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 short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 67,189 a year at a public institution, Ksh 134,378 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 88,650 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmePublic 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme combines PR and diplomacy, providing versatile communication skills. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options. |
| Graduates are eligible for PRSK membership and can pursue professional certifications. | Diplomatic career paths typically require further study and competitive selection processes. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations or International Relations. | — |
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 coursesAnnual 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 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Certificate in public relations, journalism, communication or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding Mount Kenya University.
Including Mount Kenya University.
Including Mount Kenya University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous 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
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 rolesPublic 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.