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Strategic Communications & Digital Marketing Diploma
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Prepare for a dynamic career as a skilled communicator and digital strategist in both corporate and non-profit sectors. This program offers a strong foundation in strategic communication and public relations while integrating specialized training in digital marketing and social media management.
With a focus on best practices and emerging industry trends, students gain the tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving communications landscape, tackle complex challenges, and lead impactful campaigns. The program emphasizes the development of effective strategies for digital platforms, equipping graduates with the skills to build engagement, manage reputations, and drive business success through integrated communication and marketing efforts.
Graduates are uniquely positioned to excel in a wide range of industries, blending the art of communication with the science of digital marketing.
Domestic
Hybrid
Tuition & Fees
$10,900 Tuition cost includes the $100.00 UWSA Fee. Costs are tentative.
$2,500-$3,000: Textbook costs may vary depending on new, rental, used, or electronic purchasing choices.
For more information regarding tuition & fees and payment options, click here.
Duration
12 months in duration, Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm.
Two breaks of one week throughout the program and two weeks off for winter break.
Hybrid Program
This program follows a blended learning model, combining in-class sessions, live online instruction, and scheduled online coursework to create a dynamic and adaptable educational experience.
Courses are carefully structured to balance in-person interaction with the convenience of online learning. Live online sessions allow students to engage with instructors and classmates in real-time, while scheduled online coursework provides flexibility in when they complete assignments within set deadlines. The number and format of online courses may vary based on program needs and scheduling.
This multi-modal approach ensures that students stay connected with their peers and instructors while developing essential workplace skills such as digital collaboration, adaptability, accountability, and effective communication. While students must follow the program’s set schedule, this blended format allows them to engage with learning in different ways, whether attending classes on campus, participating in live online discussions, or completing coursework independently.
Objectives & Outcomes
The Strategic Communications & Digital Marketing Diploma prepares graduates to excel in the ever-changing fields of communications and digital marketing by equipping them with advanced skills in strategic planning, digital engagement, and public relations. This program emphasizes the integration of traditional and digital approaches to communication, empowering graduates to lead effective campaigns, build brand awareness, and foster meaningful relationships with stakeholders across various platforms and industries.
Outcomes
- Strategic Analysis and Influence: Identify, analyze, and align organizational objectives with communication strategies, while effectively engaging key interest groups and stakeholders.
- Advising Leadership: Guide management on critical business, communications, and policy decisions through strategic insights and data-driven recommendations.
- Public Relations Strategy Development: Create public relations strategies that build awareness, shape favorable perceptions, promote products and services, and set measurable objectives to evaluate effectiveness.
- Relationship Building and Collaboration: Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, public interest groups, clients, and the media to enhance communication efforts and support organizational goals.
- Media Relations Expertise: Design and implement media relations strategies to enhance visibility, credibility, and community engagement.
- Market Analysis and Innovation: Analyze consumer behavior, employ marketing tools and research methodologies to assess market trends, and develop innovative products and services to increase market share.
- Mastery of Communication Tools: Create professional communication materials, including press kits, news releases, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, and personality profiles, tailored to diverse audiences.
- Crisis and Change Management: Plan and lead crisis communication efforts and effectively manage organizational change to protect reputation and maintain stakeholder trust.
- Promotional Publication Development: Coordinate and produce content for internal and external promotional materials, overseeing the planning, editing, and distribution of high-quality publications.
- Digital Integration and Adaptation: Gain expertise in adapting traditional communication materials for digital platforms and leveraging digital technologies to enhance public relations and marketing strategies.
- Financial and Budgeting Skills: Exercise sound financial decision-making and budgeting skills to ensure the efficient allocation of resources across communication and marketing initiatives.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Be a high school graduate or hold a Mature Status Diploma.
- MUST provide High School Transcript or recognized equivalent GED or Mature Grade 12 Diploma.
OR
- Be 18 years of age or older and have completed 90 hours of coursework or more at a recognized post-secondary institution (including UWPACE) with minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- MUST provide an official transcript for all previous post-secondary study (including university, CEGEP, or private college).
Work Experience
Public Relations and Strategic Communication Diploma applicants should have a minimum of one year of professional work experience. Preference may be given to applicants with work experience related to communications and/or marketing.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose previous education was completed outside of Canada and where English may or may not have been the medium of instruction, must submit proof of meeting one of the accepted English language proficiency measures.
Download the UWPACE English Language Requirements (PDF) for additional English proficiency tests and programs and waiver options for the English language requirement.
International Students
Please visit our detailed Admission Requirements for international students.
Download the UWPACE English Language Requirements (PDF) for additional English proficiency tests and programs and waiver options for the English language requirement.
The University reserves the right to request English language proficiency testing result documentation for any applicant whose education was completed outside of Canada.
Accreditation
Courses & Descriptions
Student Life
Find more information on student life at PACE here.
Career Opportunities
Certifications
Academic Credentials
Upon successful completion of the full-time program, you will be eligible for the following academic credentials:
- Strategic Communications & Digital Marketing Diploma
- Digital and Social Media Marketing Certificate
Tech Requirements
Students must have a laptop that meets the following requirements for their program (not included in tuition).
⚠️ Tablets are not recommended for use in any program. Some required software may not be fully compatible with tablets, particularly Android devices. Students should ensure they have access to a laptop that meets the specifications below.
PC hardware
- OS: Windows 11 (64 Bit) Pro or Home version (Windows 10 would be accepted).
Note: Windows should be up to date (e.g. 23-24H2) - Processor: 12th Gen Intel core i5+
- Graphics: A strong graphics card is recommended for IT and programs that require multimedia design (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce technology); for other programs, an Intel graphics card (e.g., Intel Iris Xe Graphics) is recommended.
- Memory (RAM): 16+ GB, DDR4+.
- Hard Drive: 500+ GB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD.
- Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 5-6 AX201, 2x2, 802.11ax, Bluetooth wireless card, HDMI, USB type A and Type C.
- Should include an HD (720P+) webcam for Zoom classes.
Apple hardware
- MacOS: Ventura or later
- Processor: Apple’s M1, M2 or M3 chip with at least 8 Core CPU.
- Graphics: 10 core GPU.
- Memory (RAM): 16+ GB.
- Hard Drive: 500+ GB, SSD.
- Should include FaceTime HD (720P+) webcam for zoom classes.
- Software to run Virtualization for Microsoft Windows:
- Parallels Desktop or Virtual box
Additional Comments
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Internships
This Programs include an internship opportunity. The internship will help you develop a working portfolio and gain tangible work experience.
Learn more about Internships here.
Industry Memberships
Admittance into the program includes membership in the International Association of Business Communicators and the Canadian Public Relations Society and the Canadian Agri-food Marketing Alliance.