University of Warwick

What you'll study

This MA combines core coaching theory with supervised practical experience and applied research. You will study contemporary approaches to one‑to‑one coaching, team and group coaching, coaching supervision, and coach development across organisational, educational and community contexts. Typical module topics include coaching practice and skills, psychological and systems perspectives on change, ethics and professional standards, reflective practice and self‑development, and research methods for coaching.

• Coaching practice and skills: experiential training in contracting, listening, powerful questioning, feedback and designing coaching interventions.
• Team and group coaching: approaches to multi‑party coaching, facilitation skills and working with team dynamics.
• Coaching supervision and development: processes for ongoing professional development, reflective practice and maintaining standards.
• Organisational contexts and change: how coaching interfaces with organisational development, leadership, culture and performance systems.
• Research methods and evidence-based practice: qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating coaching outcomes and undertaking a practice‑based dissertation or project.

Assessment typically combines observed coaching sessions and reflective logs, case studies and portfolios, a research project or dissertation, and contribution to peer supervision. The programme emphasises small‑group experiential learning, supervised client hours and placement or live projects where possible.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second class honours) or substantial professional experience. Coaching or related professional experience (for example in HR, learning and development, teaching, therapy, counselling, sport or organisational development) strengthens an application. Candidates may be asked to provide a coaching recording or evidence of prior facilitation work and to attend an interview.

International applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test at a level consistent with UK postgraduate study. Applicants should check the University of Warwick’s official admissions pages for the current accepted qualifications and evidence requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles as independent professional coaches, internal coaches within organisations, leadership development consultants, learning and development specialists, or coaching coordinators for public and third‑sector organisations. The programme also prepares students to combine coaching with roles in HR, organisational change, education and health, and to progress to further professional accreditation or doctoral research in coaching and applied psychology.

Why study at University of Warwick

Studying coaching at Warwick gives you access to an interdisciplinary university with strengths in business, psychology and organisational studies. The programme’s emphasis on applied practice and supervised hours is supported by experienced practitioners and academic staff who publish and teach in coaching, leadership and change.

Students benefit from Warwick’s networks across industry and public services, opportunities for collaborative projects, and campus facilities for workshops and experiential learning. The course is designed to equip you with both practical capability and the critical, research‑informed perspective required to practise as a reflective, ethical coach.