Advanced Diploma in Political Communication
Course Overview
The Advanced Diploma in Political Communication is a UK Level 5 senior-track qualification running 12 to 15 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. The programme carries credit transfer into UK Bachelor's top-up routes and is aligned with Political Studies Association thematic guidance, Chartered Institute of Public Relations professional standards and Institute for Government reform frameworks.
By graduation you will have produced a full campaign communications plan, drafted ministerial press briefings, delivered a mock lobby press call, and completed a capstone campaign case study on a live political communication challenge.
Key Features
- Programme aligned with Political Studies Association guidance and CIPR professional standards.
- Structured credit transfer into UK Bachelor's top-up routes.
- Case-based teaching from live UK election, referendum and legislative campaigns.
- Weekly seminars in the select-committee tradition with named tutor supervision.
- Live media laboratory with mock lobby press call and studio interview simulation.
- Guest sessions with practising political communications directors.
- Dedicated stream on digital campaigns and micro-targeting ethics.
What You Will Learn
- Design political communications strategies mapped to campaign or governing timelines.
- Draft ministerial press briefings and lobby responses.
- Handle media interviews under the doorstep, sofa and hostile-set formats.
- Design digital campaigns compliant with Electoral Commission guidance.
- Analyse focus group and polling data for message testing.
- Manage political crisis communications and reputation defence.
- Handle ethics under the CIPR Code and Electoral Commission expectations.
- Communicate campaign findings to political leadership and boards.
Who This Course Is For
- Working political communications officers seeking a Level 5 credential.
- Council press officers moving into strategic communications roles.
- NGO campaigners building formal senior evidence.
- Consultancy communications managers moving into political practice.
- Graduates from Diploma routes progressing to Bachelor's top-up.
Career Pathways
- Political Communications Officer at senior level in a party or council press office.
- Public Affairs Consultant leading political-communication mandates.
- Public Affairs Officer at a trade association or regulated business.
- Government Relations Manager on political-communication briefs.
- Political Consultant on campaign advertising.
- Government Affairs Manager at a Chartered Institute of Public Relations-regulated function.
- Political Analyst supporting communications strategy.
- Election Analyst at a broadcaster or polling agency.
The LSLPE careers service links Advanced Diploma cohorts to political communications recruiters, party press offices and public affairs consultancies.
Entry Requirements
- A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Foundation Year, or at least two years of relevant professional experience in political communications, journalism or campaigning.
- GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
- IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
- One academic or professional reference.
- Applicants with campaign, press release or communications portfolios are encouraged to include them.
Why Study at LSLPE
The London School of Law, Politics and Economics is a specialist division of Harold International College of London teaching in small, tutor-visible cohorts. Westminster, Whitehall press offices, party HQ locations, the CIPR office and the London political-media ecosystem all sit within a short tube ride of every LSLPE seminar room.
Three parallel study modes let progressors, working press officers and international applicants complete the Advanced Diploma in Political Communication without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service maintains standing links with political communications recruiters.
Apply for Advanced Diploma in Political Communication
Enrol on the UK Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Political Communication at LSLPE. Credit transfer into Bachelor's top-ups is confirmed in writing at enrolment. Enrol Now.
