PgCert in Positive Health Coaching

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

• Acquire a systematic understanding of the foundational scientific principles underpinning lifestyle medicine pillars, positive psychology coaching, and contemporary positive approaches to healthcare. 
• Critically evaluate, challenge, and appraise the assumptions, values, beliefs, and current literature underpinning both traditional frameworks and emerging clinical approaches to healthcare. 
• Acquire and apply evidence-informed methods, tools, and positive health interventions to systematically assess and improve health outcomes for individuals and within wider healthcare systems. 
• Understand the environmental factors and chronic lifestyle-related diseases shaping the wider health ecosystem, identifying key stakeholders to help drive the future of positive healthcare development. 
• Apply core clinical knowledge of coaching psychology theories of change alongside psychological theories relating to behaviour change interventions. 
• Deploy professional conversational skills during evidence-based health coaching conversations while maintaining strict reflective practice, ethics, and integrity to grow as a professional.

Following the successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate, you may opt to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc in Positive Health Coaching. The subsequent stages consist of additional hybrid modules totalling 30 credits for the Diploma, and a further 30 credits for the MSc final stage (including Research Methods and a Research Portfolio), which support your continued academic and professional development.

Progression from Postgraduate Certificate to Postgraduate Diploma/MSc

The full programme is a sequential pathway: the first three modules lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate, the completion of six modules leads to a Postgraduate Diploma, while the final stage leads to the award of MSc in Positive Health Coaching.

At the end of the Certificate stage and on the successful completion of three modules, you will be given the opportunity to indicate if you wish to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc. Provided you have met the requirements to progress, you may continue your pathway.

If, at this point, you do not wish to progress, you can graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Positive Health Coaching.

You must complete the Postgraduate Certificate modules to be eligible to progress to the Diploma or MSc. There is no option to enter straight into the later stages as this is a sequential pathway.

There are three onsite days in total for the PgCert programme.

Onsite days include:

• One day for orientation (9-4pm).
• Two days for Module 3 – Foundations of Evidence-based Coaching.

Webinars are weekly, with most live online sessions occurring on Thursday afternoon from 1-2pm with the few exceptions of some happening on a Friday. These sessions take place from 2-3pm to facilitate overseas guest faculty.

The schedule for each day will be available at the commencement of each module. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled teaching days listed.

Sometimes there are also additional tutorials or assignment clinics which are recommended/optional to attend and those dates will be released when each module goes live.

All sessions are recorded and can be viewed at a time that suits your needs. During orientation you will be shown where to find your module schedules on the virtual learning environment (VLE).

Please note: Timetables are provisional and subject to ongoing review. RCSI reserves the right to amend, change, or reschedule any timetabled sessions at short notice whenever institutional requirements demand.

Assessment is continuous.

This programme is accredited by the National University of Ireland and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

We understand that workload can be a concern for students, but we want to reassure you that we have your best interests at heart.

Our courses are designed in line with the guidelines set by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). A typical 10-credit module would require approximately 200-250 hours of your time. This includes attending engaging lectures, productive tutorials, independent study and completing thought-provoking assignments.

You'll find that many of the modules in our programmes are structured around 10 credits each, offering you a balanced and comprehensive learning experience. However, it's worth mentioning that the final module in year two of our MSc is worth 20 credits, tailored to enrich your year two portfolio.

We understand that each module is unique, and the workload might vary depending on the specific nature and requirements. Some modules may require more attention and effort, while others might be more approachable.

Our faculty is dedicated to guiding you through your academic journey, ensuring that you have the support you need to succeed. When you join the programme you will have dedicated programme coordinators and programme directors to answer any questions or concerns along the way.

Remember the issues you may face while on the programme are most likely ones we have dealt with before so please feel free to approach us in your time of need. We are here to ensure that your educational journey is the most enjoyable and fulfilling experience possible.

Rest assured, we value your time and dedication, and we encourage you to manage your time effectively. Remember, your passion for learning, combined with our expert guidance, will pave the way for your academic excellence.