Program

Professional Communication (Post-Degree Diploma)

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Communications
Credits
30.00
Length of Program
One year
Credential Type
Post-Degree Diploma
Campus
New Westminster
Learning Format
Full-time
Part-time
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall
Winter
Summer

Overview

If you want a career as a professional communicator, the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication is for you. You’ll gain experience writing in a variety of genres, editing both print and online documents, designing and producing documents using industry-standard software, and working on projects in teams and individually. You'll also participate in a professional experience opportunity - either a job or a project - that requires a significant amount of writing.  

Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to work as a professional communicator in sectors including business, government, non-for-profit and publishing. Please note that you must have a bachelor's degree in order to take this program.

Flexible studies

This program is designed to meet the needs of both recent university graduates and working professionals. Classes take place online, in the evenings, and on Fridays so you can continue to work while you study.

Graduate job-ready with the Career Boost program 

Designed for post-degree students, the Career Boost program prepares you for part-time paid or volunteer positions that complement your studies. You’ll participate in career-building workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, career fairs, networking with employers, peer-led leadership meetings and more. Once you graduate, you’ll get the continued support, skills and knowledge you need to find a full-time job in your field.

 

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

  • General College Admission Requirements
  • Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada or an equivalent credential from an approved institution of a different country. Any applicant who earned their credential in a language other than English must meet the Douglas College English language proficiency requirement.
  • Applicants must also submit a letter of application and writing samples. In the letter, applicants must describe their prior educational and work experience as well as explain how completion of the diploma program will help them meet academic and/or career objectives. For the writing samples, applicants must select material (a combined total of 8–10 pages) that highlights their writing ability in at least three genres (for example, an academic essay, website copy, and a technical manual). Applicants should not include samples of collaborative writing; they may include excerpts from longer works. Electronic submission of the letter and writing samples (PDF format) is preferred.

 

Cost

Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more. 

For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements:

  • Successful completion of 30 credits
  • 50% (15 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
  • A minimum program GPA 2.00
  • Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 4 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.

Course Requirements:

Course Number Course Title Credits
Required courses:  
CMNS 3000 Communication Professions 3.00
CMNS 4000 Communication Practice & Portfolio 3.00
Select eight courses from the following fourteen options:
CMNS 3100 Language, Institutions and Power 3.00
CMNS 3102 Language Studies for Professional Communication 3.00
CMNS 3103 Research Report and Proposal Writing 3.00
CMNS 3200 Professional Editing 3.00
CMNS 3316 Conflict Resolution: Advanced Practices 3.00
CMNS 3400 Document Design 3.00
CMNS 3401 Visual Communication 3.00
CMNS 3500 Technical Communication 3.00
CMNS 3501 Writing and Developing Websites 3.00
CMNS 3502 Social Media & Reputation Management 3.00
CMNS 3600 Writing for Online and Print Magazines 3.00
CMNS 3700 Strategic Public Relations 3.00
CMNS 3800 Special Topics in Professional Communication 3.00
CMNS 3901 Directed Studies in Professional Communication 3.00
Total Credits   30.00

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

Testimonials

Student Quote

Launch a writing career

Grad Maansi Pandya kick started her UK journalism career with a post-degree diploma.

Career Pathways

Career opportunities include:

  • Media Relations Coordinator
  • Communications and Event Coordinator
  • Public Relations Agent
  • Communication Coordinator
  • Corporate Communicator
  • Information Officer
  • Writer
  • Editor
  • Journalist