If you’re keen to gain a broad introduction to mentoring and coaching, Understanding Mentoring and Coaching (endorsed) is the perfect self-study course for you.

By choosing online distance learning, you’ll have the flexibility to fit study around your lifestyle, learning at your own pace as you work through a series of engaging topics.

Our Understanding Mentoring and Coaching course is ideal if you:

• Are keen to gain a broad foundation in the key ideas and applications of mentoring and coaching.
• Want to learn more about the theories behind mentoring and coaching.
• Would like to discover how mentoring and coaching can enhance your career.
• Are interested in building your observational, analytical and listening skills, to improve your employability.

Topic 1: Concepts of Coaching and Mentoring

• This first topic will introduce the purpose of mentoring and coaching, identify the key differences in approach and responsibility of a coach and a mentor, and explore some theoretical models.
• Progress Check 1
• Assignment 1

Topic 2: Key skills and attributes

• In Topic 2 you will explore your own beliefs, values and behaviours alongside the key skills and behaviours needed in a coach or mentor. You’ll also look at what we mean by the terms ’empathy’ and ’emotional intelligence’ and consider how they can be demonstrated.
• Progress Check 2

Topic 3: Communication skills

• You will begin this topic by exploring techniques for active listening and considering the roles of non-verbal communication and questions in effective communication. The topic also covers how to build trust and rapport, as well as useful models for giving effective feedback.
• Progress Check 3
• Assignment 2

Topic 4: The mechanics of coaching and mentoring

• The final topic explores the benefits of coaching and mentoring programmes. It also covers some practical issues to take into consideration, such as planning, using mentoring contracts, record-keeping, confidentiality and evaluating success.
• Progress Check 4
• Assignment 3

Exam board

• TQUK

Format

• Online learning

Hours

• Complete at your own pace
• Approx. 15* hours

*The specification suggests that 15 hours is needed. Everyone is different so it’s impossible to say with certainty how long a course will take you, but you should expect it to take you approximately 15 hours.

Assignments

• 4 Progress Checks

Resources

• No additional set texts required

Requirements 

• Internet access
• Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec

Our course fees are open and honest to help you plan for any additional costs.

Your course fee includes:

• Access to learn@nec
• All the course materials you need to complete the course
• 4 Progress checks
• NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar guide
• Time planner to help you plan your study timetable

Your course fee does not cover:

• Optional TQUK endorsed certificate – £24

NEC offer two versions of the Understanding Mentoring and Coaching course: the endorsed version and the Level 3 Award.

Endorsed

• Approximately 15 hours of study.
• Endorsed by TQUK with optional certificate.
• Self study.

Accredited

• Approximately 32 hours of study.
• This accredited version of the course, leads you to a TQUK Level 3 Award in Coaching and Mentoring.
• Assignments are marked by your NEC tutor and moderated by TQUK.

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA), exam or marked assignments for this course.

We know that our younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies.  In our experience, learning online works best when the parents are involved, so when you enrol your child with NEC, you’ll have a unique set of services to help you to support your child.

This includes:

• Your own log in to learn@nec to access the course so you can view the course materials and other information for yourself.
• Access to your child’s gradebook to help you to monitor progress and provide appropriate and timely intervention and support
• You’ll receive emails and forum posts so that you have all the examination and assessment updates/information provided by the NEC team
• Dedicated Progress Portal Pages and targeted blogs with updates/information/help and advice on many aspects of home education.

Read more about how we work with young students who are studying at home or through a school.

Would you like to talk to our Course Advice Team about the best route for you? Visit our Contact Us page, fill in the form and a member of the team will get back to you!