Master of Health Science / Postgraduate Diploma in Science / Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching
Programme 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.
Applications and Selections
Please upload our Application Form: MHSc in Applied Health & Wellness Coaching
Application Closing Date is 4th June 2024.
Programme will run subject to numbers of applicants.
Who Teaches this Programme
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.
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
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.
Additional Requirements
Duration
3 Year timeframe (students must complete entire programme within 5 years)
Next start date
September 2024
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
15
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
4th June 2024
NFQ level
Level 9
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Pg Cert = 30; Pg Dip = 30; MHSc = 30
Award
Master of Health Science in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching
CAO
Programme code
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
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
Why Choose This Programme?
Career Opportunities
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.
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
Who’s Suited to This Programme
Healthcare professionals
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Mental Health Practitioners
- Health Promotion Practitioners
- GPs
- Practice Nurses
- Dieticians
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Personal Trainers
- Nutritionists
- Health and Fitness Coaches
- Sports Coaches
- Community and Social Care Workers
- Career Guidance Teachers
- College Counsellors,
- Teachers
- Pharmacists
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Programme Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
- Postgraduate Certificate: €3,000
- Postgraduate Diploma: €6,000
- Master of Health Science: €9,000
Fees can be paid securely through our Online Payment Facility
The Total Fees (EU Fees) for this programme can be found on our Fees & Funding webpage - Fees & Funding | ATU - Atlantic Technological University.
Find out More
Karolina Oracz
School Administrator
School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies
ATU St Angelas
T: +353 (0)71 9179606
E: karolina.oracz@atu.ie
What Our Students Say
Noreen McHale | Postgraduate Diploma (Applied Health and Wellness Coaching)
When the client feels heard, valued and respected, a strong trusting relationship is developed with the clinician. This approach to care facilitates the opportunity for doors to open and allows change to occur. As a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Diabetes Integrated Care, practice nurses and GP’s with whom I work, have noticed a positive change in diabetes clients and continually ask me how and what I have done to support the clients’ behaviour change and improvement in diabetes. With health and wellness coaching, the client can genuinely make significant lifestyle and life-long behavioural change. These are the factors that need to be sustained to prevent and treat obesity and diabetes related co-morbidities.