Program Overview

Program Overview

The postgraduate program in Executive Coaching is designed for experienced executive coaches who wish to further professionalize in the field of coaching. The program is modular and offers access to the Ashridge MSc program in executive coaching, which includes an international accreditation recognized by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) and the NOBCO.

Program Details

• Duration: 9 months (part-time)
• Lessons: 5 x 2 workshop days with an evening program in October, November, February, March/April, and June
• Time investment: 1 day per week for preparation
• Costs: €10,900
• Location: Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

Program Objectives

The program aims to develop the following skills and knowledge:

• Theoretical knowledge of the psychological and therapeutic underpinnings of coaching
• Critical evaluation of existing coaching models and theories
• Critical and well-considered use of coaching styles and other skills
• Knowledge of organizations as the context in which coaching takes place
• Ethics and responsibilities of an executive coach
• Self-knowledge, as one of the most important conditions for effective coaching

Certification and Follow-up Programs

The postgraduate program in Executive Coaching at the Vrije Universiteit leads to a certificate recognized by the VU. After successfully completing the program, participants can follow three follow-up routes: VU Executive Master in Coaching, MSc Ashridge, and MSc VU.

VU Executive Master in Coaching

The first route is for professionals seeking a professional qualification: the training to become a VU Executive Master in Coaching. The diploma is awarded on behalf of the Vrije Universiteit. In this variant, participants follow both the Executive Coaching and the Executive Teamcoaching programs. In the third year, a final assignment is completed in the form of a publishable article.

MSc in Executive Coaching via Ashridge

The second option is the route to Ashridge: in this variant, participants, after completing the PGO Executive Coaching (which provides exemption for module 1a at Ashridge), continue with the Personal Reflective Journal, Coach Accreditation, Inquiry into the Coaching Profession, and Inquiry into own Coaching Practice. This option is interesting for participants who strive for an international accreditation and MSc in executive coaching.

VU MSc in Business Administration

The third route is for people looking for an accredited Master of Science and also broader interests in the business context in which many of our clients work. These participants can, after completing the PGO Executive Coaching or the PGO Executive Teamcoaching, proceed to the part-time MSc in Business Administration of the VU. This program leads to an MSc in Business Administration with a specialization in Management Studies. The module Executive Coaching or Executive Teamcoaching can be chosen as part of this specialization. Participants in this variant also write their thesis on (team) coaching.

Coaching Vision

Coaching is, in our opinion, a way of work-related learning in which mainly two-party conversations are used. The goal of coaching is to support clients in increasing their own professionalism by discussing their own relationship to certain experiences and issues. In a coaching trajectory, the coach works on stimulating reflection, freeing up potential qualities, and overcoming obstacles for further development. For this, various coaching styles and methodologies can be used, depending on the question and context. The relationship between coach and coachee is one of the most determining factors for success. This relationship is central to the program.

VU Center for Executive Coaching

The Center for Executive Coaching of the Vrije Universiteit is a knowledge center within the School of Business and Economics. The VU is the only university in the Netherlands with a Coaching Center. Our ambition and activities are focused on providing high-quality coaching education and research.

Alumni Testimonials

Various alumni share their experiences and the value they gained from the Executive Coaching program at the VU, highlighting the program's impact on their professional development and coaching practices.

Related Offerings

• Executive Teamcoaching: A program for team coaches working with management teams, executive boards, and supervisory boards.
• Executive Master in Coaching: A program that lays a solid scientific foundation for experienced coaches who want to work at the board/director level.