Advanced Mentoring and Coaching (PGCert )

About the Course

Applications for the January 2027 intake will open soon! 

The postgraduate programme in Advanced Mentoring and Coaching is designed for those with a personal and a professional interest in the field of mentoring and coaching including teachers, educators and leaders. The programme offers an opportunity for engagement with the key theories, concepts and ideas in mentoring and coaching.

This course intends to provide theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of mentoring and coaching, which is relevant to a coach or mentor in a variety of capacities; from mentoring trainee and early career teachers, mentoring peers through to coaching leaders. The programme draws significantly on a professional learning model that encourages students to make clear connections between relevant research, theory and practice.

Curriculum Overview

The PGCert will include module 1 and module 2 or 3 depending on when you start the masters ie, September or January.

The order in which you do modules 1 to 4 may vary depending on whether you are starting in October or February. Please note, all modules are standalone and it does not matter in what sequence you study these modules.

Modules

Module 1. Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education (30 credits)

The module will explore the multifaceted landscape of education, focusing on critical and contemporary issues that shape the field in the 21st century. Through an interdisciplinary lens, you will engage in deep discussions and critical analyses to develop a nuanced understanding of the education landscape. Some of the content students are likely to encounter in this course would include: examination of the influence of globalisation and current educational policies on various stakeholders in education, and the integration of technology in education, considering its impact on learners and learning environments. As the focus of the course is on contemporary issues the content of the course will evolve depending on the societal issues of prominence and significance for education at the time of teaching the course.

Module 2. Principles and Practice of Effective Mentoring/Coaching (30 Credits)

This module will consider the current practices and underpinning principles that inform mentoring and coaching. It is intended that the course will help students develop the skills and qualities required for mentoring and coaching a colleague. Students will explore the interpersonal relationships and communication skills in the mentoring and coaching (or training) dynamic, in order to develop the learning conversation. Students will be encouraged to consider the role of reflection in the mentoring and coaching process and will evaluate best practice in the mentoring/ coaching process using a range of settings.

Module 3. Theory and Research in Effective Mentoring/Coaching (30 Credits)

This module will consider the current research and policies concerning mentoring and coaching. Students will engage in a critical consideration of the key concepts and models required for effective mentoring and coaching. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the importance of context and relationships within effective coaching and mentoring processes. Students will explore the significance of reflection in the mentoring and coaching processes.

Module 4. Free choice Module (30 credits)

Depending on whether you start the course in October or February you would have a free choice module which you could select from the modules available that semester. Depending on the module you choose to study, content covered could vary. Please note some modules may have specific entry requirements. The current  offer includes modules covering aspects of Special Education Needs or Disability Studies; Advanced Mentoring and Coaching; Early Childhood; or Education Leadership and Management.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

A current  or recent role as a mentor or coach in a professional capacity

Please note that a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formally the Criminal Records Bureau – CRB) is required for students where they are required to visit settings other than their own.

International Entry Requirements

Please note that this particular course is not open to application from students that require a visa to study in the U.K. 

Teaching and Research

The structure of the programme is flexible both in content and delivery.

• Classes typically run online in the evenings and /or weekends and you can join the course either in September or January
• The number of classes and days you attend classes will vary depending on whether you choose to do the course full time or part time
• Whilst the modules you would undertake as part of the PGCert are fixed you have some flexibility in the content you undertake as part of the Masters - one of the modules you study as part of the masters can be a free choice from the modules running that term barring any timetabling constraints

All our programmes are taught by tutors who actively research in the field. You will find that your postgraduate degree in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences will align with one or more of the research groups/centres within the faculty.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for Home students for 2026/27 are £2,714 for the PGCert.

Funding your studies

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan to help with course fees and living costs. Liverpool hope University also offers a number of scholarships to help fund your Postgraduate Studies. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Careers

You would be able to structure your award to enhance your personal interests, career opportunities and potential for promotion. The programme will enable you to undertake further research to enhance your current professional practice. Students completing this master’s would be well placed to go on to do a doctorate (EdD or PhD) at Liverpool Hope subject to meeting the entry criteria.

Please note - this course does not offer you a teaching qualification to teach in British schools but is an academic study of Education.