Course Info

In this section, more details about: 

  1. The course
  2. Illustration: 2025 schedule and beyond
  3. Who should apply
  4. Illustration: applications process - how it works (2025)
  5. How to get help. 

And for more background, you can: : 

Important notes:  

  • Cohorts 1-9 have seen 160 graduates (2015-2021)
  • 2025 Cohort 10 is now underway and will graduate (provisionally) in January 2026
  • Updates:  to ensure that you receive updates as they are issued please set your email safe domains to include @chcr.org.uk AND @elearning.chcr.org.uk  In some organisations, where there are special Administrator provisions, you may need to request this from your IT function.  



1. THE COURSE

The course was designed and developed by the senior CHCR team and is taught in four intensive residential weeks at the University’s Missenden Abbey conference centre.. There are regular appearances by senior guest lecturers/speakers from both the NHS and the wider public and commercial sectors.

The course inverts the conventional process which begins with external communications (e.g. media). It recognises, instead, that at the highest levels in health and social care, effective communications is always founded at the interpersonal level.  The PgCert-HCCE comprises three modules: Health communications leadership foundations , health communications and health engagement and consultation.

The three modules (each 20 credits) add up to 60 credits to achieve Level 7 postgraduate certificate status and the post-nomial letters (PgCert-HCCE).  In addition, you can carry forward these credits to achieve the CIPR Diploma (CHCR is an Accredited CIPR Teaching Centre) or as the foundation for a full Master's Degree.   CHCR has established pathways to e.g. the MSc in Strategic Communications at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. 

2. ILLUSTRATION: Schedule 2025



BEYOND 2025:  there are as yet (February 2025) no confirmed dates for Cohort 11 on beyond.   If you register your interest on this site, we will log you to the 'Future Courses Folder' and you will receive regular updates as and when information becomes available. 


3.  Who Should Apply? 

The PgCert-HCCE is designed as a strongly practical course, underpinned by academic rigour and accreditation. Its formal validated University profile for qualifying candidates is: 

  • (NHS) Grade 7 or above
  • 2:1 or higher University degree
  • Studied a relevant first degree subject. (e.g. communications, PR, marketing, journalism, psychology etc.).
In addition, any candidate accepted must be in permanent  employment.

BUT:  we recognise  absolutely that some strong candidates may possess an alternative profile.  For example: (i) a foundation of equivalent practical experience; and/or (ii) a range of alternative executive and professional qualifications.  So: we consider each submission flexibly in this light and 'alternative' candidates have secured places on previous cohorts.   So don't be deterred if you don't -  in one way or another -  meet the profile. 

Additionally please remember that achieving the academic threshold is necessary but not sufficient. You will need secure funding and take part in a final interview.

** EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION **

The principles of equality, diversity and inclusion sit at the heart of everything we do. The Communications Development Programme is committed to developing leaders that are representative of our workforce and the communities we serve.  ‘We know that diversity and inclusion lead to improved health and greater staff and patient experiences of the NHS; and we welcome the challenge of enabling staff from all backgrounds to develop and excel in their roles’ (NHS Leadership Academy)

We encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communications professionals. 

We encourage applications from communications professionals with disabilities. 

We encourage applications from all gender and sexuality groups.

4.   ILLUSTRATION: Applications Process 2025-26

Here's how it worked for 2025 Cohort 10:

  • Stage 1 -  covers Confirmation of  Registration and your Profile.  This commits you to absolutely nothing.  You can, for example, opt to log to a Future Courses folder which will provide details of Cohort 10 and later. 
  • Stage 2 - addresses your organisation's support for your application AND  academic pre-qualification.  Pass that and you move to...
  • Stage 3 - an interview with our tutors
  • Stage 4 - Successful? Placement offer is sent to you.

Thinking about applying in future?  Complete your registration and profile.  Once accepted, you will receive a confirmation email.  Then:

(i) scroll down to Courses and Activities Available below

(ii) locate ' Future  Courses' (Info)

(iii) click and enter..There you'll find more info about the course, application process etc.  We will update you regularly..  For guidance PgCert-HC Cohorts 011 and 012 are scheduled provisionally for late 2025 / early 2026

5.  How To Get Help

If you need help at any stage, don't hesitate to ask:  

  • For an informal chat (or to book a discussion with CHCR's Director or Deputy Director), please contact CHCR's course manager (liz.clark@chcr.org.uk)
  • If you're having IT hassle, please email our IT manager, Chris Finney (chris.finney@1choice.co.uk) 


Last modified: Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 3:40 PM