Graduate Diploma in Professional Coaching

Study the Graduate Diploma in Professional Coaching and develop professional coaching skills and knowledge in communication, presentation, interpersonal and problem-solving skills that can be used in professional practice or further advanced study in this area.

Enrol Now Ask a question
SIT Online
Campus
SIT Online
Qualification
Graduate Diploma
Level
7
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time 

Up to four years part-time 

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit (incl. GST). See International.

Course Outline

Learners who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Professional Coaching will be able to critically analyse strategic issues facing the professional coaching industry and its role in various contemporary environments. They will have advanced knowledge of the standards of professional coaching ethics and enable the development of the professional coaching and effective management relationship.

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Professional Coaching is to provide learners who already have a degree, or extensive applicable experience, with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in Professional Coaching, which can be used in professional practice or further advanced study in this area. 

The programme offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning, with an emphasis on applied knowledge and skills. High importance is placed on the development of professional coaching skills such as communication, presentation, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, in addition to the development of specific professional coaching knowledge.

Course Content

Compulsory Papers                              

MGT701 Business Ethics (15 credits) 

This paper aims to provide students with an understanding of ethical reasoning. Students will learn to identify ethical issues and evaluate ethical theories as they are applied to various contexts with a particular emphasis on business.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Critically assess key ethical theories and principles.
  • Critically evaluate ethical theories and principles and their application in business.
  • Apply a variety of ethical theories and principles to resolve ethical issues/problems within business contexts.
  • Formulate strategies to assist businesses with ethical conduct.

MGT702 Research Methodology (15 credits) 

This paper will introduce students to the knowledge and skills required to undertake academic research.  It will cover research skills, research methodologies, gathering and presenting primary and secondary information and data, ethical considerations, and the literature review process.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Select a suitable topic on which to base a research project, or similar piece of written work, and identify any possible ethical issues.
  • Source and critically analyse suitable secondary research from a variety of sources both online and in hard copy and select a methodology for gathering primary data.
  • Understand the requirements of a ‘literature review’ and how to construct this using an appropriate referencing style.
  • Write a proposal to complete a research project, or similar, outlining how all the key elements will be met within a specified timeframe.

MGT725 Role of Professional Coaching (15 credits)

Students in this paper will explore the origins of professional coaching and its role in today’s environment. The paper will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a portfolio of core coaching competencies and explore the emerging profession of professional coaching, including applicability to real life situations; characteristics, outcomes and benefits for a coachee; and the professional standards and code of conduct included in professional coaching ethics.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Research the differences between coaching competencies on the levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes in relation to primary coaching areas and outcomes.
  • Critically evaluate a potential client coachability index, including consideration of the mentor-coaching benefits.
  • Critically assess the ethical framework of coaching and potential ethical conflicts.

MGT726 Professional Coaching Relationships and Environment (15 credits)

This paper provides students with the skills and knowledge to develop a professional coaching relationship, in differing environments and utilising differing styles, in a project-based setting through the focus of a business enterprise opportunity or existing business enterprise.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Critically examine the key aspects of the coach-coachee relationship and analyse these in context of a professional coaching psychological contract that recognises the dynamics of professional coaching relationships with different partners.
  • Critically evaluate professional coaching styles in order to assess own preferred style and manage the creation of professional coaching environments and provision.
  • Prepare, execute, and evaluate professional coaching projects to develop a professional coaching model that can accommodate differing topics in differing environments.

MGT727 Professional Coaching Tools (15 credits)

This paper provides students with the skills and knowledge to develop the suite of tools and techniques necessary to undertake professional coaching and enable the creation of a portfolio for use in a professional coaching environment.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Critically assess a variety of different professional coaching tools and evaluate the application of each tool.
  • Critically examine professional coaching techniques.
  • Research and develop own vision, mission, values and strategy for a professional coaching business.

MGT709 Relationships, Influence and Leadership (15 credits)

This paper presents insights to enable students to recognise their role in influencing decision makers and understand how to use influential tactics.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Analyse and evaluate a range of perspectives on leadership relevant to different management levels within organisational and situational contexts
  • Evaluate the influence of a range of factors on leadership
  • Apply leadership contemporary knowledge and skills to the management of change
  • Critically evaluate their current leadership abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and create their own leadership development plan

MGT736 Managing Business with Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

This paper introduces students to the strategic use of artificial intelligence in business and explores how AI can improve performance, support innovation, and be used responsibly to create a competitive advantage.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Analyse potential strategic applications of artificial intelligence to enhance organisational performance, including efficiency, productivity, decision-making, and customer experience.
  • Critically assess the ethical, legal, and social implications of implementing AI solutions within organisational contexts.
  • Evaluate an organisation’s strategies, resources and capabilities to integrate AI solutions into business operations.

Elective papers - choose one of the following elective papers:

MGT627 Life and Career Coaching (15 credits) (Note: we recommend that you enrol in this paper alongside MGT725-Role of Professional Coaching, or after successful completion of MGT725.)

This paper provides students with the advanced knowledge of professional standards of professional coaching ethics to enable the development of the professional coaching and effective management relationship and the exploration of the difference between career counselling and career coaching.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate the relationship between professional coaching and effective management.
  • Critically compare/contrast career coaching with career counselling.
  • Develop own action plan for career coaching case study.

MGT628 Executive and SME* Coaching (15 credits) (Note: we recommend that you enrol in this paper alongside MGT725-Role of Professional Coaching, or after successful completion of MGT725.) 

*SME stands for Small and Medium Enterprises

This paper provides students with the knowledge and skills to undertake transactional and transformational professional coaching in a corporate environment, together with an understanding of key professional coaching areas of relevance to SME business owners and professionals.

On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to: 

  • Recognise and assess potential problem areas and identify solutions for the application of transactional and transformational coaching models in the corporate world.
  • Critically assess the professional coaching issues for SME business owners and skilled professionals, including the characteristics of work/life balance.
  • Provide professional coaching for differing stages of SME business development (from start-up to exit).
Career Opportunities

Students who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Professional Coaching will be able to critically analyse strategic issues facing the emerging profession of professional coaching and its role in various contemporary environments. They will have advanced knowledge of the standards of professional coaching ethics to enable the development of the professional coaching and effective management relationship. They will solve problems, both independently and as part of a team.

Application Criteria

General Admission: To be admitted to this programme all applicants must have obtained an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

Special Admission: Mature applicants aged at least 20 years who do not meet the general admission requirements may apply if they have at least three years’ work experience relevant to the area of study and have successfully completed a minimum of 40 credits of study at Level 6.

Special admission applicants must supply their curriculum vitae to demonstrate their relevant work experience and provide evidence of their academic achievements. 

In assessing whether to grant special admission the primary focus will be on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme. 

The Programme Manager will use this information to assess the applicant’s level of preparedness for study at this level and whether the applicant is likely to successfully complete the qualification.

Meeting the application criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the programme.

English Language Requirements

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international students from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.

Domestic applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of:  

  • 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 
    • 5 credits in reading 
    • 5 credits in writing 

Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using either:

  • an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules; or
  • successful completion of Level 4 study in English
Are you a domestic or international student?

By submitting this form, I agree to the Privacy Notice and consent to receiving email communications from Southern Institute of Technology and its business divisions about learning options, services, news and events.