COACHING STARTER GUIDE
A GUIDE TO STUDYING COACHING AT ACAP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
At ACAP Univerity College you can future proof your career by obtaining the qualification you need for your chosen profession and prospective world of work.
Our team of knowledgeable academics and experienced industry professionals are committed to delivering a learning experience that integrates contemporary work practices and industry relevancy. We provide a distinctive student-centred learning environment based on active learning activities and feedback-focussed authentic assessment tasks. Our philosophy is simple: the best way for you to learn about human interaction is to interact.
You can choose to attend class on-campus at one of our central city locations, virtually (online), or a combination of both (hybrid delivery). Whichever mode of delivery you choose, our learning support team will provide you with the necessary academic, professional and personal assistance throughout your studies to achieve your goals.
I look forward to welcoming you and guaranteeing you feel a sense of belonging during your time learning at ACAP and beyond.
Professor Christopher Klopper SFHEA Dean - ACAP University College
In July 2024, ACAP was recognised by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as a University College. This signifies the ongoing commitment made to sustained quality and excellence in education delivery, exceptional student outcomes, and genuine engagement with employers, industry and professional bodies.
As a result of our elevated status, ACAP is now formally known as ACAP University College. Joining an elite group of providers in this category, ACAP is the only provider delivering a suite of national courses for mental health professions, human services, law and management.
Study at ACAP to receive a University College qualification when you graduate, coupled with the hands-on, practical experience we’re renowned for, ensuring you are prepared for a truly impactful career.
COACH, INSPIRE, CHANGE
WE ARE NOW A UNIVERSITY COLLEGE WHERE COULD COACHING LEAD TO?
If you find nothing more professionally rewarding than watching your team gain confidence and flourish, then coaching could be the career for you.
By studying at ACAP University College, you’ll develop a deep understanding of coaching, leading to meaningful relationships that encourage personal growth, empower, and enrich lives- yours included. Your passion for society will pave the way for rewarding health and welfare career paths, where demand continues to grow. Not only is it a deeply rewarding and worthwhile occupation, but now, more than ever, there is a need for strong leadership as individuals and organisations face unprecedented economic, social, and psychological challenges.
What does a coach do?
Coaching encompasses a broad area of expertise, and inspires change, empowers others, and improves performance within individuals and organisations.
Once you graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching, you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.
• Leadership/Executive Coach
• Wellness/Life Coach
• Consultant
• Professional Facilitator
• People and Culture Expert
Student Success Story - Meet Monica
Despite a challenging start to life, ‘Wonder Woman of Leadership’ and former ELMO Software HR Group Chief, Monica Watt, lives the values of being an extraordinary leader, including over 20 years of experience volunteering with the Australian Defence Force.
Monica identified that there were many ‘coaches’ out there without credentials, and after exploring options, she is enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching to add to her credentials. Monica is now the Founder and high-performance coach at Incredible Buzz.
PATHWAYS FOR FUTURE STUDY
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching can also gain entry to ACAP’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
According to the World Economic Forum, human-centric skills like critical thinking and problem solving will grow in demand over the next 5 years. Other skills like active listening, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility will set you apart as an exceptional leader.
Learn more about the MBA pathway, including unit credit and scholarship options.
Other postgraduate study options in counselling and social work are also available at ACAP.
WHY ACAP?
We graduate people who understand people.
We’re more than just a University College. We are a supportive community of deep experience that will support you on every step of your fascinating journey into the world of coaching.
Knowledge with practical purpose
We build knowledge that’s useful and usable – applicable to real-life solutions. We nurture sought-after graduates, ready for the workforce and prepared to succeed.
Learning that feels personal in smaller classes
Our intimate, specialised approach to learning enables you to get to know your peers and teachers who are committed to nurturing in-depth discussions, practical skills and your personal growth.
Understanding people
ACAP has specialised in human behaviour since 1983. Our academics are industry practitioners. They understand how people think and offer individualised learning that supports your personal journey.
WHEN YOU STUDY AT ACAP, YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Along your study journey you’ll have ACAP’s community of educators, support services and fellow students with you for encouragement and guidance. We come from many backgrounds and experiences, but we all share the belief that coaching is the key to a better world.
SCHOLARSHIPS
ACAP proudly offers a number of general scholarships to both new and existing students. Scholarships are offered each year, and apply to any mode of study.
MORE INFORMATION
FEES AND PAYMENTS
There’s a wealth of funding assistance that may be available to you, including government assistance such as FEE-HELP.
