Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs). Please do read through these, as well as the information provided on the tabs, and you should find the answers to most questions. However, if you still cannot find what you are looking for then please click on, the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link at the top right of this page to send the course team a message and we will respond as soon as possible.
Level of study
What is the difference between the Certificate and Diploma level?
Please see a full explanation on the Requirements tab. The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your Coaching studies. The Diploma is suitable for those who have successfully completed the Certificate course or who have an FHEQ level 4 or equivalent qualification in Coaching or a very closely related subject area. Students are encouraged to complete the Certificate first, to ensure there are solid foundations upon which to build coaching practice.
Why should I take the Certificate if you offer a Diploma?
Our Certificate course provides students with fundamental knowledge and a strong foundation for further study in the subject area of Coaching and provides excellent groundwork for those wishing to go on to take our Diploma course. The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your Coaching studies. The Diploma is suitable for those who have successfully completed the Certificate course or who have an FHEQ level 4 or equivalent qualification in Coaching or a very closely related subject area. Students are encouraged to complete the Certificate first, to ensure there are solid foundations upon which to build coaching practice.
I already have a degree so can I start my studies with the Diploma?
If you have a higher-level qualification, do not be put off by the Certificate qualification at FHEQ4. Coaching is distinct from many management and leadership qualifications; it is highly experiential. We are looking for a demonstrable level of competence in Coaching from Diploma applicants rather than previous academic attainment. Those holding a PhD or Master’s but are new to Coaching should start their studies with the Certificate.
I am still unsure as to what level would be right for me. What is a quick gauge I can use?
There are a few key indicators of why you would be more suited to starting on the Certificate rather than the Diploma. These include:
- Difficulty in completing the 300-word reflective written task required for applying to the Diploma course. You should be able to describe your coaching approach stating which models and/or theories inform your current practice, how these have developed your coaching and what you have learnt from applying them. You should also be able to cite your academic sources to support this.
- Struggling to think how you would be able to build 40 hours of coaching practice to provide evidence of coaching beyond the course. You are required to submit coaching logs for each unit of the course, they should reflect on your current coaching practice and how academic learning has been integrated. Our Diploma students will normally have built up a coaching network before they start to support this.
Delivery and Learning Methodology
How are classes taught?
For the 2022-2023 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge, although there is an expectation that you will attend synchronous (live) teaching sessions. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, using video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
You will have access to resources, discussion forums, and course tasks within ICE's Virtual Learning Environment. Teaching methods will include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, interactive and experiential learning activities, reading and assignments to be completed by participants outside classroom sessions and online discussion forums.
Does the course include any coach practice or does it just teach theory?
Our courses combine the rigorous academic standards of the University of Cambridge and the professional practice of the Association for Coaching. For both the Certificate and Diploma in each unit there will be sessions dedicated to coach practice, where you work with fellow students to practice your coaching skills. You will also be required to undertake coaching beyond the programme to reflect on your personal coaching practice and how academic learning has been integrated.
Will this course help decide what direction I want to take my coaching in?
The course enables students to develop their knowledge, skills and competence in a range of coaching approaches and techniques, and to be able to critically select and use appropriate techniques in different situations. It does not focus on a particular niche of coaching (such as Executive Coaching, Medical Careers Coaching, Maternity Coaching, Career Coaching, Leadership Team Coaching etc.) but does explore niches as a topic. It is completely up to the individual student as to what they would like to focus their coaching practice on. You may start with one idea and then through the skills and knowledge you gain on the course your journey and interests could develop into another area.
What is the Flipped Classroom Approach?
The Flipped Classroom approach is a blended learning strategy which aims to increase student engagement with the course. Teaching and learning for the unit are delivered through a combination of formal presentations by the tutor, a range of interactive and participatory methods of teaching and learning, and through reading and tasks to be undertaken individually by students outside the unit sessions.
How will I be assessed?
At the end of each unit, you will be required to submit an academic assignment that is written in a clearly articulated, critically analytical manner and demonstrates your understanding of the course subject, and your ability to include appropriate references.
You will also be required to submit Reflective Coaching Logs with the assignments, which are not part of the word count. These provide evidence of your ability to coach and your development of coaching practice and will include personal reflections of experiences and how academic learning had been integrated with the intention of deepening self-awareness as a coach.
When do the Study Days (live teaching) normally take place?
Please see the Teaching & Assessment tab for full details of Study Days and Tutorials. Study Days are usually scheduled within the first two weeks of the unit and take place between the hours of 9.30am to 4.30pm GMT. A timetable is provided prior to the start of each unit. Students are expected to participate actively in Study Day sessions as they provide interactive teaching, such as small or whole group practice sessions, exercises and structured seminar discussions. Parts of the Study Days are recorded for later reference however not all content can be recorded due to the confidential nature of some of the discussions that take place.
Accreditation
Is this course accredited?
The Institute of Continuing Education is an Organisational Member and recognised coach training provider of the Association for Coaching and our courses have been awarded the Accredited Certificate in Coaching Training (ACCT) and Accredited Diploma in Coaching Training (ADCT) status. During your studies with us, you will have the support of the full range of AC services available to AC Affiliate Members. Benefits include Co-coaching forums, Group Supervision, and discounts on events, conferences and third-party services including insurance.
What does Accredited Certificate/ Diploma in Coaching Training (ACCT/ ADCT) status mean?
The Association for Coaching (AC) Coach Training Accreditation Scheme is designed to further the AC’s purpose of championing standards of excellence in the coaching professions. Our Undergraduate Coaching courses have been awarded ACCT/ ADCT status, this means the training provided by ICE meets the rigorous standards set by the AC in terms of knowledge, practical experience and application of coaching competencies (all benchmarked against best practice).
Can I call myself an accredited coach upon completion of this course?
No – achieving the award does not allow you to call yourself an accredited coach. The training is accredited rather than the individual; therefore, you need to apply to a coaching body to gain accredited coach status. The main coaching bodies are the Association of Coaching (AC), the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), you need to directly apply your chosen coaching body and meet their requirements in order to gain accredited coach status.
General
Why should I study Coaching at ICE?
Where you train is a personal decision for what and where suits you. Our courses combine the rigorous academic standards of the University of Cambridge and the professional practice of the Association for Coaching. ICE is an Organisational Member and recognised coach training provider of the Association for Coaching and our courses have been awarded the Accredited Certificate in Coaching Training (ACCT) and Accredited Diploma in Coaching Training (ADCT) status. During your studies with us, you will have the support of the full range of AC services available to AC Affiliate Members. Benefits include Co-coaching forums, Group Supervision, and discounts on events, conferences and third-party services including insurance.
In addition to the live workshop sessions where there is an opportunity for coaching practice, each term comprises teaching via the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and weekly tutorials where you will be supported by your tutor and other students on your course.
Can I undertake this course whilst working?
As a part time course, the Diploma in Coaching enables learners to maintain personal and professional commitments while also studying at ICE. It is important to consider all aspects of your life before you decide to study on a course, having a clear idea of how you will accommodate studying into your current routine before you apply will enable you to get as much out of the course as possible.
How many hours of study are required?
The award of academic credit is a means of quantifying and recognising learning and within the UK, one credit notionally represents 10 hours of learning. Each of the units of these courses attracts 20 credits so students should expect to need to study for approximately 200 hours in total to complete each unit successfully. Study includes synchronous/ asynchronous teaching, tutorials, reading, VLE participation, assignment preparation and independent study. However, it is recognised that student’s study at different paces and use a variety of approaches, so this is a recommendation, rather than a hard-and-fast calculation.
