Programme Overview
This unique part-time, fully-accredited diploma programme is designed for experienced coaches looking to take their coaching to the next level. It focuses on the psychological dimension of coaching, developing participants ’ability to “raise coachee’s awareness of their ingrained patterns of behaviour”, the most important quality required of coaches by sponsors in large organisations.
A key feature is the focus on personal development, rooted in the firm belief that it is vital for participants to have personal experience of challenging their own ingrained patterns of behaviour as a basis for working effectively with clients. The combination of theory, practice, personal and professional development transforms participants’ ability to work more deeply and effectively with their clients. To ensure participants get the most out of the programme, you must be a practising coach, with a minimum of 2-3 clients (paying/pro bono) who you meet on a monthly basis.
Key Details
Spring 2026
Next Intake
€ 10,320 & €9,805* (*UCD Business Alumni)
Fees
10 Months
Duration
2 Days x 6 Workshops
Delivery
NFQ Level 9 / 30 ECTS
Accredited / Credits
Module Dates
| Workshop Title | Faculty | Module Dates |
| Module 1: The Person -Centred Approach |
Jenny Stacey & Pamela Fay |
Dates TBC |
| Module 2: Psychodynamic Approaches |
Jenny Stacey & Pamela Fay |
Dates TBC |
| Module 3: Gestalt Approaches | Jenny Stacey & Pamela Fay |
Dates TBC |
|
Module 4: Transactional Analysis
|
Jenny Stacey & Pamela Fay
|
Dates TBC
|
|
Module 5: System and Field
|
Jenny Stacey & Pamela Fay
|
Dates TBC
|
| Module 6: Existential Approaches | Jenny Stacey & Pamela Fay |
Dates TBC |
Please note - 100% attendance is required at all modules. Should you miss a module due to
unexpected circumstances, there is no longer an option to take that module with another intake of the
programme – visit www.smurfitschool.ie/executivedevelopment/contactus/faqs/ for full details.
Timing: Typically 9.00am to 5.00pm on both days
FT Global Rankings confirm UCD as leading Irish provider of Executive Education
UCD Smurfit Executive Development has been ranked in the global top 50 and EU top 25 in both the Open Enrolment and Custom Executive Education in the 2024 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings continuing its place as Ireland’s leading provider of Executive Education.
The School is ranked 33rd in the world in the Custom Executive Education Rankings. Within the ranking criteria, the School ranked an impressive 4th globally for Growth reflecting year-on-year revenue growth and repeat business and 27th for Programme Design which ensures flexibility of the curriculum and cutting-edge expert lecturers. Overall, Client Satisfaction is highest in Ireland and ranks 23rd globally.
In the Open Enrolment Ranking, Smurfit Executive Development ranked 46th globally and first in Ireland marking the 7th year in the global top 50. Among the criteria used to assess the categories, the School scored in the global top 50 in 12 out of 14 categories. Find out more here
The ranking demonstrates consistency at the highest standard in the delivery of world-class executive education programmes and places UCD Smurfit Executive Development with an elite group of business institutions that are among the most recognised in the world.
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
