ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching & Mentoring
The comprehensive, in-depth qualification for managers and consultants. Gain a globally-recognised, degree-level ILM Diploma to master your skills as a professional coach or mentor.



What is the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring?
The ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is a comprehensive workplace coaching qualification designed for managers, internal coaches, HR professionals, learning and development practitioners and practising coaches who want to develop deeper professional coaching capability.
The Diploma is broader and more advanced than the ILM Level 5 Certificate, with greater emphasis on reflective practice, extended coaching experience, professional development and applied coaching competence within organisational settings.
This qualification is particularly suitable for learners who want substantial evidence of coaching practice, stronger professional credibility and a more in-depth understanding of coaching and mentoring theory, ethics and application.
Learners develop advanced coaching and mentoring skills that can be applied across leadership development, organisational coaching, internal coaching programmes, mentoring initiatives and professional people-development roles.
If you want a shorter introduction to workplace coaching and mentoring, the ILM Level 5 Certificate may be more suitable. If you want a more substantial Level 5 coaching qualification with deeper coaching practice requirements, the Diploma route is typically the stronger option.
ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring course summary
Qualification:Â ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
Best for:Â Managers, internal coaches, HR professionals, learning and development practitioners and practising coaches who want a fuller workplace coaching qualification.
Study format: Flexible online learning with tutor support, coaching practice, live online workshops, reflective development and assessment guidance.
Level:Â Level 5 coaching and mentoring qualification.
Coaching context:Â Workplace coaching, internal coaching, mentoring, professional coaching practice and reflective development.
Accreditation and recognition:Â ILM qualifications are regulated by Ofqual. The ILM is a part of the City & Guilds Group.
Main outcome:Â Learners develop deeper coaching and mentoring capability, practical coaching confidence, reflective awareness and stronger evidence of professional coaching practice.

What's Included in Your Training
Explore the tabs below for a complete breakdown of this flexible, tutor-supported online programme, which you can complete in up to three years.
The ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is a well-established and highly respected qualification that has been trusted by organisations for many years.
The ILM Level 5Â Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring is ideal for managers who have significant responsibility for developing others through coaching and mentoring as part of their day-to-day role. They are equally valuable for individuals preparing to move into a learning and development position or those seeking to establish themselves as freelance coaches or mentors.
Throughout the programme, learners will:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a workplace coach or mentor.
Explore how effective coaching and mentoring can make a positive impact on organisational performance and culture.
Learn to evaluate their own skills, behaviours, and knowledge, providing evidence of professional growth and competence.
Acquire practical experience in planning, delivering, and reviewing coaching sessions within their organisation.
Develop strategies for their ongoing professional and personal development as a coach or mentor.
This is a Professional Tutor Supported Distance Learning Programme. This blended model provides comprehensive online videos and learning materials, supplemented with live online workshops, group tutor sessions, and personal 1-to-1 tutor support and supervision.
The online learning materials include a range of videos, qualification guidance documents (PDF downloads), and other supporting resources. Once you are registered, you’ll have immediate, 24/7 access to the core study content—allowing you to begin your course straight away. These comprehensive resources provide all the essential coach training you need to successfully complete your qualification. In addition, your learning is supported and enriched through a series of live online workshops, group tutor sessions and a Personal Tutor ensuring a fully interactive and engaging study experience.
The live online workshops focus on a blend of coaching approaches and the exploration of various coaching models. The live group tutor sessions provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions, practise different techniques, and take part in co-coaching activities.
Your personal qualification tutor will guide you through the available options and recommend the most suitable combination of workshops to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from your training experience.
Examples of LIVE Online Workshops include:
- The Structure of Coaching and Session Contracting
- Exploring Core Coaching Competencies
- Understanding the GROW Model and the OSKAR Model
- The Meta Model and the Power of Questions
- Advanced Coaching Models: OSCAR, APROCESS, and Logical Levels of Change
- Appreciative Inquiry as a Coaching Model
- The ACHIEVE® Coaching Model
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In addition, you’ll be invited to take part in our regular Co-Coaching events, supervision sessions, and continuing professional development (CPD) activities—providing ongoing opportunities for growth, reflection, and professional networking.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are typically practising managers, consultants, or professionals who already have experience in a coaching or mentoring capacity and the opportunity to meet the course assessment requirements.
Benefits for Business Coaches, Consultants, and Trainers
Strengthen your effectiveness and impact as a professional coach
Gain a nationally recognised qualification to enhance your credibility and attract more clients
Build greater confidence and professional authority in your coaching practice
Master the ability to coach effectively, even in brief, focused sessions lasting just a few minutes
Benefits for Managers and Senior Leaders
Develop the confidence to coach and empower your team more effectively
Acquire practical coaching skills to bring out the best in individuals and teams
Learn how to coach colleagues from different departments—even when you’re not familiar with their specific roles or challenges
Enhance your career prospects by developing a recognised leadership and coaching skill set
Gain the ability to conduct impactful, time-efficient coaching sessions within everyday management conversations
This qualification is achieved by completing three mandatory units through written assignments. You will have up to three years to complete your work. Your personal tutor will guide you through:
Unit 1: Understanding the Skills, Principles and Practice: A comprehensive written assignment (4000-5500 words) demonstrating your understanding of coaching and mentoring.
Unit 2: Undertaking an Extended Period of Effective Coaching or Mentoring: A portfolio of evidence and a coaching diary documenting a minimum of 54 hours of practical coaching.
Unit 3: Reviewing Your Own Ability: A reflective journal or log on your performance and development as a coach or mentor.
Credit Value: 38 Credits at Level 5
Online Study Lessons Include:
Module One:
Lesson One: Course Introduction and Overview
Lesson Two: A brief history of coachingLesson Three: Exploring Coaching in the workplace
Module Two:
Lesson One: Exploring barriers to Coaching
Lesson Two: First Steps in Coaching Practice
Module Three:
Lesson One: The GROW Coaching Model Lesson Two: The WHATâ„¢ Coaching Method
Lesson Three: The APROCESS Coaching Model
Module Four:
Lesson One: Exploring Coaching Competencies
Lesson Two: Coaching Tools and additional developmental ideas (part one)
Lesson Three: Coaching Tools and additional developmental ideas (part two)
Lesson Four: A Tale of Two OscarsÂ
This course is a globally-recognised, high-level qualification from ILM.
The ILM Level 5 Diploma is equivalent level to a Foundation Degree or HND.
The UK College of Personal Development has been training leaders and coaches for over 25 years and is an ILM Approved Centre.
Students receive one year of Student Membership with the Association for Coaching (AC) — the leading UK professional body for coaching.
Once you successfully complete your qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Full Professional Membership at a special discounted rate through our Organisational Membership Group Discount Scheme, giving you continued access to professional recognition, resources, and networking opportunities.
College Membership – Membership of the UK College of Personal Development is awarded to all students and Graduating Members, plus a Digital Credential and Professional Post Nominal Letters: PM-UKCPD.
ILM coaching and mentoring students can take up the offer of a 25% discount for membership of the EMCC UK. The EMCC UK is a professional membership organisation which encourages excellence and progression for mentors, coaches and supervisors.
CoachFinder Listing – All qualified graduates are offered a free listing on our brand new Professional Coach and Practitioner Listing website: https://thecoachfinder.com

