Coaching FAQs

Here at ICE we offer two coaching qualifications: the Undergraduate Certificate in Coaching (FHEQ Level 4) and the Undergraduate Diploma in Coaching (FHEQ Level 5). These FAQs explain what's involved, and will help you decide which course is best for you.

I’ve already done some coaching – can I go straight to the Diploma?

If you have completed an 'introduction to coaching' course or a short course, or if coaching has been covered in a management or leadership programme, we would really encourage you to start on the Certificate. The Certificate lays the foundations of coaching and provides a solid framework for you moving forward in your coaching journey. If you have completed a significant amount of coaching and you can evidence this, or you have an FHEQ Level 4 or equivalent certificate/qualification in coaching then it may be possible for you to enrol on the Diploma.

I’ve already got a degree – isn’t Level 4 a bit low for me?

Coaching is a very powerful profession. Coaches work very effectively with individuals and have transformational results but with that there is a lot of responsibility and sometimes things can go wrong. You may have a higher level qualification elsewhere but if this does not translate into coaching then it is certainly advisable to start at entry level. Coaching is different to other leadership or management approaches and it is very different in its interaction; being able to work with individuals in psychological and emotional domains to a comfortable level.

If you have a higher level qualification elsewhere do not worry, instead this is quite beneficial as it will help you to build for the future.

I’m in a hurry – and want to coach others. Quickly!

The Undergraduate Certificate and Diploma in Coaching are both one year part-time courses. Students often find the academic year (October to July) goes quite quickly, but importantly what both courses allow for is the opportunity to practise significantly as you progress through. We would always encourage coaches when they are developing to ‘practise, practise, practise’.

How much work is involved?

Undergraduate Certificate in Coaching

• Workshop attendance: 4 days per term at Madingley Hall in Cambridge.
• Online self-study: Following each workshop there will be a period of approximately 10 weeks of online study within the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• Assignment: Completion of a 3,000–3,500-word assignment per term.
• Coaching practice: Alongside your final assignment you will be required to provide evidence of 20 hours of coaching, which is undertaken throughout the course. These 20 hours can include up to 7 hours of coaching with fellow students on the course, including classroom-based activities.

Find out more about the Undergraduate Certificate in Coaching

Undergraduate Diploma in Coaching

• Workshop attendance: 4 days per term at Madingley Hall in Cambridge.
• Online self-study: Following each workshop there will be a period of approximately 10 weeks of online study within the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• Assignment: Completion of a 3,500–4,000-word assignment per term.
• Coaching practice: Alongside your final assignment you will be required to provide evidence of 40 hours of coaching, which is undertaken throughout the course. These 40 hours can include up to 10 hours of coaching with fellow students on the course, including classroom-based activities.

Find out more about the Undergraduate Diploma in Coaching

How much time you assign to self-study outside of the workshop hours while preparing for your assignment submission is largely determined by you as an individual.

Do I have to study online at specific dates and times?

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is open throughout the course and you can work online whenever it is convenient to you. Each term is opened online in the VLE at beginning of term. There may be occasions when the tutor organises an online activity/seminar and will try to get all students together at a suitable time, but the majority of the time you can work online whenever this is suitable for you.

Is accommodation available at Madingley Hall for the workshops?

Accommodation may be available at the Hall for those who require an overnight stay. Please email reservations@madingleyhall.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1223 746222 for availability.  Please note accommodation is not included in the course fee.

What can I go on to do after the Diploma course?

At present, we do not run a Master's level course in coaching. We are considering plans to expand the popular coaching provision offered at ICE to enable progression. In the meantime, on successful completion of the course, you may wish to apply for membership of a coaching association (such as the Association for Coaching through which the Undergraduate Certificate and Diploma are accredited) and continue your coaching practice at every opportunity.