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.

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.

This new 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 will be 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.

It is also supported by the Health Foundation which has made a generous bursary grant available to help reduce the cost of the course for NHS employees.

Key points

• The course will be delivered as a part-time programme over a period of 12 months with the first course beginning in early 2025.
• Successful completion of the course will lead to the award of the University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Health Communication and Consultation and the right to use the appropriate letters after your name.
• The course will involve a blended learning approach with some online teaching, some face-to-face teaching and some project work.
• It will include guest contributions from some of the most senior people in the NHS and from senior leaders in other sectors too.
• It will be perfectly possible to complete this course while continuing with a full-time role.
• Thanks to a significant bursary fund made available by the Health Foundation course fees for NHS staff will be reduced by an average of 50% from £12k + VAT to around £6k + VAT per course participant. We expect that in most cases course fees will be paid in whole or in part by NHS employers.

Course content

Course content is being developed by a Content Board comprising NHS professional communicators from Buckinghamshire New University, NHS Integrated Care Boards, NHS Providers, NHS Confederation and the Shelford Group of NHS teaching Trusts.

You can find out more about the course and course content here.

And 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 application.  Please simply complete this application form.

If you want more information about the course or would like to speak to somebody about it please email john.underwood@chcr.org.uk or liz.clark@chcr.org.uk and we will contact you.