This 30 credit award aims to provide students with knowledge and skills that help them work effectively in a professional support role within a higher education institution; the course consists of 2 modules, namely, higher education today which introduces students to analyses selected contemporary issues which impact on the higher education environment; they are encouraged to engage in critical evaluation of the institutional and departmental implications of these issues, and apply relevant models and concepts to working practices; the second module, coaching and mentoring, explores selective, contemporary and traditional approaches to coaching and mentoring. these have a particular focus on the application and practical usage of coaching and mentoring in the workplace and the potential impact on the individual's institution; particular attention is given to the development of practical skills, structuring conversations, use of tools and techniques, the ethics underpinning practice, development of reflection on practice and strategies for implementation of coaching/mentoring practices in the workplace; students are encouraged to critically evaluate models, tools, and techniques informed by independent reading and research.