PGCert in Existential Coaching

 

Course Description


NSPC is at the forefront of the exciting, emerging field of existential coaching. Our courses were launched in 2010 and are offered as blended learning, so you can complete theory elements online in the comfort of your own home, and attend intensive skills sessions in person in London. Existential coaching is a uniquely philosophical and deeply relational way of examining the paradoxes and challenges of human existence so as to empower clients to move forward in an authentic and reflective way. Drawing on psychotherapeutic literature and on existential philosophy, we teach coaches to work in a holistic way, engaging with the unique world of each client. Existential coaches encourage clients to look at issues such as meaning, authenticity, freedom, choice and responsibility, and how these come into play in their lives. Our trainees learn how to handle emotion in the coaching relationship. We encourage all trainees to go much further than applying coaching frameworks or tools.

The programme covers theory, skills training, placement and research. Prior learning can be granted for modules studied at level 7 covering the same learning outcomes as the NSPC equivalent – this can be discussed at interview stage.

For further information on possible learning adaptions we can offer neurodivergent students and students with a disability or chronic health condition, contact [email protected]

This course follows the Middlesex Research Degree Regulations available here: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/

Useful Links:

What is Existential Coaching?

Video: Exploring Existential Approaches to Coaching

Video: Existential Coaching - Working with Values, Imagery and Narratives

Application Deadlines:

  • January Cohorts - application deadline is the 30th November (may only be available if you are claiming for prior learning)
  • September Cohorts - application deadline is the 1st August

Information on our open days can be found here: nspc.org.uk/course-directory/open-days/

Programme of Study


  • Skills in Existential Coaching (3 terms face-to-face)
    • The module is run over 3 terms, lasting for one full academic year. This will include empathic listening, responding, and identifying issues, values and beliefs, working with silence, reflecting back, paraphrasing, summarising, clarifying, and challenging. Some theoretical learning is included to ground your practitioner skills, examining different existential and humanist theoretical frameworks and key philosophers.
    • Students will have the opportunity to give and receive feedback from both their fellow students and the tutors. These skills will be reviewed each term, with different emphasis, affording trainees the means to develop their proficiency.
    • Students will be asked to work with their own material in the course of these exercises, and the depth and nature of these disclosures will be the responsibility of each individual.  Issues of confidentiality will be clarified at the initial class meeting.
    • Term three will outline traditional coaching frameworks, essential skills and tools for existential coaching, and skills from other popular coaching traditions such as NLP.
  • Existential Perspectives on Human Issues (online)
    • This module will provide students with an overview of the existential approach and the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of human values, meaning and creative responses to anxiety. 
  • Existential Coaching and Existential Leadership (face-to-face)
    • This module will provide students with a focused approach to existential thinking and practice, covering the ideas of existential thinkers. The application of philosophical ideas to the practice of coaching will also be addressed, with particular focus on leadership issues.
  • Theories of Personal Change

    • This module provides students with an opportunity to develop an individual understanding of personal change. Furthermore, the module critically evaluates the modern concept of personality as an explanation for many Western theories of personal change.



Accreditation and Careers

This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion. You can view the Middlesex Research Degree Regulations here.

Our graduates almost all go into private practice, which they being to set up in year two of the programme. Many hold additional roles in academia as authors and lecturers.



Fees 2024-25

Fees are subject to annual inflationary increases

Year of course 

Units to be completed in year 

Fee payable per year  

(if no units have to be repeated) 

1 

6 units over 3 terms 

£6840 

 

Validated Courses Additional Charges  

Application Fee 

£50 non-refundable 

Acceptance Deposit 

£100 which will be deducted from the initial invoice when you start the course. It is non-refundable if you do not start. 

APEL  

Fee is only applicable if your claim for prior learning is approved and will replace the tuition fee for that unit. 

£200 per submission 

Personal CoachingAt own expense  

Instalment Plan 

£20 per Unit 

Late changes to Course Plan  

£50 

Professional registration 

At own expense  

Books 

At own expense 

Please note : Students on validated programmes are not eligible for Student Finance or DSA



Entry Requirements

  • A Bachelors degree in any field, or a higher degree such as a PGDip (equivalent experience may be acceptable)
  • Fluent English: IELTS level 7 or above in all categories (or equivalent)
  • Personal suitability to be determined at interview
  • Reliable internet connection


How You Study

The course is delivered via blended learning. This consists of 2 online theory modules via Moodle, and 4 face-to-face skills modules in NW London.

Theory modules are asynchronous, except for a weekly chat to be decided between group members. Students work through weekly materials online, posting and discussing in the forum with the group and tutor. A weekly quiz ensures that you are absorbing the materials.

Face-to-face skills modules take place over 5 consecutive days. 

Students may take up to 2 years to complete should they need additional time.

MIddlesex University

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Open Days

Are you interested in any of our courses?, why not come along to one of our virtual open days!. You can meet the team and ask any questions. We'd love to see you!