (see below).

SUPERVISION
Module c) provides training related supervision. However, it is essential that regular supervision of coaching work be provided at the place of work or privately from an experienced coach. This additional supervision is the financial responsibility of the participant. If necessary, guidance will be given regarding how to obtain a suitable supervisor. Information about coaching supervision is shown in following link. 

 

FEES & PAYMENT
Each of the three full certificate programmes has a set course fee (ie Certificate in Coaching; Certificate in Stress Management & Performance Coaching (3 modules); Certificate in Psychological Coaching/Coaching Psychology). For learners who wish to take the Diploma in Psychological Coaching programme, there is an additional fee of £995 including VAT. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Learners must be members of one or more approved independent professional coaching bodies or other related organisations e.g. Association for Coaching, European Mentoring & Coaching Council, Chartered Institute of  Personnel & Development, Institute of Leadership and Management, International Society for Coaching Psychology and/or British Psychological Society and abide by their code of ethics.

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Course attendance should be for a minimum of 90% per module. 

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The diploma programme provides up to 2 hours academic supervision for the extended essay and other course assignments. 

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On this Diploma programme the extended essay component should not involve the Learner undertaking any research involving participants, clients, staff or coachees or undertaking surveys or interviews. Before applying for the Diploma level programme, learners are expected to have considered one or two aspects of coaching they wish to write an extended essay on and be prepared to propose essay titles. At this level, there is a greater element of self-directed learning in preparation for the essay whereas the previous certificate level modules are more prescriptive.   

 

The Diploma programme has been designed to be completed within a 6 to 12 month period from enrollment. Programmes are not open ended. It is important that the student demonstrates progress during this 12 month period. If the assignments have not been submitted within the 12 month period then a progress report will need completing by the supervisor. For the 2nd year there is an additional administration fee of £125. The maximum time period for completion of the Diploma programme is 24 months. (Extension beyond 24 months is only allowed in exceptional cases.)

PROGRAMME RECOGNITION

The programme is recognised by the International Society for Coaching Psychology and can be used towards becoming ISCP accredited coaching psychologist. The programme is Approved by the British Psychological Society Learning Centre for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 

TRAINERS
The trainers are Prof Stephen Palmer, Nick Edgerton, Dr. Siobhain O’Riordan, and Kasia Szymanska who are Chartered Psychologists and/or HCPC Registered Psychologists. Guest lecturers may also be involved teaching on the programme.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Learners who have successfully passed a course/programme at the Centre for Stress Management may gain exemption(s).

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PLEASE READ: GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE DATES

COURSE APPLICATION FORM