Is the Diploma in Public Communication a PR qualification?

No. The Diploma in Public Communication is built around public-sector, NHS and third-sector communications rather than commercial PR. Many graduates work in press-office and campaign roles, but the discipline taught is public communication and community engagement, not commercial public relations.

Does the Diploma in Public Communication include social research?

Yes. A full social research methods strand covers survey design, interviewing, focus groups and basic statistics. The final portfolio includes a piece of applied social research in a public-facing setting alongside a planned campaign and a community-facing piece.

Can I take the Diploma in Public Communication online?

Yes. The online route runs live cohort sessions and tutor-marked practical exercises on the same syllabus as on-campus. Distance learners follow a structured deadline schedule with weekly tutor contact and remote engagement-fieldwork support.

How does the Diploma in Public Communication compare to a CIPR qualification?

CIPR awards are professional-body credentials focused on day-to-day PR practice across sectors. The Diploma in Public Communication is a UK higher-education qualification at Level 5 with a public-sector and community focus and a direct route into a Bachelor's degree. The two complement each other.

Is the Diploma in Public Communication recognised by UK public-sector employers?

Yes. The Diploma in Public Communication is a UK qualification at Level 5 aligned to Social Research Association and Community Development Foundation standards. Local authorities, NHS trusts, charities and regulators recognise the credential alongside your final portfolio.

Diploma in Public Communication | LSJHML London | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Public Communication at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a nine-to-twelve-month UK qualification for early-career communicators in local government, the NHS, the third sector and other public bodies. You will train in public-sector communications planning, social research methods and community engagement, and produce a final portfolio that combines a planned campaign, a research project and a community-facing piece of communication.

This Diploma treats public communication as a discipline distinct from commercial PR. The Diploma in Public Communication is built around the Government Communication Service standards, plain-English public information practice, and the engagement methods that include the people public bodies usually struggle to reach.

Key Features

UK Diploma credential in public-facing communications, aligned to Social Research Association and Community Development Foundation standards.
Communications planning module — OASIS, GCS standards, audience-led campaign design.
Social research methods strand — survey, interview, focus group, basic statistics.
Community engagement clinic — co-design, deliberative methods, hard-to-reach group inclusion.
Three study modes — on-campus in central London, online with live cohort sessions, or distance learning with structured deadlines.
Final portfolio — a planned campaign, a research project and a community-facing communication piece.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in Public Communication is structured around the working tasks an entry-level public-sector communications officer is asked to do — plan a campaign, run a small piece of social research, write accessible public information, engage with communities meaningfully and evaluate outcomes credibly.

Foundations of public communication — the relationship between public bodies and citizens.
Communications planning — OASIS, GCS standards, audience-led campaign design.
Social research methods — survey, interview, focus group, basic statistics.
Community engagement — co-design, deliberative methods, hard-to-reach inclusion.
Plain-English and easy-read formats — clarity, accessibility, multilingual considerations.
Digital communication for public bodies — Gov.UK design patterns, social channels, accessibility law.
Crisis and risk communication — outbreak, incident and recovery messaging.
Evaluation — measurement frameworks, behaviour-change metrics, public satisfaction.

Who This Diploma Is For

Early-career communications officers in local government, NHS trusts or charities.
Career-changers from journalism, marketing or community work moving into public-sector communications.
Press office assistants and engagement officers wanting credentialled training.
Students preparing for the Higher Diploma in Strategic Communication or BA Public Communication.

Career Pathways

The Diploma in Public Communication positions graduates for entry-level and progression roles in public-sector and third-sector communications. Typical roles include:

Community Development Officer (local authority, charity, housing association)
Social Researcher (research agency, public body, NGO)
Local Authority Officer (communications, engagement, policy)
Charity Programme Officer (third sector, advocacy organisation)
Public Engagement Lead Assistant (museum, NHS trust, regulator)
Press Officer (NHS trust, charity, local authority)

Graduates progress to the Higher Diploma in Strategic Communication or the BA Public Communication at LSJHML or a partner university.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school (A-Levels, BTEC, or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement; volunteer or community-facing experience is welcome.
Mature applicants (21+) may apply with two years of relevant work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.