Yutara Naidoo Celebrates Transformative Achievement with Master of Arts in Coaching and Mentoring from UWTSD
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is pleased to announce the success of Yutara Naidoo, whose completion of the Master of Arts in Coaching and Mentoring through the Professional Practice Framework showcases both her academic excellence and her commitment to advancing workplace coaching.
Yutara decided to embark on this programme following her completion of a coaching practitioner course with The Coaching Centre in South Africa. Through the Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL) module, she was able to draw on her experiential learning gained, an opportunity she describes as,
“a great way to further enhance my knowledge in a field I enjoy so much, while elevating my academic qualifications.”
Reflecting on her experience, Yutara highlights the significance of acknowledging practical knowledge gained through real-world experience.
“Coaching is a very practical skill. The programme allowed me to reflect on my approach to coaching and gather insights on how I want to take this forward in the future.”
This reflective process has not only strengthened her practical abilities but also deepened her understanding of the theoretical foundations of coaching.
Completing her work-based research project within her organisation provided meaningful insights into employees’ experiences of coaching in the workplace.
“This was something the organisation was curious about since there had been no formal framework or approach in place as to how coaching was being undertaken within the workplace.”
On a personal level, she describes the qualification as life-changing:
“It has given me the confidence to consider stepping out of my current role and perhaps taking coaching forward as a full-time employment choice.”
Yutara credits the programme with significantly enhancing her confidence, self-belief, and personal resilience.
“This was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had to face in my life, because of the time demand while holding down a full-time job, because I wasn’t sure if I had it in me to complete a Masters qualification, and because it required deep reflection, which is not an easy skill to master. Having successfully completed the course is a total gamechanger for me, it has given me the confidence to consider taking up completely different life and work opportunities. It’s made me braver!”
She also gained new academic capabilities, particularly in reflective practice and research, skills she previously felt unsure about but now embraces with confidence.
“I thought I understood “reflective practice” as it was such a significant aspect of my coaching accreditation programme, but I learned differently when undertaking my learning areas and reflective essay in the course. I constantly veered into a pure academic approach and way of writing, but this required a different approach of reflection which I did eventually learn to appreciate! Completing the research project was also a fairly new skill for me and I initially felt quite intimidated by it but with the support of my academic tutors, I was able to successfully navigate this. This has now made me feel like I could comfortably take on new research pieces of work, something I would previously have shied away from in my workplace.”
Yutara is a strong advocate for work-based learning and encourages others to pursue it.
“We often underestimate the amount of learning we are gaining from our jobs, our workplace or practical projects, yet this is likely where most real, applicable learning is happening at this time in our lives. I also believe that this learning is what actually brings about the changes we need to make in the world. So my message to others would be to grab the opportunity and not underestimate the knowledge that already sits within you. Now you can be formally recognised for it!”
Looking back, Yutara describes the programme as pivotal in shaping her evolving career aspirations:
“It opens doors that were not previously available to me. It gives me full control over my career path, perhaps even outside the corporate world, into a space where I can contribute meaningfully to people’s development.”
Sarah Loxdale, Lead for the Recognition and Accreditation of Learning Module and Senior Lecturer at UWTSD, said,
“Yutara’s journey through the Recognition and Accreditation of Learning process exemplifies the power of valuing experiential learning. She brought a wealth of professional insight to the programme and engaged deeply with the reflective and academic elements required to translate that experience into recognised achievement. It was a privilege to support her as she navigated this transformative pathway. Her success highlights what is possible when learners embrace their own capabilities and trust the learning they have gained throughout their careers.”
Lowri Harris, Senior Lecturer and Project Supervisor at UWTSD, said:
“Supporting Yutara through her work-based research project has been an absolute pleasure. Her commitment to exploring coaching within her organisation demonstrated both intellectual curiosity and a genuine desire to create meaningful change. Yutara approached each stage of the project with openness, resilience, and a reflective mindset, and it has been inspiring to see her grow in confidence as a practitioner. Her achievement is thoroughly deserved, and I have no doubt she will continue to make a significant impact in the field of coaching.”
If you would like to find out more about the Professional Practice Framework, please visit Professional Practice Framework | University of Wales Trinity Saint David or email ppf@uwtsd.ac.uk
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476