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Coaching and Mentoring Practice

MA or PGDip or PGCert

Find out more about our courses by joining a live master’s webinar

Start dates: September 2025 / September 2026

Part time: MA: 2-5 years, PGDip: 16 months, PGCert: 8 months, Distance Learning: 2-5 years

Location: Distance learning

Department(s): Oxford Brookes Business School

Overview
Course details
Careers
Entry requirements
How to apply
Tuition fees

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Overview

Being an effective professional coach or mentor is about more than learning techniques and behaviours. Our approach at Oxford Brookes, developed over more than 20 years of coach education, puts you at the centre of your practice.

We focus on helping you to develop your unique coaching style. Learning about the latest insights and developments in coaching and mentoring will give you a range of perspectives to inform your approach. You'll understand what makes you effective in the professional relationship and what you bring personally to your practice.

You might be completely new to the area, already an established coach or a consultant wanting to add coaching to your portfolio. Wherever you’re starting from, this course will build on your skills and self-awareness to be a better coach or mentor. And our highly experienced team at our specialist centre is on hand to give you expert input and dedicated supervision.

When you look back at the end of the course, you’ll see a significant shift in your development.

Attend an open day or webinar Ask a question Order a prospectus

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Optional exit points

    Fit your studies around your busy lifestyle with our tailored modules. You can step off the course at the PGCert or PGDip level or carry on to the master’s.

  • Top researchers

    Our teaching team is made up of experienced practitioners and internationally recognised researchers, widely published in leading journals in the field.

  • Focus on your niche

    You’ll have 1:1 sessions with a personal coach-supervisor to help you identify your own coaching style and unique development journey.

  • A vibrant community

    Engage with key contacts from professional bodies at our networking events. Plus, showcase your dissertation project at our annual conference and in our international journal.

  • Accreditation(s)

    The Coaching and Mentoring Programme is accredited with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). Upon completion of the Certificate Stage of the Programme, students typically obtain accreditation as Senior Practitioners with EMCC. Students need to be members of the EMCC and pay their own accreditation costs although these fees are at a much discounted rate.

    • EMCC Global

Course details

Course structure

As well as covering the fundamental principles of coaching and mentoring practice, you’ll gain vital experience of acting as a coach/mentor where you can apply different methods and techniques. The feedback you’ll get from supervisors and volunteer clients will help you reflect and identify areas for growth. And the practice modules with 1:1 supervision are an opportunity for you to develop even further.

At the diploma level, you’ll focus either on the latest psychological research exploring new ideas around the ways people change. Or you’ll investigate the process and issues in setting up a formal coaching or mentoring scheme. You’ll carry out an evaluation of a programme in an actual organisation.

Your dissertation at MA level gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into a topic of your interest with a piece of investigative or literature-based research, supported by your colleagues and supervisor. This research element will help you to develop your skills as a reflective practitioner and contribute to the knowledge base which informs current coaching and mentoring practice.

Group of students at a conference

Learning and teaching

You’ll learn via interactive and high-quality online resources and participate in live online seminars.

Your learning will be a mix of learning activities which will emphasise interactive discussions, class exercises and the use of slides and other materials. Each module builds upon the last, helping you to deepen your practice. You’ll be closely supported by your tutors as you build your research skills and deepen your capacity to be a reflective practitioner. You could also apply to take the Professional Doctorate in Coaching and Mentoring upon successful completion of the MA.

Assessment

You will be assessed on a variety of coursework assignments and a dissertation. There are no exams.

Study modules

The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.

Taught modules

Compulsory modules

  • Coaching and Mentoring Practice Fundamentals (20 credits)

    In addition to familiarising you with fundamental principles, skills and theories, this module provides you with vital experience of acting as a mentor/coach and of being professionally supervised by a professional coach supervisor. You therefore draw on the expertise of internationally recognised coaching and mentoring experts, your own experience and a wide literature. Over a period of five months, you apply coaching and mentoring methods and techniques. With  feedback from supervisors and volunteer clients and systematic reflection you can identify areas for personal and organisational growth.

     

  • Transformational Learning and Adult Development (20 credits)

    You examine a number of transformational and adult learning theories and concepts and how they apply to coaching and mentoring. You are encouraged to think critically and increase your awareness of issues in adult learning and development.