Who is the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring for?
The ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is suitable for learners who want a broader and more in-depth coaching and mentoring qualification than the Level 5 Certificate.
This course may be useful if you are a manager, internal coach, HR professional, learning and development practitioner, organisational development professional or practising coach who wants to develop stronger coaching practice.
It is also suitable for learners who want to support professional development, improve workplace coaching conversations, strengthen mentoring capability and build confidence when applying coaching approaches with others.
What will I learn on the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring?
On this qualification, learners develop practical coaching and mentoring skills alongside deeper reflective awareness and professional practice.
You will explore coaching and mentoring theory, ethical practice, contracting, coaching skills, mentoring skills, listening, questioning, goal-setting, feedback, reflective learning and the practical application of coaching in workplace contexts.
The Diploma route provides greater depth than the Certificate, helping learners evidence coaching practice, reflect on their development and apply coaching and mentoring approaches more confidently in professional settings.
You can also compare this course with other UKCPD routes on our ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualifications page.

Choose Your Plan
We offer two simple ways to pay.
Both options include VAT and our 0% interest-free guarantee.
Pay in Full
Make a single, one-time payment to get fully enrolled instantly.
£2,895.00 One-Time Fee
Tutor-Supported Online Learning
Globally-Recognised ILM Qualification
ILM Level 5 Diploma
Foundation Degree Equivalent
Comprehensive Programme
54 Hours Practical Coaching
Includes Live Online Workshops
Personal 1-to-1 Tutor Support
Up to 3 Years to Complete
Start Anytime
Interest-Free Plan. (UK Students Only)
Spread the cost over 12 months with our flexible, 0% interest plan. (UK Students Only)
12 x monthly payments of £241.25
Total Investment: £2,895.00
Tutor-Supported Online Learning
Globally-Recognised ILM Qualification
ILM Level 5 Diploma
Foundation Degree Equivalent
Comprehensive Programme
54 Hours Practical Coaching
Includes Live Online Workshops
Personal 1-to-1 Tutor Support
Up to 3 Years to Complete
Start Anytime
Includes Selected Textbooks (Kindle)

How this ILM Level 5 Diploma compares
The ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is suitable if you want a fuller Level 5 coaching and mentoring qualification with greater depth and stronger evidence of coaching practice.
If you want a shorter and more focused Level 5 route, compare this course with the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.
If you want to coach executives, senior individuals or leaders in complex organisational settings, compare this course with the ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors or the ILM Level 7 Diploma for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors.
Related ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualifications
Explore the full ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualifications pathway to compare UKCPD’s Level 5 and Level 7 coaching routes.
Related qualifications include the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring, ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors and ILM Level 7 Diploma for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of our commonly asked questions about this course. If you have questions not covered here, use the form below to book a discovery call with our team.
What is the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching & Mentoring?
The Diploma is an extended coaching qualification requiring deeper study and greater coaching practice than the certificate, designed for serious coaching professionals working with organisational or high-stakes clients.
How does the Diploma differ from the Certificate?
The Diploma includes more coaching hours, wider assessment criteria, deeper reflective work and broader strategic application of coaching and mentoring in organisations.
What coaching practice is required?
You will complete multiple coaching engagements, document supervision and feedback, maintain a comprehensive coaching log, undertake reflective practice and submit a full portfolio.
What assessments must be completed?
Assessment includes 3 unit assignments that include, an essay, 54 documented coaching / mentoring hours, reflective and planning log.Â
Who should take the Level 5 Diploma?
Coaches aiming to specialise, professionals working with teams or organisations, HR business partners and leaders embedding coaching cultures.
Is the Diploma accredited?
Yes — fully aligned with ILM standards and widely recognised in professional coaching and mentoring.
What career outcomes can this qualification support?
Internal or external coaching practice, leadership development consulting, business coaching, mentoring senior leaders and progression to ILM Level 7 coaching qualifications.
