PP6001 - Ethical Coaching

What will I learn on this module?

Ethical Coaching explores ethical complexities of coaching practice through an anti-oppressive lens. This module examines power, privilege, and structural inequality in coaching relationships, developing sophisticated ethical decision-making through practice, supervision, and critical reflection. Core content includes ethical theories and decision-making models; anti-oppressive practice principles; intersectionality and working across differences; power and privilege in coaching relationships; confidentiality and boundaries; working with vulnerable clients; safeguarding; competence and scope of practice; supervision as accountability; contemporary issues in coaching ethics including digital practice and self-care. You will develop advanced understanding of ethical frameworks with anti-oppressive practice as the organising principle. You will examine professional codes of ethics and develop your own ethical framework for coaching practice.
You will apply concepts through coaching practice, supported by supervision.
This module completes Association for Coaching (AC) Foundation Coach accreditation requirements, enabling students to graduate with degree, career guidance level 6 recognition and professional coaching credential.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a combination of lectures and seminars, with opportunity for self directed coaching practice and timetabled supervision. You will develop your final coaching log as part of the final assessment. You will engage with small group coaching and one to one coaching opportunities with peers.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Group supervision sessions provide space to discuss practice, ethical questions, and professional development.
Formative feedback is ongoing.
Support with completing practice hours, managing ethical challenges, and AC accreditation process.
Contact details of academic support in module handbook and via eLP.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically analyse ethical frameworks and evaluate their application to coaching contexts involving power, privilege, and inequality.
2. Evaluate professional codes of ethics, identifying strengths and limitations, and articulate a personal ethical framework.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Demonstrate ethically-informed coaching practice through peer coaching, evidencing sophisticated decision-making, cultural awareness, and professional accountability.
4. Apply ethical decision-making models to complex dilemmas, justifying decisions with reference to multiple frameworks.
Personal Values Attributes:
5. Reflect critically on own positionality, power, privilege, and values, demonstrating commitment to ongoing ethical development.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment – formative assessment is ongoing across the module – support is given to meet summative assessment outcomes.
Summative Assessment 1 4000 word portfolio incorporating
• Coaching log
• Critical ethical commentary
• AC Self-Assessment and Development Plan
• Context and ethical issues
• Analysis using multiple frameworks
• Decision-making and reflection
• Response to two AC ethical dilemma questions

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Ethical Coaching explores the ethical complexities of coaching practice through an anti-oppressive lens, preparing you to navigate power, privilege, and structural inequality in coaching relationships. You'll complete pre-defined peer coaching practice hours, fulfilling your programme's practical requirements whilst developing sophisticated ethical decision-making capabilities. Through research-rich exploration of critical coaching theories and real-world case studies, you'll engage with cutting-edge scholarship that challenges traditional ethics frameworks. Reflective portfolios support your learning, with continuous formative feedback strengthening your practice competence. This module completes your Association for Coaching (AC) accreditation requirement strengthening your academic achievements with practical skills, immediately positioning you for employment in coaching, HR, career guidance, and people development roles. The critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills developed here are highly valued across sectors, opening diverse career pathways in organisational development, mentoring programmes, and independent coaching practice, as well as supporting in other people focused roles.

Course info

UCAS Code B9L9

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Communities and Education

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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