The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring
DCM
Key facts
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Part time: 3 to 5 years
Department
This course is not available to students classed as International for fees purposes.
Overview
We designed this course for experienced coaches or 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
- develop confidence in providing facilitation and consultancy
- be competent in researching the field.
- Our teaching staff have specific research interests and expertise in coaching and mentoring or related fields. We also invite visiting specialists to provide further expert input.
To complete your doctoral thesis, the course includes:
- doctoral thesis training
- design of original empirical research
- professional expertise and scholarly inquiry
This is a part-time course, delivered by the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies.
How to apply
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' experience in a related field.
Direct entry
For direct entry into the later stage of the DCM programme you should have an appropriate master’s level qualification and experience.
Depending on entry stage you may be eligible for exemptions from certain elements of the programme.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
Selection process
We are now accepting applications for September 2022 entry. This programme has a limited number of places so early application is recommended.
Applications received in full by mid June 2022 will be considered for interviews being held in June/July 2022.
For further details on the programme including our information pack, module descriptions, funding information, FAQs, guidance on completing a research proposal, references forms and staff profiles please email jmgannon@brookes.ac.uk or bus-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk
English language requirements
IELTS minimum level 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in the reading and writing components.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Pathways courses for EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
The course is designed as a five-year, part-time programme. During the first stage 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 second stage, the thesis, which usually takes two years to complete.
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.
We deliver the teaching through regular (monthly) study days here in Oxford. Your learning will be supported from a distance with regular online workshops and discussions. You will also have the option of individual coaching and academic support over the telephone, by email or face-to-face.

Learning and teaching
The approach of the DCM is cross-disciplinary. You will focus on your own professional development with:
- reflective practice
- individual learning
- peer and group learning activities.
You will also consider pivotal philosophical, social, organisational and psychological dimensions of coaching and mentoring in depth.
We deliver the course with compulsory monthly seminars and study days. To progress to the next stage of the course, you must successfully complete assignments based on methodological training during study days.
Research
The International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies is at the forefront of coaching and mentoring research.
Our journal (International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring), annual 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.

After you graduate
Career prospects
Students graduating from the Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring programme can expect to be recognised as experts in their field. This will enhance existing 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 and academic press.
There may be further career opportunities in academia and industry where the highest level of achievement is recognised and rewarded.
Student profiles
Our Staff
Dr Judie Gannon
Judie is a senior lecturer and programme coordinator for Doctor of Coaching and Mentoring. She is also Deputy Head of Doctoral Programmes for the Oxford Brookes Business School. Her research interests include coaching and mentoring as forms of social change, the coaching and mentoring relationship, managing coaching and mentoring interventions and activism and social movements in coaching and mentoring, as well as undertaking doctoral studies.
Read more about JudieProfessor Tatiana Bachkirova
Tatiana is Professor of Coaching Psychology my responsibilities include teaching on the MA and Doctorate in Coaching and Mentoring Practice; research and academic supervision of MA and doctoral students; supervision of the coaches for Oxford Brookes programmes.
Read more about TatianaProgramme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.