• Graduate Certificate in Coaching Psychology
• Graduate Diploma in Coaching Psychology

Study plan

Students undertake the course in one of three streams: the specialist Executive and Workplace Coaching stream, the specialist Health Coaching stream or a non-specialist coaching stream. Each stream requires the completion of a total of 48 credit points (cp). Study can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Your individual study plan will of course depend on the availability of units in a given semester.

The Executive and Workplace Coaching stream comprises six core units of study (36 credit points) (cp): PSYC4721, PSYC4722, PSYC4724, PSYC4727, PSYC4729 and PSYC4730), and two elective units of study (12cp) from PSYC4723, PSYC4725 or PSYC4731. With permission PHIL7840, Philosophy and Science of Happiness, may be taken as one of the elective units.

The Health Coaching stream comprises six core units (36cp): PSYC4721, PSYC4722, PSYC4724, PSYC5010, PSYC5011, PSYC5012, and two electives from PSYC4723, PSYC4729, PSYC4730 or PSYC5014.

A non-specialist coaching stream comprises three core units (18cp): PSYC4721, PSYC4722 and PSYC4724, and five elective units of study (30cp).

Subject of the availability of supervision and suitable projects, candidates with a credit average in 24 credit points from the degree may be admitted to the research pathway. Contact the course coordinator for more information about the research pathway.

Progression rules

Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first four units of study, to qualify for admission to the research project units of study, and PSYC4721 and PSYC4722 to qualify for admission to the coaching practicum in PSYC4724. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.

Capstone experience

A capstone experience comprises one or more units of study designed to provide an opportunity to draw together the learning that has taken place during the course, synthesise this with prior learning and experience, and draw conclusions that will form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth.

An elective research pathway capstone experience in the award comprises PSYC5016 and PSYC5017 (12 credit points total). Eligible candidates identify a research issue, review existing literature on the topic, formulate novel research questions, and test these questions through the application of contemporary psychological methodologies and appropriate data-analytic procedures.

A coursework pathway capstone experience in the award comprises PSYC4724 (6 credit points), consolidating the theory and skills acquired in core units of study through a coaching practicum over the course of one semester.

Graduate opportunities

Master of Science in Coaching Psychology graduates can normally expect to gain employment in a range of jobs involving human resource development. Private practice, organisational consultancy and professional services firms are also major destinations for our graduates.

Course accreditation

While there is no generally recognised professional qualification for coaches, the program is consistent with the International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies. Hence successful completion of the program may contribute toward accreditation in the ICF’s portfolio track. Similarly, for students with a four year degree in psychology, participation in the program can be used as part of the requirements for registration as a psychologist via the supervision track. However, the program does not in itself qualify students for registration as a psychologist.

Further study

Many of our graduates have successfully pursued further study in a range of internationally recognised academic programs. If you would like to be part of Sydney's research community, you may wish to consider applying for admission to a higher degree by research. Research can be completed through a Master of Science by research or a PhD. Students completing a research degree undertake supervised research in specialised area of psychology and submit a written thesis at the completion of their studies. You can search for potential research projects and supervisors at Research Supervisor Connect: http://sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/

Admission requirements

Admission to the Master of Science in Coaching Psychology requires:

(a) a three-year psychology degree with a credit average or a three-year degree in a cognate discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution; and
(b) a minimum of two years relevant employment experience; or
(c) completion of the embedded graduate diploma in this discipline, completion of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology, or equivalent qualification.

Domestic students

How to apply

Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.

To help the assessment process we request that you provide the names of up to 3 referees, and include a short essay of 300 to 500 words outlining your prior experience, your interest in the program and your overall goals on graduation. These can be uploaded and attached to your online application.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University by using the online application form, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent). Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.

To help the assessment process we request that you provide the names of up to 3 referees, and include a short essay of 300 to 500 words outlining your prior experience, your interest in the program and your overall goals on graduation. These can be uploaded and attached to your online application.

Domestic students

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.