| Code | PDCE |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Dip |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| NFQ Award Title | Major |
| Fees | €6,700 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | June 27th 2025 |
| Next Intake | September 2025 |
| Venue | Blended online lectures with in-person workshops. |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
Course Outline
This specialised Coaching in Education course is designed by educators for educators in both Primary and Post-primary schools, with applicability extending to Further and Higher Education contexts. Through meticulously curated modules, this programme will equip educators with the expertise to transition into roles as effective coaches in education and related fields.
The comprehensive curriculum ensures that students explore the depths of coaching theory and actively cultivate their coaching skills through guided practice. This experiential learning takes place not only within the programme but also in their own teaching environments.
The course offers a nuanced exploration of coaching as an independent practice, tracing its historical evolution. Special emphasis is placed on developing a profound understanding of the coaching relationship, the theory and practice of coaching in education. Armed with a robust foundation, students will acquire the expertise to coach colleagues, school leaders, students, and others. Moreover, participants will develop the awareness necessary to help cultivate a coaching culture within their own and other learning organisations.
Course Queries
For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator:
Joseph Moynihan: joseph.moynihan@ucc.ie
For Online Application Support please click here.
Course Practicalities
The program is delivered part-time with the combination of blended online approaches and face to face delivery. Students will attend online synchronous lectures one night per week across three semesters along with full-day face-to-face workshops on various Saturdays. Students will engage in regular research activities with colleagues in their own education centres. Students will also conduct 50 hours of face-to-face coaching (coupled with deep reflective practice) in their own and/or in other educational contexts.
Course Modules
AD6806 (10 credits): Semester 1 - The Coaching Relationship in Education
ED6107 (10 credits): Semester 1 – Global Perspectives on Coaching in Education.
AD6807 (10 credits): Semester 2 - Mindfulness Based Self-Management in Education
ED6108 (10 credits): Semester 2 - Collegial Partnership Coaching – Empowering Educators.
ED6109 (20 Credits): Semester 3 – Practising Coaching in Education: A Dynamic Practicum Experience for Educators
Assessment
The programme will be entirely assessed through continuous assessment and there will not be any dedicated end of module examination. A diverse range of assessments will be employed including marked online activities such as discussion boards, essays, personal reflections, workplace practicum, and academic/PowerPoint presentations.
Who Teaches this Course
Staff of the School of Education (SoE) and Adult & Continuing Education (ACE)
Programme Director: Dr Joseph Moynihan, PhD, MSc, GCIS, MA, PDGC, HDE, BA
Why Choose This Course
Why Choose This Course
Advance Your Career with Ireland’s First Level 9 (NQF) qualification in Coaching in Education
In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, coaching has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing teaching, leadership, and student outcomes. This UCC Postgraduate Diploma in Coaching in Education (PDCE), the first of its kind in Ireland, will equip educators with the knowledge and skills to apply coaching effectively in their professional settings.
Through this programme, participants will gain in-depth knowledge of coaching in education and how it can be effectively applied to enhance learning, teaching and leadership. The course provides a unique opportunity to develop practical coaching skills through guided practice, ensuring that graduates not only understand the theory behind coaching but can also implement it confidently in their own professional environments. One of the key strengths of this programme is its global perspective. Students will explore a wide range of coaching models and approaches from around the world, gaining insights into how coaching is used internationally to support professional growth and educational success. This broad understanding allows for the development of adaptable and flexible coaching strategies that can be tailored to suit different educational contexts, from primary and secondary schools to higher education institutions.
Designed for busy professionals, this flexible, blended programme allows educators across Ireland and beyond to participate. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or educational consultant, you will learn to embed coaching in your institution and/or practice, nurturing a culture of professional growth and positive change.
Beyond professional development, coaching encourages personal reflection and self-awareness, enriching both your own practice and that of others. With the increasing demand for education coaches, this programme positions you as a leader in a growing field. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to build a strong professional network, connecting with fellow educators and coaching experts, opening doors to more collaborative practice and additional career opportunities.
If you are passionate about education and eager to make a lasting impact, this Coaching in Education programme will provide you with the tools to lead change, enhance learning experiences, and drive professional growth in your field. Join us and be part of the future of coaching in education.
Skills and Careers Information
Pursuing this programme has the capacity to help you:
- Transform into a skilled coach within your educational institution and beyond, paving the way for progression into middle and senior leadership roles with a focus on coaching responsibilities and development.
- Attain qualification as a trainer, collaborating with or potentially being seconded to the Department of Education and/or Óide, the professional learning service for teachers in Ireland.
- Explore opportunities with national and international organisations renowned for providing training and qualifications in established models of coaching in education.
- Potentially qualify for roles in Further Education and Higher Education sectors as education coaches, lecturers and programme directors contributing to the establishment of coaching in education as a recognised field of academic study.
Requirements
Candidates must have:
- a primary honours degree (NFQ level 8)
- a minimum of three academic years of professional experience in education or cognate field (relevant professional experience, equivalent to five full years, may be considered as an honours equivalent)
- A recognised RPL application can be made.
It is desirable that that candidates have:
- some experience of coaching and mentoring
- a clear sense of professional purpose (this will be illustrated through a 750 word (max) statement of purpose with the application
Fees and Costs
Total cost: €6,700 - to be paid in three instalments, at the start of each semester.
For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.
How To Apply
Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:
- You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
- Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
- You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
- We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
- You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/Powerpoint etc. once registered.
To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:
When you log into the Application Portal:
Click Apply Online
Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
- Application Statement
- Birth Cert or Passport
- Passport Photograph
- Curriculum Vitae
- English Language Test Report [if applicable]
- Transcripts [if applicable]
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