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Introduction
Why choose this course?
The course is designed as a three or five-year, part-time programme.
During the first two stages of the course you will focus on the taught level seven and eight components of the curriculum. This normally takes three years to complete. You will then move on to the third stage, the thesis, which usually takes a further two years to complete.
Stage One (Graduate entry stage) - six level 7 modules (20 credits each) plus a 60 credit Research project module (same as MA Coaching and Mentoring)
Stage Two - three level 8 modules (20 credits each) plus one non-credit bearing level 8 modules which must be passed
Stage Three (Direct entry) - research project registration and ethical approval with structured thesis workshops guiding students towards completion. At the draft submission stage students will have the opportunity to engage in a mock viva.
The direct entry version of the course can be completed in three years, with level seven exemptions, for existing masters qualifications. At this entry point you complete the level eight taught modules before moving onto the thesis research stage.
Learning and teaching
If you chose the on-campus mode of study for the MA stage (Graduate entry), you’ll learn at the Headington campus. Your learning will combine whole-day intensive sessions, and online and independent learning. On-campus sessions are on intermittent Saturdays, supported by regular online seminars.
If you choose to do the course via distance learning, you’ll learn via interactive and high-quality online resources. At the MA stage (Graduate entry) the distance learning mode of study includes live online seminars on Fridays. At the DCM stage (Admission with credit) you’ll participate in live online seminars on Fridays and each semester there will be a block of sessions that you can join synchronously.
Your learning will be visual, written and verbal - with equal emphasis on written and visual work. Each module builds upon the last, helping you meaningfully deepen your practice. You’ll be closely supported by your tutors as you build your research skills and deepen your academic abilities.
Overview
We designed this course for experienced coaches/mentors looking to deepen their knowledge, show commitment and contribute to the evidence base of the field.
The Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring programme develops the capabilities needed to become a researcher and leader in the field and foster excellence in your practice. We will challenge you to build on your existing expertise and push the boundaries of your knowledge so you can:
 operate at the highest level in coaching, mentoring and personal development
 develop confidence in providing facilitation and consultancy
 be competent in researching the field.
 Our teaching staff have specific research interests in coaching and mentoring or related fields. We also invite specialists to provide further expert input.
To complete your doctoral thesis, the course includes:
 doctoral thesis training (taught modules and workshops)
 design of original empirical research
 professional expertise and scholarly inquiry
This is a part-time, distance learning course, delivered by the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies.
Modules
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
There are two entry points for the Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring (DCM) programme. Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
Graduate entry
For graduate entry into the five-year DCM programme you should normally have a good honours degree, plus three years' minimum experience in coaching/mentoring.
Direct entry
For direct entry into the later stage of the DCM programme you should have an appropriate master’s level qualification, with a merit profile and a minimum of five years’ experience of coaching/mentoring.
Depending on entry stage you may be eligible for exemptions from certain elements of the programme.
Selection process
We are now accepting applications for September 2023 entry. This programme has a limited number of places so early application is recommended.
Applications received in full by mid June 2023 will be considered for interviews being held in June/July 2023.
English language requirements
IELTS minimum level 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in the reading and writing components.
Supporting Documents
When applying for this programme of study please upload all of the required supporting documents listed below to the online application portal.
We suggest merging your supporting documents into a single PDF file. Please note there are two specifically designated options for you to upload your two references to.
 copies of your previous degree transcripts and certificates (both undergraduate and postgraduate)
 a scan of your passport
 two academic references
 a 2,000-word Research Topic Proposal (Direct entry) or a 1,000-word Research Topic Proposal (Graduate entry)
 evidence of funding (we require evidence of personal funds or letter from funder if being sponsored)
 international students must also provide an English Language Certificate with an IELTS score of at least 7.0.
 *Please comment in your motivation statement and research proposal upon your ability to access resources (IT, library) which will ensure you can attend relevant online and intensive sessions, and how you intend to manage your time commitment to doctoral studies.
Applications deadline is Monday 10 June 2024 for September/October 2024 entry. We cannot guarantee that applications submitted after this date can be considered for Autumn 2024 entry.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
You will be assessed on a variety of coursework assignments and a thesis at both Stage 1 and stage 3. Progress to stage 2 depends upon a satisfactory merit profile and merit thesis at level 7.
To progress to the third stage of the course, you must successfully complete assignments based on methodological taught modules at level 8. The final doctoral thesis (60,000 words) is examined by traditional viva voce (oral examination) by an internal, and at least one, external examiner.
Research
The International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies is at the forefront of coaching and mentoring research. The Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring has operated since 2006.
Our journal (International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring), annual Research and Coaching supervision conferences, and professional network OBCAMS (the Oxford Brookes Coaching and Mentoring Society) offer excellent opportunities for the dissemination and sharing of research and ideas.
Research areas include: philosophical underpinnings of coaching;
developmental, leadership and team coaching; resilience; embodiment; transfer of learning; coaching and mentoring and social change; ethics and coaching and the coaching relationship.
Career Opportunities
Students graduating from the Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring programme can expect to be recognised as experts in their field. This will enhance existing organisational and freelance careers and create employment opportunities or promotions.
Students are encouraged to publish while on the course and after completion of the thesis. It is likely that you will continue to write for both the popular practitioner and academic press following your doctoral award. Several DCM alumni have published book chapters and books on their doctoral studies.
There may be further career opportunities in academia and industry where the highest level of achievement is recognised and rewarded.
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