Applied Psychology (Coaching Psychology) MA

Course details

The profession of coaching is emerging as an academic and practice oriented intervention to help inpiduals and groups increase resilience and wellbeing, improve their performance, harness and apply strengths to reach goals and full potential.

Underpinned by the evidence base and drawing from the discipline of Psychology particularly Positive Psychology  coaching psychology is the practice-based expression of these empirically based disciplines in the helping professions.

Students undertake this course so as to gain an academic training in using evidence based psychological principles. Some want to utilise the course as the basis for becoming a professional coach, working either privately or in organizational settings. Others are already working in a helping profession, and wish to add a coaching skill set to their current professional practice. Some graduates are progressing into leadership positions in their professional area, and wish to develop a more coach-like style of leadership, while others, most likely recent graduates, wish to acquire a skill set for working with people which could form the basis of further professional training.

Course Details

In Part I students take 60 credits consisting of core and elective modules. In Part II students complete a Research Dissertation (30 Credits). Although students must complete Part I before progressing to Part II, work on the research dissertation commences at the start of your course under the supervision of a member of staff.

Part I: Core modules include: Positive Psychology and Coaching, Wellness Coaching, Ethics and Supervision, Positive Organisational Psychology, Private Practice, Coaching Skills, Evidence Based Coaching, Positive Psychology in Group Settings, Research Methods and Data Analysis for Coaching Psychology.

Students who successfully complete 60 credits in Part I, whom do not wish to progress to Part II may exit with a PG Diploma in Applied Psychology (Coaching Psychology)

Part II: Research Dissertation (30 Credits).

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology (Coaching Psychology) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

Students who do not proceed to the full award may graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma subject to their passing 60 Credits at the end of Year 1 (full-time) or Year 2 for the part-time option

Academic Record:

• a) An undergraduate honours degree (Level 8), in which at least a second class honours was awarded.
• b) A Higher Diploma in Coaching/Coaching Psychology (Level 8), in which at least a second class honours was awarded.
• c) However, in special circumstances we would consider applications from candidates who do not meet the above requirements provided they have a vocational professional qualification in a relevant subject area and/or have relevant experience in the area of coaching.

Personal Statement:

Each candidate will supply a personal statement conveying;

• i) An interest in the appropriate application of positive psychological theory and methods to coaching practice.
• ii) Reasons for apply to the course, including a written statement about career objectives.
• iii) Research proposal.
• iv) All applicants must arrange for one Referee's Report form to be posted directly to the School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork.  The Reference must be a professional reference from someone who has experience of the applicant in a professional capacity, whether paid or voluntary work.

Eligible candidates may be interviewed.

Applications must be completed electronically via the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/ucc) no later than the advertising closing date.