  • Psychotherapeutic Dimensions of Coaching and Mentoring: (20 credits)

    You will focus on how important approaches in psychotherapy and counselling can impact coaching and mentoring. These include: psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive behavioural. We explore the philosophy and theory of the different schools within these orientations and their different techniques and models. You consider boundaries and ethical issues and draw your own opinion on how these ideas have been applied. This will help enable you identify and build your own approach.

  • Advanced Coaching and Mentoring Practice (20 credits)

    On this compulsory module you explore a more challenging level of professional practice. In-depth workshops develop the practice of the reflective, evidence-based professional practitioner. You will continue to develop your coaching and mentoring practice and receive one-to-one supervision throughout this module.

  • Psychology of Coaching and Mentoring (20 credits)

    This module promotes an advanced understanding of coaching and mentoring based on the research and theories developed in branches of psychology. You'll explore insights and ideas from evolutionary psychology, psychobiology, neuroscience, social and discursive psychology with implications for individual change and development. These ideas are discussed with explicit links to coaching and mentoring practice focusing on your needs/intentions during the coaching and mentoring process. You'll develop an understanding of a range of perspectives which contribute to your style of coaching, and promote reflexivity on your sense of self and own personal and professional development. This module encourages critical enquiry and reflection, professional knowledge and expertise. There is an emphasis on critical and independent thought, participatory learning, engagement with peer reviewed literature and participation in contemporary debates in coaching and mentoring.

  • Coaching and Mentoring in Organisations (20 credits)

    In this module you explore the processes and issues involved in setting up a formal coaching and mentoring scheme within an organisational setting. In particular, you examine a range of organisational dynamics and crucial factors for implementing a successful scheme. You will need to arrange access to stakeholders of a scheme in an organisation well in advance as your assignment will normally be based around a real case-study. The assignment will be to evaluate an existing scheme, or assess the organisation’s readiness for the new scheme.

  • Research in Coaching and Mentoring (compulsory for students completing the full MA)

    This module will help you develop your knowledge of a range of research approaches, methods and techniques appropriate to the study of coaching and mentoring. You will develop skills in evaluating research carried out and reported by others, looking at the ‘evidence-base’ for coaching and mentoring professional practice.

Independent study

Optional modules

Independent Study (may be work-based or theoretical)

It is possible to select a relevant topic for an independent study. This is carried out under the supervision of a tutor and may constitute a review of a particular topic, empirical or conceptual research. This module may be followed in place of one of the PG Diploma stage optional modules.

Final project

Compulsory modules

  • Dissertation (60 credits)

    You complete a piece of investigative or literature-cased research and this comprises sixty credits of your degree. You prepare you dissertation proposal in the first semester of the second year and you work on your dissertation during semester two and three. You will build on your learning throughout the course and you are supported through six methodology workshops, a buddy system and academic supervision.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Research

The master's programme is taught through the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies. At the forefront of coaching and mentoring research, the Centre’s academic team consists of leading educators and researchers in the field.

Our journal, annual conferences and professional network OBCAMS (the Oxford Brookes Coaching and Mentoring Society) offer excellent opportunities to students, academics and practitioners for the dissemination and sharing of research and ideas.

Our Research areas include:

  • philosophical underpinnings of coaching
  • developmental, leadership and team coaching
  • resilience
  • embodiment
  • transfer of learning
  • the coaching relationship
  • ethics
  • managing mentoring schemes. 

Teaching staff have research interests and expertise in coaching and mentoring, and related fields. Visiting speakers from business and industry provide further input. 

You can attend events from the Oxford Brookes Coaching and Mentoring Society (OBCAMS), which meets monthly. It attracts outside speakers and presenters from all areas of coaching and mentoring.  

Two researchers in a meeting

Careers

As one of our graduates, you’ll be recognised as having a high level of expertise which will give you credibility and help you establish your reputation in the field.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed as a well-informed, critically oriented and creative coach/mentor. You may choose to build your practice in different areas – executive coaching, life coaching, wellbeing, consultancy, education, youth work or other contexts. As a senior manager, you may have decided to work on your coaching skills in your day-to-day role.

Even if you’re not going directly into coaching or mentoring, you’ll find your employment opportunities will be enhanced by your greater self-awareness and insight into the subject, as well as the variety of new contacts formed during the course.

