How long is the Certificate in Political Communication?

The Certificate in Political Communication runs for 3 to 6 months across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes. All three modes complete the Certificate in Political Communication on the same seminar rhythm.

How is the Certificate in Political Communication delivered?

The Certificate in Political Communication is delivered on-campus in central London, online and by distance learning. The Certificate in Political Communication uses shared case-room seminars.

Is the Certificate in Political Communication UK-recognised?

Yes, the Certificate in Political Communication is a UK Level 3 introductory credential aligned with CIPR guidance and progresses cleanly into the LSLPE Diploma in Political Communication.

What are the entry requirements for the Certificate in Political Communication?

The Certificate in Political Communication asks for GCSE English at grade 4/C or open access for mature applicants at review. IELTS 5.5 applies to non-native speakers of the Certificate in Political Communication.

How much does the Certificate in Political Communication cost?

Fees for the Certificate in Political Communication are on the LSLPE fees page, with staged payment plans and employer sponsorship documentation available. Funding letters for the Certificate in Political Communication are issued on request.

Certificate in Political Communication | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in Political Communication at LSLPE is a UK Level 3 introductory qualification running 3 to 6 months on-campus, online and by distance learning. The programme is aligned with Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Political Studies Association reference frames and provides new entrants, career changers and international applicants with a grounded first pass at the craft of political messaging in a UK context.

By graduation you will have drafted press releases, planned a short political-communication campaign, produced ministerial-style lines to take and completed a short reflective piece on the ethics of political communication. The Certificate is designed as a first-entry credential and as a clean progression route into LSLPE's Diploma in Political Communication.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Chartered Institute of Public Relations guidance for the political-communication specialism.
Case sequences drawn from UK election cycles, Parliamentary debates and select-committee coverage.
Writing workshops on press releases, briefing notes and lines to take.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
Structured progression into the LSLPE Diploma in Political Communication.
Weekly seminars in the case-room tradition.

What You Will Learn

The vocabulary of UK political communication and public affairs.
How Westminster and Whitehall message decisions to public audiences.
Drafting press releases, statements and lines to take.
Media relations for political and campaigning organisations.
Introductory analysis of political speeches and manifestos.
Campaign-planning fundamentals.
Ethical constraints on political communication.
Reading political coverage in mainstream and specialist media.

Who This Course Is For

New entrants to public affairs, political staffing and press officer roles.
Career changers moving into political communication from journalism or marketing.
Volunteers and campaigners seeking a structured first credential.
International applicants preparing for UK-facing political comms roles.
Mature applicants exploring political communication as a second career.

Career Pathways

Political Communications Officer
Public Affairs Officer
Political Analyst (entry level)
Parliamentary Researcher (support tier)
Campaign Assistant
Government Relations Assistant
Media Officer for a political organisation
Communications Assistant in a think tank

The LSLPE careers service runs at least one careers day each academic year for Certificate in Political Communication students, opening doors in Parliament, think tanks and campaigning bodies.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
No prior study of political communication required — the Certificate is a first-entry route.
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers, or equivalent.
A short personal statement of 250 words describing your interest in political communication.
International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance for the Certificate in Political Communication.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE reads political communication alongside law and economics because messaging is drafted by lawyers, argued by politicians and constrained by evidence — never in isolation. Central London places Parliament, Whitehall, Chatham House and the major campaigning organisations a short tube ride from every classroom.

Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Certificate in Political Communication without leaving employment, with named programme-tutor support and rolling intakes.

Apply for Certificate in Political Communication

Applications for the Certificate in Political Communication open on rolling intakes and admissions responds within one working day. Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE. Early applications receive the widest choice of tutors and elective modules. Enrol Now