Course summary
The Master of Studies (MSt) in Coaching has been designed to address a gap in the market for experienced coach practitioners who wish to deepen their knowledge and understanding of evidence-based psychological models of coaching praxis, with academic modules in neuroscience, practical philosophy, systems theory and emerging trends in research – suitable for coaching in a range of contexts. The programme is aimed at coach practitioners who have at least 3 years’ demonstrable coaching experience in their chosen domain. It is expected that candidates accepted onto the programme will either have an established coaching business practice or are working as professional coaches within an organisational context. The Cambridge MSt differentiates itself from existing Master’s programmes offered by other higher education institutions in the UK by focusing on:
- evidence-based models of psychological coaching
- professional applicability beyond specific sectors and domains, such as mentoring, education or career coaching, to include the full range of coaching contexts
- an inter-disciplinary approach that challenges students to develop a wide-ranging curiosity of thought and research
- advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills that results in robust academic writing and research output, commensurate with a world-leading institution
- develop high levels of expertise as advanced practitioners of coaching through engagement with current theoretical and methodological approaches and by learning through practice and reflection on that practice
- advance their coaching practice through originality and experimentation with evidence based creative approaches suitable to a range of contexts
- use contemporary theory and philosophy to develop and enhance advanced coaching practice through engagement with psychologically informed approaches
- have the ability to critically explore and evaluate different psychologically informed approaches to advanced coaching practice
- engage with and analyse current and future developments within the field of coaching
- develop inherent curiosity and advanced critical thinking and research skills relevant to advanced practitioners in contemporary and future coaching scenarios in a range of contexts
- feel safe to explore and experiment with new approaches, honestly reflect on their development and freely provide and receive feedback on their professional practice to enable the development of their authentic and unique coaching identity fit for the future of coaching
Modules
This course has 6 short residential teaching sessions that are held in Cambridge. In 2026-27, these sessions will be held in September, January and April. In 2027-28, the sessions will be in September, January and March. Modules on the course will include 'Psychological Coaching', 'Practical Philosophy for Coaching', 'Evidence-Based Coaching', 'Neuroscience and Coaching', 'Coaching in Systems' and 'Emerging Trends in Coaching'.
Assessment method
All units on the course use summative assessment approaches designed to ensure experiential learning and work-based real-life relevance. Approaches may include, but are not limited to:
- short answer questions
- essays
- evaluative studies of problem-based scenarios
- group presentations
- critical analysis of literature and case studies
- research proposals and research dissertations
How to apply
International applicants
Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. As a minimum, you will be required to demonstrate an overall score of 7.5 in IELTS Academic with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component (or equivalent). We welcome applications from international students. If you're coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission. It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions, and you should fully understand the requirements.
Entry requirements
Expected academic standard Applicants are expected to have achieved at least a 2.i honours degree from a UK University or an equivalent standard from an overseas institution. Applicants with international qualifications can check the equivalence guidelines for your country: International Qualifications check There is provision to accept non-standard applicants who do not satisfy the standard academic criterion. Such applicants must produce evidence of relevant and equivalent experience and their suitability for the course. Expected coaching standard In addition to the academic requirement, applicants need to (a) hold a coaching qualification at FHEQ 4 or above; and (b) have at least three years of practical coaching experience. Prospective students must provide a transcript of their coaching qualification and suitable evidence of coaching experience. Language requirement The language requirement for speakers of English as an additional language is below. For guidance, you may wish to consult the Postgraduate Admission's language calculator for an estimate of your language requirement. IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.5 (a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component) TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 110 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component) CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a Language Centre assessment CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element) Visa information Students registered on a part-time Master of Studies (MSt) will be able to attend the short teaching sessions with a visitor status in the UK. Entry to the UK as a visitor has a number of expectations and restrictions which you should consider carefully. Further information is provided on the International Students website and prospective students are advised to read this in full. Students attending sessions taking place at intervals across the year with a visitor status are expected not to remain in the UK for extended periods. The majority of study must be undertaken outside the UK and generally students will be required to leave the UK at the end of each session and return for the next. As a visitor on a course of more than 6 months, it is not possible to make the UK your main study location or residence, or make frequent or successive visits to stay in the UK for extended periods.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £18744 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £18744 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £18744 | Whole course |
| Wales | £18744 | Whole course |
| International | £32826 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
There is a £85 application fee.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN