New postgraduate qualification in health communication and consultation
The Centre for Health Communication Research has recently developed a new postgraduate qualification in health communication and consultation. The course is designed for the next generation of professional NHS communicators.
We began teaching the first cohort of this new course in April 2025 and we hope to begin formal recruitment to the second cohort later in 2025.
Thanks to a significant bursary fund made available by the Health Foundation, course fees for NHS staff on the first cohort were reduced on average by 50% from £12k + VAT per course participant to around £6k + VAT. In most cases course fees were paid in whole or in part by NHS employers.
We do not yet have bursary funding in place for the second cohort of this new course but we are hopeful that we will receive funding later this year and that the second cohort will begin in early 2026.
The course covers the full range of skills, knowledge and behaviours required to be proficient and effective at a senior level in the fields of health communication, engagement, involvement and consultation.
The course reflects and addresses current challenges across the health sector including those faced by NHS Trusts and those faced by the new Integrated Care Systems. It is open to all those who aspire to become better communication and engagement professionals.
This major initiative is supported by NHS Providers, NHS Confederation and the Shelford Group – a collaboration involving the ten largest teaching and research NHS Trusts in England.
Key points
- The course is delivered as a part-time programme over a period of 12 months.
- Successful completion of the course leads to the award of Buckinghamshire New University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Health Communication and Consultation and the right to use the appropriate letters after your name.
- The course involves a blended learning approach with some online teaching, some face-to-face teaching and some project work.
- It includes guest contributions from some of the most senior people in the NHS and from senior leaders in other sectors too.
- It is perfectly possible to complete this course while continuing with a full-time role.
Course content
Course content is constantly being developed and adapted in the fast-moving environment of the NHS and a Content Board is being developed involving NHS professional communicators from Buckinghamshire New University, NHS Integrated Care Boards, NHS Providers, NHS Confederation and the Shelford Group of NHS teaching Trusts.
You will find the answers to frequently asked questions here.
Our aim is to deliver a course that becomes recognised as the gold-standard qualification for health and care professionals in the fields of communication, engagement, involvement and public consultation.
We would particularly welcome interest in this course from those who may be underrepresented in the fields of health communication, consultation and engagement, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and the LGBTQI+ community.
If you feel this course is for you we would welcome your interest. If you wish to express an interest in joining the second cohort please simply email
