The government communication diploma program focuses on the mechanisms of internal and external communication in a bureaucratic and political environment. Teaching and research issues in this field can include topics such as communication challenges related to a multicultural and diverse public service; risk and crisis communications; the use of communication and information technologies in knowledge management and transfer; organizational networks and communication flow; the ways in which employee communication, employee satisfaction, and employee effectiveness are interrelated; strategic planning; group and interpersonal interactions; media relations; branding; and ethical and practical issues faced by professional communicators who are sometimes asked to perform functions of a political nature. Governments studied may function at the local, regional, national or international levels.

The graduate diploma program is intended to meet the needs of qualified students who plan to apply the concepts learned in a practical context. The knowledge acquired in the program will facilitate their effective functioning in government and give them additional tools to advance in their careers.

The diploma courses are offered in both official languages, English and French. The diploma is bilingual in that it includes a requirement to take three courses in one language and two in the other.

The diploma operates within the framework of the master’s in communication program and both are governed by the general regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) which are available on the Website at the following link: www.grad.uottawa.ca

The professors included in the list below are members of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This means that they are authorized to supervise or co-supervise theses. A complete list of the faculty and staff members associated with the program can be found at http://www.communication.uottawa.ca/eng/

Admission

The requirements for admission to the graduate diploma program in government communication are as follows:

• an honours bachelor’s degree with a specialization or major or equivalent in Communication or a related discipline;
  or
  an honours bachelor’s degree with a specialization or major in another discipline, with a minor in Communication and two or more years of relevant experience;
  or
  an honours bachelor’s degree with a specialization or major in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience;


• a minimum overall average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with FGPS guidelines;


• ability to understand, speak and write proficiently both French and English. Proof of this ability may be required.

Candidates must indicate in their application the language in which they intend to take the majority of their courses.

A maximum of three credits in equivalencies or advanced standing may be granted. To be eligible, the credits in question must not have counted towards the requirements of a previous diploma or degree. Candidates who have already successfully completed some of the compulsory credits may be allowed to replace those credits with elective credits. For details, consult section B.2.7. of the General Regulations of the FGPS.

Transfer from Graduate Diploma to Master’s

Students registered in the graduate diploma program can request to transfer to the MA in communication or the Master of Communication in accordance with section A.7.1 of the General Regulations of the FGPS.

Deadline

To find the application deadline, please check the “program-specific requirements” under “Application Procedures and Information” at the following address: www.grad.uottawa.ca/apply

Duration of program

Minimum Standards

Academic Unit Coordinates