And if you’re passionate about further applying knowledge to practice, you can take your professional expertise to the next level with our Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring Programme.. You can also continue your practitioner-oriented career with our Advanced Programme in Coaching Supervision. 

Student profiles

Gavin Wells

"One of the first things that attracted me to the course was the diversity of the student population, or rather, that for once I was in the minority"

Read more about Gavin

Viv Chitty

"I had a very good relationship with my Dissertation Supervisor, so I felt well prepared for doing the research and writing the dissertation. His feedback was challenging, and he pushed me hard. But he believed I could get a good grade and I did"

Read more about Viv
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Our Staff

Dr Adrian Myers

Adrian is the course leader for the MA in Coaching and Mentoring practice and teaches the Level 7 programme in Coaching and Mentoring. Adrian also supports organisations to help internal coaching schemes and helping managers acquire coaching skills.

Read more about Adrian

Gavin Wells

One of the first things that attracted me to the course was the diversity of the student population, or rather, that for once I was in the minority

Read more about Gavin

Viv Chitty

I had a very good relationship with my Dissertation Supervisor, so I felt well prepared for doing the research and writing the dissertation. His feedback was challenging, and he pushed me hard. But he believed I could get a good grade and I did

Read more about Viv

Dr Ioanna Iordanou

Ioanna is a senior lecturer in Human Resource Management who is researching the influence of Coaching on individual and team performance, group dynamics, leadership development and change management.

Read more about Ioanna
Left
Right

Dr Adrian Myers

Adrian is the course leader for the MA in Coaching and Mentoring practice and teaches the Level 7 programme in Coaching and Mentoring. Adrian also supports organisations to help internal coaching schemes and helping managers acquire coaching skills.

Read more about Adrian

Dr Ioanna Iordanou

Ioanna is a senior lecturer in Human Resource Management who is researching the influence of Coaching on individual and team performance, group dynamics, leadership development and change management.

Read more about Ioanna

Related courses

Related course
Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring
Related course
Human Resource Management
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Entry requirements

How to apply

Application process

Step 1. Apply online

Create an account in the online application portal.

You must upload i) a degree certificate or evidence of professional qualifications ii) transcript evidencing your academic and/or professional qualifications iii) two professional references from colleagues/ line managers (no need for an academic reference) iv) CV.

Step 2 : Find out if you have a place

As we review your application, you may be required to supply further documentation to support your application. Watch out for an email from the Oxford Brookes admissions team in case they need to request more information.

Step 3 : Accept your offer

You will receive an official enrolment offer by email. Accept your offer via the applicant portal. Once you have accepted our offer and met any conditions, you can liaise with Administrative support: pg-obbs@brookes.ac.uk.

Step 4 : Begin your studies

In early September, the university will send an ‘invitation to enrol’ email to new students who have accepted an unconditional offer.

Keeping Informed

This web page will be updated with information on Induction and teaching dates and pre-reading, usually available from Spring each year. More information about the programme and dates for upcoming webinars will be added to this page.

Where to go for help

If you have any questions about the programme, contact the programme lead, Adrian Myers: amyers@brookes.ac.uk although most questions are routinely answered in regular Information seminars.

If you have any problems with the admissions portal, please email admissions@brookes.ac.uk.

If you have any questions about enrolment, liaise with Administrative support: pg-obbs@brookes.ac.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Please visit our frequently asked questions page for further guidance on what to submit with your application.

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £14,300; PGDip - 15 months: £10,490; PGCert - 8 months: £6,340
International distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £14,300; PGDip - 15 months: £10,490; PGCert - 8 months: £6,340
Home (UK) distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £15,000; PGDip - 15 months: £11,000; PGCert - 8 months: £6,650
International distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £15,000; PGDip - 15 months: £11,000; PGCert - 8 months: £6,650

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2024 / 25
Home (UK) distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £14,300; PGDip - 15 months: £10,490; PGCert - 8 months: £6,340
International distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £14,300; PGDip - 15 months: £10,490; PGCert - 8 months: £6,340
2025 / 26
Home (UK) distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £15,000; PGDip - 15 months: £11,000; PGCert - 8 months: £6,650
International distance learning
MA - 2 Years: £15,000; PGDip - 15 months: £11,000; PGCert - 8 months: £6,650

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Fees quoted are the full price of the course.

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Postgraduate Master's Loan - England

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.