Celebrating student success with global partner

A Teesside University student based in Sri Lanka was part of the first international cohort who completed their studies through a new global partnership.

Farhaz Farouk, who graduated from the MSc Professional Coaching and Entrepreneurship, was among the first graduates from a programme validated by Teesside University and delivered by Morphosis Coaching Academy, a new partner with headquarters in Belgium and in Malaysia.

Morphosis Coaching Academy, an International Coaching Federation (ICF) coaching education provider, is working in partnership with the University to provide online postgraduate degree programmes in professional coaching and entrepreneurship.

This international, collaborative academic partnership enables professionals to combine practice and business to earn a qualification while training through Morphosis’ coaching curriculum.

Farhaz Farouk, who is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, made his first visit to Teesside University’s campus to celebrate his graduation from the MSc Professional Coaching and Entrepreneurship studies. He has also set up a new branch of Morphosis Coaching Academy based in Sri Lanka.

Other students in the first cohort were based in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the UK.

Farhaz, who is Director of Morphosis Coaching Academy in Sri Lanka, and has a background in investment banking and accountancy, said: “I have been a student of Morphosis over the past few years, getting myself trained to be a professional coach. It was during this time that I was informed of the possibility to also gain a master’s level academic qualification in professional coaching.

“The move from a completely professional thinking pattern to an academic thinking pattern has certainly helped me broaden my own abilities and thereby offer better services to my clients.

“During my postgraduate studies, I enjoyed the academic side of the learning process, which complemented the professional education and exposure I had gained over the past few years.”

Commenting on how his course involved studying online, working alongside other international students, Farhaz said: “As a firm believer in online education, I enjoyed and benefited from the programme being online. The biggest advantage of studying online is the possibility to interact with students from different parts of the world and learn from each other, whilst appreciating the differences in our respective backgrounds, thinking and mode of operation.”

He added: “I had heard of Teesside University before beginning my studies, as I was aware of a partnership with an institution in my country, Sri Lanka. I had also seen Teesside University programmes being offered locally.

“However, visiting the University in person and seeing what it offers, first hand was simply mind-blowing. Suffice to say, I am proud to call myself an alumnus of Teesside University and will always be an ambassador.

“Visiting for my graduation ceremony was my first visit to Middlesbrough. I was impressed with the various buildings and facilities at Teesside University. The way in which the campus is organised, with each building having a distinctive name and function is testament to the order and method in which the University operates. I had a very positive impression.

“It is an ideal location for a university and for students to focus on their studies. It is also close to other cities and towns, and hence there are things to do and see too. I will visit Middlesbrough again during a future trip to the UK.”

Farhaz, who is planning to continue his academic journey with doctorate studies at the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, added: “My primary qualifications are in accounting, and the bulk of my professional career was in commercial banking, investment banking and investment management. Making the career change was not easy, but I had always planned to move out of the corporate world and into coaching, training and people development.

“The courses offered by Morphosis and the postgraduate programme offered by Teesside University have all helped immensely in making my transition smooth and meaningful.”

Jean-Francois Jadin, the founder of Morphosis, said: “Seeing our first cohort graduate from the MSc Professional Coaching and Entrepreneurship is a very significant milestone for Morphosis Coaching Academy and for our partnership with Teesside University.

“When we developed the programme, our ambition was to bring together three dimensions that we believe are essential to the development of accomplished professional coaches: rigorous coaching education, entrepreneurial capability and master’s-level academic learning and reflection.

“Farhaz’s journey, and that of his fellow graduates across several countries, is a wonderful expression of that ambition coming to life. We are immensely proud of what they have achieved and grateful to Teesside University for a partnership that enables us to offer a truly international learning experience.”

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