MSc in Existential Coaching (Taught)

NSPC is at the forefront of the exciting emerging field of existential coaching which has already become an integral part of modern coaching psychology. NSPC is a proud contributor & sponsor of coaching & coaching psychology forums internationally. Our courses were launched in 2010 and are offered as blended learning, so you can complete theory elements online in the comfort of your own home and attend intensive skills sessions in person in our NW London campus.

Existential coaching is a uniquely philosophical and deeply relational way of examining the paradoxes and challenges of human existence so as to empower clients to move forward in an authentic and reflective way. Drawing on the application of existential philosophy and psychology in psychotherapy and coaching, we teach coaches to work trans-theoretically in a holistic way, engaging with the unique world of each client. Existential coaches encourage clients to look at issues such as meaning, authenticity, freedom, choice and responsibility, and how these come into play in their lives. They also frequently work integratively aiming for alignment between their use of self, existentially-informed coaching approaches and client needs.

Theory, practice, self-development and research will be intertwined continuously throughout your programme of studies. You will learn how to handle psychological processes appropriately in the coaching relationship, including emotion and mental health. We will encourage you to go much further than applying typical tools towards exploring the entire bio-socio-psycho-spiritual model of working with clients. We will also support you in building up a portfolio towards accreditation with BPS, EMCC, ICF, AC, ISCP, CIPD and other coaching and coaching psychology professional bodies, as appropriate.

Year one assumes no prior knowledge or experience, building your skills from the ground up. You will develop your coaching skills over 3 terms: you will start with core competencies such as the art of empathic listening, continue towards a critical understanding of evidence-based coaching paradigms and, finally, master explicitly existential skills. Theoretical learning will include theories of personal change, a grounding in existential philosophy and research methods.

Year two provides you with an opportunity to start building private practice with support of coaching supervision. You will build on the learning from year two by looking at existential leadership, wellbeing & health and social & cultural issues in professional practice.

You will also complete a supervised research project on a topic of your choice which can take the form of a qualitative or a quantitative piece, with a potential to benefit from the NSPC expertise in phenomenological and existential research methods.

All of our modules are designed with the neurodiversity paradigm in mind, and we will help you develop as a neuro-inclusive practitioner. As a well-known centre of diversity & neurodiversity studies, we welcome applications from neurodivergent students and students with a disability or chronic health condition. For further information on possible learning adaptations, contact dawn.querstret@nspc.org.uk. Prior learning can be granted for modules studied at Level 7 covering the same learning outcomes as the NSPC equivalent – this can be discussed at the interview stage.

The Course Leader is Xenia Angevin MBA FCIArb FCIPD, a highly credentialed existential coach and professional educator. Xenia comes with an extensive experience as a principal coaching psychologist, senior executive coach and a coaching supervisor. As a course leader, Xenia will provide developmental support necessary to establish sustainable and successful coaching practice aligned with the rigour of BPS aspirations for coaching psychology and EMCC’ encouragement towards a creative and inspired coaching practice.

Year 1

1. Theories of Personal Change
   This module supports students to develop an evidence‑based theory of personal development. It critically examines the modern concept of personality and its role within Western theories of personal change.

2. Existential Perspectives on Human Issues (online)
   This module introduces the existential approach to coaching. Students explore philosophical and psychological foundations of human values, meaning, and creative responses to anxiety, developing their ability to support others with existential challenges.

3. Overview of Research Methods (online)
   This module introduces research methods relevant to coaching psychology, examining how research contributes to knowledge about effective practice. Students explore qualitative and quantitative approaches, including their strengths and limitations.

4. Skills in Existential Coaching (face‑to‑face over 3 terms)
   Delivered through week‑long workshops across three terms, this module develops core interpersonal coaching skills. Students explore existential and humanistic frameworks, key philosophers, and the integration of existential coaching tools with other evidence‑based coaching approaches. Skills are reviewed each term, with structured feedback from tutors and peers.

Year 2
5. Social, Cultural and Ethical Issues (online)
This module develops ethical decision‑making in professional practice, including issues of consent, confidentiality, discrimination, exploitation, fairness, and duty of care. Students also explore difference, unconscious bias, and cultural competence.

6. Advanced Existential Coaching and Existential Leadership (face‑to‑face)
   This module focuses on existential thinking applied to leadership and management. Students explore the work of existential thinkers in relation to leadership and apply these ideas to their own coaching and leadership practice, supporting executive and organisational work.

7.Wellbeing and Health (online)
This module critically examines links between happiness, health, and well‑being. Students explore positive psychology and other theoretical approaches and consider how these can inform coaching practice and quality of life.

8. Supervision of Practice (online over 3 terms)
   Students begin seeing clients in private practice and receive structured supervision in small groups. The School provides support in establishing practice and developmental assessment of professional performance, with an existential focus on supervision.

9. Research Supervision and Final Project
   Students complete an independent research project of 15,000 words on an aspect of existential coaching. Individual supervision supports the development of a Masters‑level dissertation that contributes to coaching psychology literature, with opportunities to present research at conferences.