There’s still time for experienced IC professionals to apply for the next intake of the Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Communication Management.
Now entering its 12th year, the qualification known as ‘the Kingston Diploma’ is widely recognised as a benchmark for those who want to work at a strategic level in internal comms.
The diploma can be achieved over 10 months by studying alongside your job, attending four workshops of three days and producing assignments based on four modules. Success in completing the diploma also means people can go on to do a ‘top up’ MA dissertation which gives them a full Masters.
The diploma modules look at key comms themes and enable the delegates to apply effective, practical approaches in different situations Most of the study gets people to link the theory they explore to current situations in their own organisation, helping make sure there is an immediate payback.
Subjects covered include the structure, culture and politics of organisations, the psychology of communication and sensemaking, developing, implementing and evaluating strategies to manage change, employee engagement, coaching and influencing at the top level of business, , and the future of internal communication from social media to knowledge management.
Applicants are expected to have a degree (in any subject) and significant experience in internal comms, although non-graduates with enough experience can be accepted.
“Delegates need to be internal communication practitioners already,” says Course Director Liz Cochrane.
“If someone’s been in an internal comms role and are thinking of moving into their first strategic role, or are already in a strategic role, the diploma is ideal for them.
“The course focuses on IC very much at a strategic level and combines theory with the practical applications.”
The diploma was the first post-graduate qualification of its kind in the world – a real trailblazer – and Liz adds “We’ve consistently updated it to reflect the changes of the profession and the requirements of students.”
Run by Capita Learning & Development in conjunction with Kingston Business School, the qualification is backed by the Institute of Internal Communication fitting within the third ‘tier’ of the accreditation framework. Delegates also receive a year’s free membership,
The workshops are all hosted in central London, but there is a significant amount of private study required to graduate.
“Including the workshops plus assignments, there’s around 60 hours of study needed for each module,” says Liz. “People do need to be prepared to put a significant amount of time aside – maybe one evening a week and a day at the weekend.”
Regular feedback from graduates suggests that the study is of real practical use in their jobs and makes a real difference to the strategies they follow.
Liz says “A lot of people get new roles fairly shortly after they qualify because it gives people a rigorous way of thinking but also the ability to employ that knowledge in a whole range of areas.”
To apply, visit www.Capita-LD.co.uk/ICM. The deadline for applications is August 31 2011, although late applications will be considered if places are available. For further information call 0800 022 3410.
What they say…
“Thanks to all the reading I’ve been doing and what I’ve learnt through the workshops and assignments so far, I’ve been able to really think about how we add value in internal communications. ”
Kate Helbrough, Internal Communications Manager, Friends Provident
“I recommend the Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Communications Management to any communications professional who is looking to enhance their knowledge and extend their network of contacts. I think this course is a must-have for anyone who is serious about their communications career.”
Rachel Allen, London Underground Rail Operations Ltd
“The diploma opens your eyes to the wealth of academic theory that underpins why some [communication] strategies work and some don’t.”
Pauline Page, Director, Research & Development Communications, Glaxosmithkline
“As internal communication continues to evolve, the diploma sets apart those practitioners who are qualified to practise at a strategic level.”
Nigel Edwards, Communication Director, Pfizer Primary Care
“For internal communicators serious about their professional development, the diploma has virtually become an automatic choice. It is quite simply unrivalled in our sector and we commend it to practitioners and their organisations alike.”
Steve Doswell, Chief Executive, Institute of Internal Communication
|
