Media & Communication

Diploma in Public Relations and Diplomacy

The Diploma in Public Relations and Diplomacy is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in public relations practice, diplomatic communication, international relations and corporate communication. Offered at Mount Kenya University, the programme prepares students for careers in public relations, diplomatic services, corporate communication and international affairs.

The curriculum covers public relations principles, media relations, diplomatic communication, international relations, protocol and etiquette, corporate communication, crisis communication, public affairs, political communication, negotiation and conflict resolution, speech writing, event management, research methods and industrial attachment. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical communication and diplomatic skills.

Kenya's growing role in regional diplomacy, international trade and global affairs creates demand for trained communication professionals who understand both public relations and diplomatic practice. The programme responds to the need for personnel who can manage corporate communication, support diplomatic engagement and navigate international relations in government, NGOs and multinational organisations.

The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, communication workshops, mock diplomatic exercises, media relations sessions, research projects, group discussions and industrial attachment. Students gain hands-on experience in public relations and diplomacy through supervised attachment in PR firms, government communication departments or international organisations.

Graduates pursue careers as public relations officers, corporate communication assistants, diplomatic affairs assistants, protocol officers and public affairs officers in government, NGOs, corporate organisations and international bodies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, International Relations or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in communication, international affairs and public engagement. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in public relations, diplomacy and corporate communication.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 67,189
Private, up to: Ksh 88,650
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Public Relations Principles and Media Relations
Diplomatic Communication and International Relations
Corporate Communication and Crisis Communication
Protocol, Etiquette and Public Affairs
Political Communication and Negotiation
Speech Writing and Event Management
Research Methods and PR Project
Industrial Attachment and PR Practice

Modules

8 in the programme

Public Relations Principles and Media Relations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers public relations principles, PR theory, media relations, press releases, media kits, press conferences, media monitoring and PR ethics.
Diplomatic Communication and International Relations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers diplomatic communication, diplomatic notes, international relations theory, foreign policy, international organisations and diplomatic protocol.
Corporate Communication and Crisis Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers corporate communication, internal communication, stakeholder communication, crisis communication, reputation management and issue management.
Protocol, Etiquette and Public Affairs
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers diplomatic protocol, protocol procedures, etiquette, public affairs, government relations, lobbying and public policy engagement.
Political Communication and Negotiation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers political communication, political campaigns, government communication, negotiation techniques, conflict resolution and diplomatic negotiation.
Speech Writing and Event Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers speech writing, presentation skills, event management, conference planning, ceremony coordination and diplomatic event protocol.
Research Methods and PR Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods, communication research, data analysis and a PR project on a relevant topic, assessed through a report and presentation.
Industrial Attachment and PR Practice
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised industrial attachment in a PR firm, government communication department or international organisation, assessed through an attachment report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Corporate Communication
Focuses on corporate communication and reputation management for careers as corporate communication assistants.
Diplomatic Affairs
Specialises in diplomatic communication and protocol for careers as protocol officers.
Public Affairs
Focuses on government relations and public policy engagement for careers as public affairs officers.
Crisis Communication
Specialises in crisis management and issue communication for careers in crisis communication roles.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on public relations principles or international relations, followed by a workshop on media relations or diplomatic communication. Afternoon sessions may include a mock press conference, a speech writing exercise, or preparation for industrial attachment. Students also work on PR campaigns and research assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme combines PR and diplomacy, providing versatile communication skills.
Graduates are eligible for PRSK membership and can pursue professional certifications.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations or International Relations.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
Diplomatic career paths typically require further study and competitive selection processes.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 106 media & communication courses

Public67k to 67k

67k at Public TVET colleges (standardized rate)67k at Public TVET colleges (standardized rate)

Private74k to 89k

74k at Mount Kenya University89k at Mount Kenya University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

TVET 67K/yr. MKU 74K-89K/yr (victormatara.com, edunotes.co.ke)

Students can access HELB loans. Mount Kenya University may offer internal bursaries and scholarships for diploma students.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in public relations, journalism, communication or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

English or Kiswahili
C

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering PR principles, diplomatic communication, corporate communication and protocol.
Coursework Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of press releases, speech drafts, communication plans and group presentations.
PR Project
Project40% of the mark
A PR or diplomatic communication project, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Industrial Attachment Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during industrial attachment in a PR firm, government communication department or international organisation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates are eligible for membership with the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates are eligible for membership with the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK).
Public Relations Society of Kenya
Professional
Graduates are eligible for membership with the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), the professional body for PR practitioners in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Public Relations Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages PR activities, writes press releases, coordinates media relations and supports corporate communication in organisations and PR firms.
Corporate Communication Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports corporate communication activities, manages internal communication, prepares communication materials and assists with stakeholder engagement.
Protocol Officer
Low demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 190,000
Manages protocol procedures, coordinates diplomatic events, handles VIP arrangements and supports official functions in government and international organisations.
Public Affairs Officer
Low demandKsh 34,000 to Ksh 175,000
Supports public affairs activities, monitors policy developments, assists with government relations and prepares policy briefs in organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as public relations officers, corporate communication assistants and protocol officers in government, NGOs, corporate organisations and international bodies.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Public relations is just about organising events.
Public relations encompasses strategic communication, media relations, crisis management, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement and diplomatic communication, far beyond event organisation.
Diplomacy is only for government diplomats.
Diplomatic skills are valuable in corporate communication, international business, NGOs and multinational organisations, not only in government foreign service.
A diploma in PR and diplomacy has limited career prospects.
Graduates can work in PR firms, corporate communication departments, government, NGOs and international organisations, and can progress to a bachelor's degree for career advancement.
PR and diplomacy are the same as journalism.
While related to media, PR and diplomacy focus on strategic communication, relationship management and international engagement, which is distinct from news reporting and journalism.