The Practice of Coaching and Mentoring (MAED4167)

This module focuses upon the skills and techniques required for effective coaching and mentoring, and explores and critiques key ideas in theory and practice in relation to the development of personal skills. You will also study some of the key theoretical frameworks that underpin and inform the practice of coaching/mentoring, such as Positive Psychology and Solution-Focused Coaching.

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

This module is designed for coaches, mentors and those supporting the learning and development of others in education/training contexts.

It focuses upon:

Learning about and practising the skills and techniques required for effective coaching and mentoring. The module explores and critiques key ideas in theory and practice in relation to the development of personal skills. Through structured experiences and interactive workshops, coaching and mentoring will be practised and reflected upon in light of participants’ learning. Students will be supported in developing their practice and deepening their skills as a coach/mentor, demonstrating and applying a repertoire of models, structures and skills in the light of up-to-date theory which will be critically evaluated and applied.
Some of the key theoretical frameworks that underpin and inform the practice of coaching/mentoring. It will allow participants to consider different theoretical frameworks, identify their own philosophical approach and explore how these frameworks inform practice. Participants will be introduced to the theoretical frameworks which will be placed in the context of their historical development, prominent thinkers, techniques and usage.

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

Coaching and mentoring skills are increasingly valued within the workplace, particularly in roles requiring leadership, collaboration, and the ability to inspire others to achieve their potential.

The potential benefits of attending this module include:

Enhancing your Leadership Abilities: Coaching and mentoring are core leadership competencies. Developing these skills can help you foster growth, guide teams effectively, and handle workplace challenges with greater empathy and insight.
Improving your Interpersonal Skills: The course enables you to develop your coaching and mentoring skills including active listening, asking relevant questions, and building meaningful professional relationships.
Personal Growth: Beyond career benefits, these skills foster self-awareness, reflective practices, and emotional intelligence, contributing to both professional and personal development.

Module delivery

Four taught sessions (Saturdays in Semester 1).
One 30-minute tutorial with feedback on a draft assignment plan
3,000-word assignment
1,000-word reflective diary entry

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

Articulate and justify personal philosophical approach to mentoring/coaching.
Identify and differentiate the key principles of two theoretical frameworks that underpin coaching and mentoring.
Critically discuss the ways in which some theoretical perspectives and approaches inform own work as a mentor/coach.
Articulate and critically evaluate complex issues in coaching and mentoring practice in dialogue with own professional values and an awareness of ethical issues.
Critically reflect upon own mentoring/coaching practice in order to review, deepen knowledge and understanding, and enhance practice.

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.