Graduate Diploma in Communication (Corporate Sector)

This course will enable Corporate Communication practitioners (with an undergraduate qualification) to build on their applied skills and learning. The programme aims to ensure its graduates can manage significant events or specialised roles in an organisation or government body. A person already engaged in Corporate Communication at middle management level or someone with a good body of prior on-the-job learning is given the opportunity to become a Corporate Communication specialist.

Graduate Diploma in Communication (Corporate Sector) graduates will understand the news media and how the two communication processes interact and overlap.

They will be able to write higher level communication strategies for use internally and externally, which will reach people, communities and organisations, and where necessary, exert influence for change.

You will learn to:

• Put in place internal and external communications strategies and plans
• Use communication to influence public thinking and effect positive change
• Use a variety of new and traditional media to take a message/s out
• Take a leading role in a campaign or an event

The Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Public Relations has now been changed to Corporate Sector. These changes have been made to reflect changes to both cultural and communication environments and the market place for communication professionals. If you are part way through this qualification, please see the attached transition table to see what papers you need to complete. If you are not sure, please contact the course administrator for assistance.

Choose two from the list below:

BPC275 Communication Strategy - Corporate Sector (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 3 and 4 in 2023

This paper provides students with an understanding of the principles, use and application of communication strategies for achieving effective commercial and business communication in the corporate sector.

BPC271 Corporate Social Responsibility (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 3 and 4 in 2023

This paper provides students with a critical understanding of the origins of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how it impacts contemporary business operations and how to use effective communication to embed and educate CSR conventions across a business entity.

BPC231 Cross Cultural Communication (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 1 and 2 in 2023

This paper provides students with an understanding of the role of communication within intercultural corporate environments and how to use cross cultural communication approaches to develop an effective intercultural management policy for an organisation.

Choose three from the list below:

BPC300 Change Communication (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 1 and 2 in 2023

Students will be able to analyse and explain the components and risks of organisational change as they relate to communication strategies. They will understand the importance of understanding the culture of an organisation and how to identify and collaborate with partners and establish relationships with stakeholders to effect successful internal change communications.

BPC350 Online and Advanced Technologies (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 1 and 2 in 2023

This paper provides students with an understanding of the use and application of current and emerging web technologies for publishing effective messages in the corporate, political or public sector working environment.

BPC312 Advanced Public Relations and Marketing Communication (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 3 and 4 in 2023

This paper provides students with a critical appreciation of the role of public relations within an integrated marketing communications plan and how to develop and implement a marketing communications plan from a public relations viewpoint.

MGT706 Reputation and Brand Protection (15 credits)

This paper provides students with an understanding of what the components of reputation and brand are and how these are protected in a political setting. Students will also be able to develop strategic tactics for brand protection.

Compulsory:

BPC302 Research Methodology (15 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 1 and 2 in 2023

Note: This paper should be taken directly prior to taking BPC710 Research Project.

This paper will introduce students to the skills required to complete a degree level dissertation. It will cover advanced research skills; various methodologies available to gather and present primary and secondary information and data; and it will take students through the literature review process in preparation for BPC710 Research Project.

BPC710 Research Project (30 credits)

Paper offered in intakes 2, 3 and 4 in 2023

This paper provides students with an opportunity to conduct advanced research into an aspect of communication theory or practice by integrating the body of knowledge learnt in communication papers.