MSt in Coaching

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Coaching has been designed to address a gap in the market for experienced coach practitioners who wish to deepen their knowledge and understanding of evidence-based psychological models of coaching praxis, with academic modules in neuroscience, practical philosophy, systems theory, and emerging trends in research suitable for coaching in a range of contexts.

Course Details

Course fee:
- Home: ｣18,744
- Overseas: ｣32,826
Credits: 180
Study mode: Hybrid (in person and online)
Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
Duration: 2 Years
Location: Various Locations
Course code: EDM17
Course type: Master's degrees

Tutors

Dr James Underwood: Assistant Professor
Dr Andrea Giraldez-Hayes: Course Director, MSt in Coaching

Course Overview

The Master's in Coaching has been developed in response to demand from qualified and experienced coaches who are seeking advanced training that complements and extends the existing University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) provision of entry-level qualifications focusing on coaching knowledge, practice skills, and professional standards.

Key Features

Evidence-based models of psychological coaching
Professional applicability beyond specific sectors and domains, such as mentoring, education, or career coaching, to include the full range of coaching contexts
An inter-disciplinary approach that challenges students to develop a wide-ranging curiosity of thought and research
Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills that result in robust academic writing and research output, commensurate with a world-leading institution

Who is the Course Designed For?

This course is aimed at coach practitioners who have at least 3 years of demonstrable coaching experience in their relevant fields or chosen domain.

Aims of the Programme

The MSt aims to produce graduates who:

Develop high levels of expertise as advanced practitioners of coaching through engagement with current theoretical and methodological approaches and by learning through practice and reflection on that practice
Advance their coaching practice through originality and experimentation with evidence-based creative approaches suitable to a range of contexts
Use contemporary theory and philosophy to develop and enhance advanced coaching practice through engagement with psychologically informed approaches
Have the ability to critically explore and evaluate different psychologically informed approaches to advanced coaching practice
Engage with and analyse current and future developments within the field of coaching
Develop inherent curiosity and advanced critical thinking and research skills relevant to advanced practitioners in contemporary and future coaching scenarios in a range of contexts
Feel safe to explore and experiment with new approaches, honestly reflect on their development, and freely provide and receive feedback on their professional practice to enable the development of their authentic and unique coaching identity fit for the future of coaching

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate the following:

Knowledge and Understanding

Specialised, advanced knowledge of psychological models relevant to advanced coaching practice, to include neuroscience and systems approaches
Critical engagement with and evaluation of the evidence base for effective coaching practice and measurement of outcomes
Extensive understanding of a specialised field within coaching
Detailed understanding of contemporary and future trends and issues in coaching and their implications for the coaching profession
Advanced awareness of self and identity as a coach and the impact of culture, values, and ethics on advanced coaching practice
Advanced knowledge of research methodology

Skills and Other Attributes

Critical review of advanced theoretical discourses from a multi-disciplinary perspective
Development of new, creative approaches and concepts in response to contemporary issues and developments within coaching
Highly developed research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Design and execution of investigations to explore contemporary and future areas of theory and practice
Selection of and critical evaluation of research methodology
Advanced specialised (life or executive) evidence-based and psychologically informed coaching skills for complex and evolving contexts
The ability to reflect on the application of contemporary thinking to specific areas of coaching and the value of different reflective models to reflect on practice
Critical sensitivity to the ethical implications of developments and issues within coaching and impact on advanced practice

Continuing Education

Successful completion of the MSt at a high grade may allow students to progress to a PhD either at the University of Cambridge or another institution.

Graduate Employability and Career Destinations

It is expected that candidates accepted onto the programme will either have an established coaching business practice or be working as professional coaches within an organisational context. However, by undertaking further learning and development in coaching by a highly respected institution, it will implicitly improve a persons marketability and/or employability.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. As part of our admissions process, youll need to meet certain requirements and make sure youre able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.

Standard Entry Requirements

Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.
If your degree is not from the UK, check international qualifications on the Universitys postgraduate site to find the equivalent in your country.
In addition to the academic requirement, applicants need to:
- Hold a coaching qualification at Level 4 or above
- Have at least 3 years of practical coaching experience

Non-Standard Applications

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, we still encourage you to apply. Youll need to show you have relevant, professional experience that makes you a strong candidate, and/or have completed higher-level study. Please include this information when you apply.

English Language Requirements

Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement.

Visa Information

We welcome applications from international students. If youre coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

Residential Dates

This course has 6 short residential teaching sessions that are held in Cambridge. Attendance at these sessions is a crucial part of engaging with the course.

Units

Psychological Coaching: This unit sets out the landscape for the course that advocates a psychological mindedness approach to coaching, irrespective of the coaching context in which students operate.
Practical Philosophy for Coaching: This pivotal unit provides students with the opportunity to reflect on and contemplate their coaching practice through a philosophical lens.
Evidenced-Based Coaching: This unit moves students thinking and attention from pure psychologically-based models to those that are more evidenced-based.
Neuroscience and Coaching: This unit builds on the previous units and helps to strengthen students competence in critical and analytical thinking as more scientific evidence is presented to them about coaching-related issues in the context of the emerging interest and understanding of brain research.
Coaching in Systems: This unit develops the idea that coaching does not happen in isolation and argues for coaches to take a systemic approach to coaching that ultimately yields greater benefits to all those potentially affected by the outcomes of the coaching process.
Emerging Trends in Coaching: This unit builds on the learning gained from Evidence-Based Coaching and can be considered a synthesis of the content of all the units studied so far.
Dissertation: Research Methods: Theory and Practice: This unit consists of 3-days Research Methods taught provision with additional online support followed by the Dissertation plus supervision.

Assessment

All units on the course use summative assessment approaches designed to ensure experiential learning and work-based real-life relevance. Approaches may include, but are not limited to:

Short answer questions
Essays
Evaluative studies of problem-based scenarios
Group presentations
Critical analysis of literature and case studies
Research proposals and research dissertations All unit assessments are the equivalent of a 3,000-4,000 word essay. The dissertation examination includes a research project of 12,000 words.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'. To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the Universitys fee status page. To help you manage your finances more comfortably, you can pay the fee in instalments.

Funding

We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. There are also some additional costs youll need to cover as part of this course. These are usually:

An application fee, unless you're eligible for a fee waiver
Any travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs for the residential teaching sessions held in Cambridge

How to Apply

Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application. We consider applications on a 'gathered field' basis, reviewing them all together after the application deadline.

Key Timings for Your Application

The application deadline is 15 April 2026.
Well hold interviews for shortlisted candidates in May 2026.

Supporting Documents

When you submit your application, youll need to provide supporting information.

Personal statement: Applicants are required to provide information about their motivation for applying for the course and to outline relevant practical coaching experience.
CV: Please provide a standard, 2-page professional CV.
Evidence of coaching qualification and practical experience: Applicants are required to hold a coaching qualification at Level 4 or above.
Employer letter of support: Applicants are expected to have support from their employer in undertaking the MSt.
Qualifications and transcripts: Upload details of degree-level courses you have completed or are studying.
References: Submit contact details for 2 referees, one academic and one professional.

College Membership

As an MSt student, you'll become a member of a Cambridge College. For the MSt in Coaching, we partner with Homerton. To find out more about College membership, watch the Meet the Colleges recording from our Master's Open Week 2024.

Student Support

We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs.

MSt in Coaching

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