University of Hull

What you'll study

This programme combines theory, research and practice to develop advanced coaching and mentoring skills for educational settings. Core themes include models of coaching and mentoring, professional relationships and ethics, reflective practice, feedback and dialogue, and the role of coaching in school improvement and staff development.

Typical modules and components include:

• Foundations of Coaching and Mentoring – conceptual frameworks, historic and contemporary approaches, and evidence of impact.
• Professional Practice and Ethics – boundaries, confidentiality, equality and safeguarding considerations in educational contexts.
• Coaching Skills and Conversation Techniques – active listening, questioning, goal-setting and developmental dialogue.
• Leading and Managing Development – using coaching and mentoring strategically to support CPD, performance management and organisational change.
• Research Methods for Practitioners – action research, small-scale enquiry methods, data collection and ethical issues in workplace research.
• Major Project or Dissertation – an independent, practice-based research project or evaluated intervention situated in the student’s professional setting.

The programme is typically offered with flexible study patterns to accommodate part-time learners, and may include blended delivery with workshops, seminars, tutorials and supervised workplace activity. There are usually opportunities to gain intermediate awards such as a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma depending on module completion.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (UK second class or equivalent) or to demonstrate equivalent professional experience in education. Relevant professional experience, such as qualified teacher status, school leadership, trainee support roles, or substantial pastoral and training responsibilities, strengthens an application.

Applicants who do not meet the formal academic requirement may be considered if they can demonstrate significant and recent experience in an educational role plus evidence of professional development and the ability to study at master's level. You will usually need to provide a professional reference and a personal statement outlining your reasons for study and how the programme will relate to your practice. Where required, applicants should confirm they can undertake any necessary workplace-based elements subject to their employer’s agreement.

Career prospects

Graduates use the qualification to enhance their impact in a range of education roles. Typical career pathways include:

• Senior and middle leadership roles in schools and colleges, with responsibility for staff development and coaching programmes.
• Designated mentors, induction tutors and coaches supporting early career teachers and trainees.
• CPD coordinators, professional development leads and those designing and evaluating staff learning.
• Educational consultants, trainers or independent coaches working across schools, trusts and other learning organisations.
• Progression to doctoral study or research roles for those interested in studying coaching and mentoring interventions at greater depth.

The programme emphasises transferable leadership, facilitation and research skills valued across the education sector and related professional contexts.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull’s education programmes draw on experienced tutors who combine academic expertise with school and sector leadership experience. The course is designed to be practice-led, supporting immediate application of coaching and mentoring approaches in your workplace.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, opportunities for collaborative learning with peers across different educational settings, and guidance on conducting practice-based research. The department maintains links with regional schools, multi-academy trusts and other partners, helping to ensure curriculum relevance and opportunities for workplace projects and professional networking.

The programme is well suited to professionals seeking a flexible, career-focused route to develop advanced coaching and mentoring capability within the education sector.