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Course Overview
The Advanced Diploma of Proficiency in Internal Communication is a Level 6 qualification for professionals ready to move beyond delivery and into aligned, outcome-focused communication and trusted advisor roles. Mapped to Level 2 of the IOIC Profession Map and assessed against the highest standards in the profession, it's a programme built around where you want to go.
You define your own professional development objectives and work towards them over nine months of part-time, online study. You'll also collaborate with fellow students on a piece of original research into a current internal communication topic, bringing fresh thinking back to your organisation.
What the programme gives you
Your development, your direction
Define, implement and achieve your own professional development objectives across the programme.
The highest professional standard
Assessed against Level 2 of the IOIC Profession Map, with a dual award from Solent University and IOIC.
Collaborative research
Work with fellow students to produce original thinking on a topical internal communication issue.
Bonus AI qualification
Earn a free Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence alongside your Diploma.
Who it's for
Designed for internal communication professionals with practical experience and responsibilities beyond day-to-day delivery. Particularly suited to those in, or moving towards, a managerial or business partner role who want to formalise their expertise, deepen their strategic thinking and take a clear next step in their career.
Programme and Delivery
The programme
At the start of the programme students will complete a self-assessment of their existing knowledge and skills using the Level Two of the IOIC Profession Map as a guide. Using this assessment, and with the support of the course facilitator, students will develop a personal professional development plan which they will work towards throughout the programme.
This personalised approach to the Advanced Diploma programme allows for the development of knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to each student's current role and organisation.
Advanced Diploma students are also assessed via the completion of a collaborative group project which sees the cohort produce a joint report with other students on a topical IC challenge set by the Institute.
Teaching on the Diploma centres around supporting students to develop and manage their IC practice with workshops on the following topics:
- Taking an outcomes-focused approach to internal communication planning
- Understanding and working with stakeholders
- Employee groups and audience mapping
- Using data to generate insight and measure impact and value.
Students will also be provided with a workshop on Academic Writing.
Assessment
Students undertake two assessments on the Diploma.
Throughout the course students will work on a professional portfolio to demonstrate their learning and development, underpinned by a critical narrative based on theory and best practice. To create their portfolio, Advanced Diploma students are tasked with setting their own objectives, putting together a personal development plan based on their requirements and skills/knowledge gaps which they work towards achieving with the support of a dedicated facilitator.
Students will also undertake a collaborative group project, producing a joint report on a topical question related to internal communication practice set by the IoIC. This assessment is an opportunity for students to research a genuine communication issue over the course of the diploma with guidance from the course Facilitator. This collaboration provides students with the opportunity to share learning, build long-lasting professional relationships, and work together on a practical, relevant, and valuable project.
The course is an academic qualification; therefore 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.
Delivery
The course is fully online and requires on average around 8-10 hours study time per week.
Formal sessions on the course include a half-day induction, a half-day workshop on academic writing, 4 half-day workshops delivered by experts, follow-up sessions and webinars. Please note: all formal sessions take place during the working day.
Students will also have 121s with the Course Facilitator, group calls for their collaborative project, and will be required to undertake significant independent reading, study and assignment writing.
There will also be a number of optional drop-in sessions throughout the course.
Why study this course?
What will you gain from this qualification?
The Advanced Diploma is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence required of an internal communication professional who is in, or is looking to move into, a business partner or managerial position. Gaining a qualification via the IOIC and Solent University demonstrates not only professional capability, but dedication to your career development.
By completing the Advanced Diploma, students will:
- be equipped to plan, manage and deliver internal communication of the high standard, as per the expectations of a practitioner at Level Two of the IOIC Profession Map
- integrate theory with their professional practice and use it to underpin decision making
- establish a practice of reflective thinking and an enhanced ability to think critically and articulate ideas clearly
- learn how to use academic writing techniques, research and evidence-based practice when working with stakeholders and decision-makers
- advance their internal communication knowledge and skills relevant to their personal circumstances and objectives
- take a pro-active, tailored approach to professional development and continuous learning, informed by the framework of the IoIC profession map
Other benefits of this course include:
- Receive a dual award from Solent University and the IOIC
- Eligibility for IOIC Member Designation (MIIC) upon completion
- Learn from a highly experienced and passionate teaching team of internal communication experts
- Outstanding support from a dedicated and experienced Facilitator who provides one-to-one support and guidance
- Build a network of internal communication professionals, sharing learning and providing support during your studies and beyond
- Enrolment with Solent University and access to their library, resources and services, including wellbeing
- The opportunity to learn foundation in AI knowledge and practical skills and gain a certification in AI via Solent University
- Access to IOIC's dedicated online learning environment where you will engage in discussions and other activities with your fellow students
- A full year of IOIC CPD (40 Points).
Course Team
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.
Entry Requirements and Application Process
Entry Criteria
Advanced Diploma students should be experienced in the delivery of best practice internal communication as per Level One of the IoIC Profession Map, and may be working in, or towards, a managerial role, or a Business Partner role.
The Advanced Diploma is mapped to Level Two of the professional map, with students using the map at this level as a guide throughout their studies.
The programme is best suited for professionals who:
- have mastered the basics of internal communication and are looking to progress their career through the development of a broader range of planning, research and internal communication management skills
- OR have gained considerable internal communication experience and are now looking to underpin their work with best practice theory and gain a recognised qualification
- are keen to demonstrate their commitment to their professional development and take the next step in their IC career.
Additional Requirements
Advanced Diploma students must be members of IoIC. If you are joining the IoIC 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.
The Advanced Diploma is delivered and assessed in English. Applicants for whom English is not their first language may be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency via a certificate from an undergraduate degree taught in English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or a similar equivalent alternative.
Application Process
The application process consists of an application form followed by an interview with the Diploma Facilitator and IoIC Professional Development Manager.
As part of the interview process, candidates will be required to prepare a short presentation.
Key information
How much does the course cost?
The fee to study for the Advanced Diploma is £3,350 + VAT.
If you are not already a member of the IoIC, student membership will be added to your fees at a cost of £32 + VAT.
The course fees include enrolment with Solent University and access to their library and services, assessment and certification.
Flexible, interest-free payment plans are available upon request and subject to terms and conditions.
How long is the course?
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 on 7th September 2026.
How is the course delivered?
The course 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 the IoIC 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).
Ready to Apply?
The next cohort will be starting in September 2026 and will run until May 2027.
If you are interested in applying for this cohort, please use the contact form below to request an application form.
Prefer to talk it through first? Email [email protected].