Would you like to have a more strategic approach to internal communications (IC) within your organisation? Do you feel you are adequately equipped to clearly operate as an expert business partner? Do you know what theories exist that underpin your recommendations and instinct? Would you like to study for free? Read on to find out how you can apply for a place worth over £5000.
‘The Kingston Diploma’ in Internal Communications Management, is widely recognised as a benchmark for those who want to work at a strategic level in internal comms. It was the first post-graduate qualification of its kind in the world and developed in recognition of the increasingly important role that internal communications plays in facilitating change within organisations.
It is a joint initiative by Kingston Business School, Capita Learning and Development and accredited by the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) and every year welcomes internal communications professionals who are looking to further their careers and advance their thinking and understanding of the profession at a post-graduate level. It’s been regularly updated to reflect the changes of the profession and students’ requirements.
Equipping IC pros
Much is debated about whether IC pros should undertake qualifications in order to ‘prove their worth’ or to standardise the profession, and at what stage in your career these considerations should happen.
I champion qualifications for internal comms professionals because I believe anything that equips people to do their jobs better is a good thing, be that practical experience, theory or a combination of both. I’ve mentored comms professionals through foundation-level qualifications with the IoIC and think it’s a good two-way relationship.
In 2008 I studied for the Kingston Diploma and found it valuable for many reasons, both through what I learnt, new contacts and the experience of writing my dissertation on social media’s role in internal comms. I returned in 2009 as a guest speaker to discuss social media and I am honoured to have been asked to lead a session on developing a strategy for social media in the upcoming year.
How does the course work?
Students continue to work full-time, which develops their interpersonal and leadership skills plus learning the importance of communication and change in the organisational context. You study intensely over 10 months and success in completing the diploma means you can go on to do a ‘top up’ MA dissertation, which gives a full Masters. You can find out more about the diploma here.
Study for free!
The next course is due to start on 1 October and I’ve got some exciting news to announce as for the first time, two bursary positions are being offered by Kingston Business School. Each place is worth £4299 +VAT. So if you are thinking about a professional qualification but your budgets don’t allow for this, these bursaries may just solve your dilemma.
Course Director Liz Cochrane said: “We know from all the feedback we get just how much difference the diploma makes to people in their careers. It’s about having the knowledge and confidence to be able to really make an impact. It’s brilliant that the bursaries are on offer to give two extra communication professionals the chance to study with us – so if you are looking to step up and work at a strategic level, or to consolidate your strategic skills, go for it!”
Find out more about the course and how to apply. If you have any questions or would like further information, call 0800 022 3410.
Steve Doswell, Chief Executive, Institute of Internal Communication said: “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.”
What do you think of internal comms qualifications? I welcome the news that two bursary positions are being offered and encourage comms pros to seriously consider whether this is the right course for them and if so, to apply.
P.s. If you have completed the Kingston Diploma, check out the alumni group I created on LinkedIn a couple of years ago, to connect comms pros who have done it, Rachel
