What changes when you finish.
You set the direction
You define your own development objectives at the start and work towards them across the programme, so the learning lands where you need it rather than where a syllabus decides.
Your practice rests on theory
You will integrate theory with what you already do and use it to underpin the decisions you make.
You advise leaders with evidence
You finish able to advise senior people using evidence-based practice rather than instinct.
You gain professional designation
Completing the Advanced Diploma gives you IOIC Member designation, MIIC, alongside your dual award from Solent University and IOIC.
The network you build here is different.
Most of it comes from the collaborative project. You spend months researching a live internal communication question with a small group of experienced practitioners and producing a joint report together. You work with your cohort rather than alongside them, so you finish with people who know your work in detail, not just your name.
BY THE END YOU WILL BE EQUIPPED TO
- Deliver outcome-focused, strategically aligned communication
- Integrate theory with your professional practice and use it to underpin decision making
- Carry out research into a current internal communication question and turn the findings into practical recommendations
- Advise leaders using evidence-based practice
- Think critically and reflectively at an advanced level
- Move your career forward with confidence
WORKSHOPS COVER
- Taking an outcomes-focused approach to internal communication
- Understanding and working with stakeholders
- Employee groups and audience mapping
- Organisational culture
- Using data to generate insight, and to measure impact and value
There are also mini-workshops through the year, shaped around what each cohort needs. Past topics have included influence, strategy and survey question setting. You get a workshop on academic writing and study skills at the start.
Studying again after a break.
Many students have not studied formally at this level, or have not studied for some years. The programme starts with a half-day academic writing and study skills workshop for exactly that reason. You also have one to one sessions with the Course Facilitator throughout, and access to Solent University's learning support and wellbeing services. Assignments need research, critical analysis and referencing, and guidance and resources are provided for all of it.
How it works.
Fully online. The programme runs once a year and can be studied from anywhere in the world. Formal sessions include a half-day induction, a half-day academic writing workshop, four half-day expert workshops, follow-up sessions, mini-workshops and webinars. Formal sessions take place during the working day.
One to one support. You have individual sessions with the Course Facilitator throughout, plus group calls with your collaborative project team and optional drop-ins that bring the cohort together.
Assessment is coursework, not exams. Two pieces. The professional portfolio demonstrates your learning and development, underpinned by a critical narrative grounded in theory and best practice. The collaborative project report sets out the research your group has carried out and the recommendations that come from it.
Plan for the study time. Around eight to ten hours a week on average, including independent reading, research and assignment writing. Assignments need research, critical analysis and referencing, and guidance is provided.
Who can apply and how.
You should be experienced in delivering internal communication. Most students are working in, or towards, a management or business partner role.
01.
You have mastered the basics and want to progress through broader strategic, research and management skills.
02.
You have considerable experience and want to underpin it with best practice theory and a recognised qualification.
03.
You want to show your commitment to your own development and take a clear next step in your career.
How applying works. Submit an application form, then an interview with the Diploma Facilitator and the IOIC Professional Development Manager. You will be asked to prepare a short presentation for the interview.
Membership. Advanced Diploma students need to be IOIC members. If you are not yet a member, the student rate is £32 + VAT.
If English is not your first language. You can show proficiency with a certificate from an undergraduate degree taught in English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or a similar alternative.
Fees and funding.
£3,350 + VAT
The full programme. Interest-free payment plans available. Student membership added at £32 + VAT if you are not already a member
Asking your employer to fund it? We will help you build the business case. Email [email protected] and tell us what your organisation needs to see.
What the fee covers
- Enrolment with Solent University, and access to their library, study and support services
- Assessment and certificate
- A dual award from Solent University and IOIC
- Free access to a Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence from Solent University
- Access to IOIC resources, support and community, and our online learning environment
- A full year of IOIC CPD, 40 points
Who teaches it.
Chris Coburn
With more than 17 years of experience in Internal Communications, Chris has built a career on transforming how businesses engage with their teams. He spent the first decade of his journey at the John Lewis Partnership, where he honed his expertise in strategic communication, employee experience, and change management.
In 2019, Chris earned a Master’s in Internal Communication Management from the IoIC and Solent University, graduating with Distinction. Passionate about the success of the IoIC, he became a mentor for future Master's students, served as a Director on the IoIC Board, and contributed to pivotal projects like developing the IoIC’s strategy guide.
Today, Chris runs his own successful communications consultancy, where he helps small and medium-sized businesses elevate their employee experience and communication strategies.
Domna Lazidou
Domna has a background as a practitioner and academic and is an expert in culture, communication and leadership in complex, multicultural organisations. Domna combines consultancy with teaching on the Advanced Diploma, leading a module for the MA Internal Communication and teaching intercultural communication for business and the professions at Warwick University.
Domna has designed and runs several executive training programmes on global leadership and diverse teams for Oxford Business School as well as a popular training course on Communicating Culture Change for the IoIC. She is the co-author of “Global Fitness for Global People: How to manage and leverage cultural diversity at work”.
Domna delivers two half-day workshops on the Advanced Diploma:
- Understanding and working with stakeholders
- Employee groups and audience mapping.
Jo Hall
Jo Hall is an Internal Communication Consultant and a Coach for communication professionals.
With over 20 years of experience in employee communications, global leadership and project management and a passion for creating environments where people thrive and find fulfilment at work, she combines all these ingredients to create workshops, programmes and learning experiences that are practical, insightful, supportive and inclusive. Jo also holds an MA in Internal Communication Management and is an active IOIC Fellow, Trainer, Awards Judge & Diploma Assessor.
Ready to take the next step?
Applications are open for the cohort starting in September 2027. Request a form and we will be in touch.
Prefer to talk it through first? Email [email protected]
Frequently asked questions.
How long is it?
The Advanced Diploma takes 9 months to complete.
When does the course start?
The course runs once a year. The next cohort of the Advanced Diploma will start in September 2027.
How is the qualification delivered?
The qualification is delivered entirely online and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. There will be a combination of workshops; webinars; online materials; independent study and reading; collaborative group work; assignment writing; and optional group drop-in sessions. Students are also supported via direct tutor interactions and 1on1 sessions throughout the course.
How are students assessed?
Students are assessed via two pieces of coursework: a professional portfolio and a collaborative group project.
How easy is it to combine the Advanced Diploma with full-time employment?
The Advanced Diploma has been designed to be completed virtually, anywhere in the world, alongside full-time work and offers significant opportunities for students to apply their learning to their work. Please note: formal sessions take place during the working day.
What is the time commitment for the course?
The course is a Level 6 qualification therefore it requires a significant time commitment for the duration of the course.
The course requires on average around 8-10 hours study time per week, including independent and self-directed research, study and learning.
Will I need to write academically on the course?
Yes, students are required to write academic assignments supported by research, critical analysis and referencing. They will be provided with guidance and resources to support them with their assignment writing.
IOIC Membership
Advanced Diploma students must be members of IOIC. If you are joining as a member in order to enrol on the Advanced Diploma, you will be eligible for the student rate of membership at a cost of £32 + VAT and will have access to all of the usual benefits of membership (please note that student members will not receive hard copies of Voice magazine).