An Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring (MAED4164)

This module encourages participants to reflect upon their own experiences (both formal and informal) of receiving such support, and to consider how coaching and mentoring processes operate within an education or training context familiar to them.

Part of Education MA

This module is part of the University’s Education MA . You will study alongside other students on this course. The module is also part of the Professional Development MA/MSc course - a flexible course that you help design to take your career to the next level.

Overview

Consideration is given to factors, in addition to skills, which influence the effectiveness of coaching and mentoring programmes/provision – these include training, time allocations, matching, contracting, use of models/techniques, codes of ethics and monitoring/evaluation.

There are various opportunities for participants to work in small groups, undertake individual reflection, develop their coaching/mentoring skills, and discuss their ideas/ concepts within the full group. They are also given topics to reflect upon between sessions.

Whilst this is not a practice-focused module, there will be some opportunities for coaching/mentoring practice as this will help to consolidate some learning in relation to skills.

It is expected that all advertised modules will run, but there may be situations where there are insufficient students to make a particular module viable.

Career benefits

This module provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of coaching and mentoring, equipping participants with the tools to effectively support the development of colleagues, students, and teams.

By completing this module, you demonstrate your commitment to fostering growth and collaboration, qualities highly valued in leadership and management roles. The content will help you to create a positive impact on organisational culture, improve team performance, and build strong professional relationships. These competencies are transferable, opening pathways to diverse roles.

Moreover, the module helps you to develop reflective practices, enhancing your ability to identify strengths and address challenges in educational settings. This not only bolsters your confidence as a mentor or coach but also positions you as an influential figure capable of driving meaningful change within your institution.

Whether you aim to advance your current role or explore new opportunities, this module will enhance your career potential.

Module delivery

Four taught sessions (Saturdays in Semester 1).
One 30-minute tutorial with feedback on a draft assignment plan
4,000-word assignment

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

Critically evaluate the roles of coaching and mentoring and construct a definition of each relevant to own sector/context.
Specify key coaching and mentoring skills and use them to evaluate own experiences.
Critically consider the ethical and practical issues involved in the delivery of coaching/ mentoring (such as confidentiality and boundaries).
Critically discuss two coaching/mentoring applications e.g. initial teacher training (ITT) mentoring; leadership coaching; peer coaching; team coaching.
Identify factors affecting the success of coaching/ mentoring provision and use these to evaluate own experiences.

Entry Requirements

General admission requirements for entry to the programme are:

A good honours degree (2.2 or above) and a significant interest in education and/or equivalent professional qualifications, experience and evidence of continuing professional development.
International students must hold a qualification equivalent to a UK first or second class honours degree.
All International student for whom English is not their first language are required to achieve IELTS 6.5 or equivalency – with no less than 5.5 in any element.