MORE INFORMATION
EVENTS
ACAP offers online and in-person events that will provide you with rich insights into studying and provide you an opportunity to ask questions and connect with the ACAP team. Find out more below about the events ACAP offers throughout the year.
LEARN MORE
Natalie Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching
“Studying the Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching was life changing for me. It played a significant role in my decision to fully invest my time and energy into my new coaching business, stepping away from my safe, secure and successful senior public service job. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
“ACAP’s coaching course has been extremely useful for me to support my team’s growth and development. From the first class I attended, I found it to be really engaging and practical. The content from this course will also help me once I graduate as I plan to develop my own coaching consultancy business which will focus on leadership development within high-growth technology start-ups.”
Tina Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching
“I realised that coaching is a complex area with great responsibility so I researched study options that would support my own performance and self-awareness. I chose ACAP as I found they had a great reputation and the course leader’s background and experience appealed to me”.
ADVICE FROM OUR GRADUATES
Some of our recent graduates wanted to give their top advice for new starters, but it’s also an inspiring reminder that your hard work and determination will pay off.
Kieran
Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching
MORE STUDENT STORIES
MEET THE COURSE LEADER
Dr. Mark Setch is the Course Leader for the Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching and Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a Leadership and Personal Development Coach, Educator, Mentor and Supervisor. Mark has been involved in coaching and leadership education since 2012. He has been teaching at ACAP since 2017, first as a Sessional, and as a permanent Academic since 2022.
Mark is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentialed Master Certified Coach. His clients include leaders in not-for-profit and small business. He has previously coached military officers and offered life coaching to long-term unemployed and ill and injured soldiers.
As an Educator, Mark is passionate about the practical application of coaching and leadership skills, equipping
leaders and coaches to serve with vision, passion, empathy, and resilience in an ever-changing world.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Theology
• Doctor of Ministry
• Diploma of Life Coaching
Learn more Dr. Setch’s insights into coaching’s global boom.
LEARN MORE
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION
ACAP is a University College with selfaccrediting authority under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
To ensure we deliver the most up-to-date material, we regularly undertake the accreditation process with relevant governing industry bodies.
This process allows for quality checks and assurances and provides certainty to students that our courses are industry-relevant and meet training standards.
ACAP has been awarded the International Coaching Federation (ICF) accreditation for its excellence in coaching education.
ICF accreditation applies to our Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching for 170 program hours of coach-specific training.
This achievement is a result of a rigorous review process and demonstrates that ACAP’s coaching curriculum aligns with the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
About the ICF
The ICF is the world’s largest organization leading the global advancement of the coaching profession and fostering coaching’s role as an integral part of a thriving society.
Founded in 1995, its 58,000-plus members located in more than 170 countries and territories work toward common goals of enhancing awareness of coaching and upholding the integrity of the profession through lifelong learning and upholding the highest ethical standards.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED COACHING
The Graduate Certificate of Applied Coaching is designed to inspire change and empower others. This highly practical course will give you tools and techniques that can be immediately applied in real-world workplace settings. Become a ‘leader as coach’ and successfully guide individuals to bring out their best and promote a sustainable future.
Availability: Online
Units: 4
Duration* : 26 weeks full time or part time equivalent
• Completion of an AQF level 7, three-year Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline including counselling, psychology, social work, law, business, and human resources; or
Admission Criteria:
• 5+ years’ professional and/or managerial work experience in human resources-related fields such as leadership, human resources, people management
FEE-HELP available: See page 40 for details
AQF Level: 8
Workload
For students undertaking this course full-time, ACAP recommends an average of 9 hours of study per week, including 3 hours (combined) of tutorials and lectures (per unit).
Units
The following ara few of the typical units in this course:
• Fundamentals of Coaching Theory and Practice
• Coaching for Professional Wellbeing and Resilience
• Coaching for Sustainable Leadership See acap.edu.au for the full list of units.
Professional Recognition
This course is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
MORE INFORMATION
YOUR FUTURE CAREER AWAITS
ACAP University College Pty Ltd. TEQSA Provider Category: University College, TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12009, National CRICOS Provider Code: 01328A, RTO: 0500, ACN: 057 495 299.
The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of publication, however, ACAP University College reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice. Prospective students should refer to ACAP’s website for current information before applying. This guide is provided free of charge. 241311-1348 - 11/24.
Adelaide
Brisbane
15-19 Franklin Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000 Ground Floor, 410 Ann Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
Byron Bay
373-391 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481
Melbourne
Level 3, Kmart Centre, 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Perth
116-120 Roe Street, Northbridge, Perth, WA, 6003
Sydney
Level 11, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000