Meet the Academic Team: Coaching 

We spoke to the new Coaching academic team to get to know more about their backgrounds, their roles at the Institute and what they love about Coaching.

Dr Andrea Giraldez-Hayes is the Course Director for the MSt in Coaching at the University of Cambridge. She is a chartered psychologist (BPS), psychotherapist (BACP), coaching psychologist (BPS, EMCC Master Practitioner and ICF PCC), BPS and EMCC registered supervisor, and consultant with a remarkable track record, combining academic roles with consultancy and private practice. 

She said: “As the Course Director for the MSt in Coaching, I lead and oversee all aspects of the programme, ensuring its academic excellence, relevance, and smooth delivery. I take pride in leading the team and working alongside highly experienced panel tutors to deliver the course and also teach, supporting students from diverse backgrounds as they embark on their lifelong learning journeys. 

Teaching gives meaning to my professional life, and I am deeply committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and cultural settings. For me, teaching is more than sharing knowledge—it is about embracing the journey, exploring new possibilities, and shaping the narratives we create.”

Dr. Winnie Pui is currently a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), a Fellow member of the Association for Coaching in England, a Fellow of CollectivED, and a certified MBTI Practitioner for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®.

 She is the Course Director for the undergraduate Certificate in Coaching programme. 

She said: “I am proud of leading the team and collaborating with a group of highly experienced panel tutors to deliver the course, supporting students from diverse backgrounds as they develop their lifelong learning journeys.

I am passionate about supporting students from diverse backgrounds and cultural settings, and I enjoy working with individuals of all ages. My mission is to help them uncover their unique strengths and develop a strong sense of self-appreciation through the power of learning.

For me, teaching is far more than just sharing knowledge — it is about embracing the journey, unfolding new possibilities, and shaping the stories we create throughout our lives. Being an educator is a deeply rewarding experience, where I have the privilege of inspiring others and supporting their personal and academic growth.”

Dr James Underwood is the Academic Director for degrees and courses in English language assessment and coaching including the undergraduate Certificate in Coaching and MSt in Coaching. Before joining the Institute of Continuing Education he was Principal Lecturer in Education at the University of Northampton During this time, while teaching, he attained his Master’s and doctoral degrees at the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge.

As Academic Director for Coaching he works closely with our two excellent course directors on the strategic direction, design and student experience of the undergraduate Certificate in Coaching and the MSt in Coaching.

He said: "In all the different roles I have had in academia over the past 10 years and even before that in schools I have been passionate about the potential for change that comes from practitioners researching in their own professional spaces. All the courses that I am part of include that potential. The student body of expert professionals on these courses, reflecting on and researching into their own practice is a very empowering thing to be part of. It is also always a joy to work with expert researchers and to learn from colleagues and students."