Applied Health and Wellness Coaching

Postgraduate Certificate

Course Details

Course Code	SG_NHEAL_S09
Level	9
Duration	1 year
Credits	30
Method of Delivery	Blended
Campus Locations	St Angelas
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

Course Overview

Despite the widespread evidence-based knowledge that physical activity and healthy eating are good for your health, individuals are not getting any healthier. This programme will provide professionals with the tools to complement their knowledge base and enable them to facilitate their clients to achieve their health goals.

Health coaching draws on a number of underpinning theories including Motivational Interviewing, the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model and Appreciative Inquiry. The aim of health and wellness coaching is to help the individual to choose the behaviour they want to change and support them through goal setting and ongoing goal review and support.

This is an academically accredited programme aimed at developing practitioner knowledge and skills in empowering people to achieve their own individual vision of wellness. One of the key themes of Healthy Ireland is ‘empowering people and their communities’ (p. 24 DOH 2013) and is also a key focus in the Slaintecare report (2017) and we envisage that this programme will equip the Healthcare Practitioner and other professionals working in a health and wellness area with the knowledge and empowerment skills for undertaking that role.

The programme is delivered by a core team of lecturers with backgrounds in nutrition, nursing, health and wellness coaching and PhD study in the field of health coaching and health promotion.

Programme Outline

Students can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate on successful completion of year one of the programme, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Science on successful completion of years one and two of the programme. Students who elect to complete year 3, will at the end of their studies hold a Master of Health Science qualification (not both a Postgraduate Diploma in Science and a Master of Health Science award).

The following modules are conducted over 2 semesters in each year of the programme:

Year 1 Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching (30 ECTS)

Fundamentals of Coaching and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours
Foundations of Health and Wellness Coaching
Advanced Theory and Practice of Health and Wellness Coaching

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training and Education Programme by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of the Certificate are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

Learn more about the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching HERE

Module Dates for Year 1, 2024-2025
Induction: 11th-13th September 2024

Induction sessions are delivered online and are recorded.

Fundamentals of Coaching and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours
Online Lectures: 3-5pm

18th Sept 2024
25th Sept 2024
2nd Oct 2024
16th Oct 2024
23rd Oct 2024
13th Nov 2024

On Campus Workshop: 9am-5pm

9th October 2024

Online Workshop: 9am-5pm

6th November 2024

Foundations of Health and Wellness Coaching
Online Lectures: 3-5pm

27th Nov 2024
4th Dec 2024
18th Dec 2024
15th Jan 2025
23rd Jan 2025
5th Feb 2025

On Campus Workshop: 9am-5pm

11th Dec 2024

Online Workshop: 9am-5pm

29th Jan 2025

Advanced Theory and Practice of Health and Wellness Coaching
Online Lectures: 3-5pm

26th Feb 2025
5th Mar 2025
19th Mar 2025
26th Mar 2025
2nd Apr 2025
30th Apr 2025

On Campus Workshop: 9am-5pm

12th Mar 2025

Online Workshop: 9am-5pm

9th April 2025

Year 2 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching (30 ECTS)

Advanced Nutrition in Health and Wellness Coaching
Coaching Strategies for Psychological Wellbeing
Advanced Research Skills

Year 3 Master of Health Science in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching (30 ECTS)

Research Dissertation

Recommended Study Hours per week

Live lectures normally take place between 3-5 on one afternoon per week with 2 all day workshops per module (one online, one on-campus).

Examination and Assessment

A mixture of assignments, exams and practical skills assessment.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

Attendance is required at the St Angela’s Campus one or two days per semester.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

An undergraduate degree (Level 8, NFQ) with second class honours or above. In certain circumstances we will consider applications from candidates who do not meet the above requirements provided they have a professional qualification in a relevant subject area and/or having relevant coaching experience. Students who do not have the level 8 requirements will need to compile a portfolio to provide evidence of their ability to study at postgraduate level.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €3,000

May be eligible for funding though the regional Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education.

Further information on fees

Careers

Graduates will have the skills to coach people on their health behaviour as part of their current role or may go on to develop a role as a health and wellness coach in private practice.

Learn more about the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching HERE