The London School of Economics and Political Science
Strategic Communications in Society
Develop a comprehensive strategic communications strategy to influence change within your organisation.
Start date
19 February 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
4–6 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
“At LSE, we think strategic communication is never solely to do with organisations and their objectives; it’s also about their place in society as institutions that influence the distribution of resources and the construction of social hierarchies. They help to determine who or what matters to us, and who or what doesn’t.” – Charlie Beckett, Professor of Practice, LSE
“Strategic communication is an incredibly important area nowadays. It’s inherently part of the promotional culture we live in. We’re citizens, activists, consumers, and customers. And in any of those roles that we hold simultaneously, organisations of all kinds want to try and communicate with us; want to target us to help us understand why they’re important and why we should listen to them.” – Dr Lee Edwards, Course Convenor
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
In the landscape of today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, relying solely on traditional communication channels is no longer sufficient. To thrive in this environment, organisations need to redefine their communication strategies to establish authentic connections and build lasting relationships with their audiences.
This London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Strategic Communications in Society online certificate course provides a comprehensive overview of the role that strategic communications play in organisational and social change. The course delves into the power communications and communicators possess in effecting change while highlighting the ethical considerations inherent in these actions.
Over six weeks, you’ll gain the skills and insights needed to develop a more strategic approach to your communications practice and learn to help your organisation navigate an increasingly VUCA external environment. The course encourages you to reflect on the wider societal impact of your communications work and uncover ways to establish yourself as a unique, influential voice within your organisation who can effectively influence change.
Is this course for you?
This course caters to a wide range of professionals in communications, public relations, marketing, media, and advertising. It’s particularly beneficial for experienced leaders in these fields, providing them with the necessary tools to excel in strategic communications and public relations. It’s also valuable for mid- to senior-level media and communication professionals aspiring to leadership roles. The course provides general managers and business leaders with tools to navigate complex messaging and engage diverse stakeholders. Additionally, it benefits government communications professionals and spokespeople seeking to enhance their strategic communications skills in response to a public demand for transparency.
Course overview
Course overview
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
In the landscape of today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, relying solely on traditional communication channels is no longer sufficient. To thrive in this environment, organisations need to redefine their communication strategies to establish authentic connections and build lasting relationships with their audiences.
This London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Strategic Communications in Society online certificate course provides a comprehensive overview of the role that strategic communications play in organisational and social change. The course delves into the power communications and communicators possess in effecting change while highlighting the ethical considerations inherent in these actions.
Over six weeks, you’ll gain the skills and insights needed to develop a more strategic approach to your communications practice and learn to help your organisation navigate an increasingly VUCA external environment. The course encourages you to reflect on the wider societal impact of your communications work and uncover ways to establish yourself as a unique, influential voice within your organisation who can effectively influence change.
Is this course for you?
This course caters to a wide range of professionals in communications, public relations, marketing, media, and advertising. It’s particularly beneficial for experienced leaders in these fields, providing them with the necessary tools to excel in strategic communications and public relations. It’s also valuable for mid- to senior-level media and communication professionals aspiring to leadership roles. The course provides general managers and business leaders with tools to navigate complex messaging and engage diverse stakeholders. Additionally, it benefits government communications professionals and spokespeople seeking to enhance their strategic communications skills in response to a public demand for transparency.
What will set you apart
Insight into VUCA communications challenges and opportunities and their role in shaping meaning and driving change.
The ability to analyse the ethical issues related to strategic communications practices and the tools to address these dilemmas.
Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of working collaboratively with audiences and stakeholders.
A strategic communications strategy to lead impactful change in your business.
Unlimited access to edX's Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Strategic communications in uncertain times
Module 2
Understanding communications strategies
Module 3
Ethical challenges for strategic communications
Module 4
Relationships with audiences and stakeholders
Module 5
Narratives for strategic communications
Module 6
Communicating for change
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Course Convenors
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Professor Lee Edwards
Professor of Strategic Communications and Public Engagement; Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Media and Communications, LSE
About the certificate
Enhance your strategic communications capabilities and earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Payment options
You can pay online via our secure payment gateway, or make payment via electronic transfer or direct deposit. For transfers, banking details can be found on your invoice once you've completed your registration. Please get in touch with an Enrollment Adviser or contact us for more information.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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