Interpersonal Communication Skills (Certificate of Higher Education) (Certificate /

Diploma), 2007/2008 entry (part-time study)

Aims

Effective communication influences what others think of us and how we perceive

ourselves. Being able to communicate well can improve our prospects at work and our
career development, as well as helping with personal relationships. In an increasingly
globalised world, the significance of successful communication is central. This award
offers you a structured and integrated approach to the theory and application of
communication skills.

This programme is relevant to a wide range of students and occupations. Previous

students have worked in the health, education, management, counselling and welfare
sectors.

Pattern of study

Complete the following four areas of study:

• Term 1: Theory and Practice of Communication

• Term 2: Self and Others
• Term 3: Applied Communication
• Term 4: Advanced Study of Selected Areas of Communication.

Full details of modules for this programme.

Teaching

Lectures, large and small group work, role play, case studies and oral presentations.

Assessment

100 per cent coursework.

Further study

Students awarded the Certificate of Higher Education may be interested in applying for
admission to Birkbeck's BSc Psychology degree.

Credits from this award may be counted towards the BSc Social Sciences.
Interpersonal Communication Skills (Certificate of Higher Education)

Term 1: Theory and Practice of Communication

You will focus on communication models and processes and on developing core skills,
including: models and styles of communication; language and non-verbal channels; the
cultural context; difference and diversity – power and race issues; perception and person
perception, impression formation and attribution theory; core skill development –
listening, questioning, paraphrasing and feedback, writing and presentation skills.

Term 2: Self and Others

You will develop the basic principles learnt in Term 1 by focusing on: the role of the self,
self-image, self-presentation, self-disclosure and self-esteem; relationships – attraction
and liking, relationship formation and development; group processes and group
dynamics; skills, including negotiating, assertiveness and self-management.

Term 3: Applied Communication

The module focuses on vocational and other applications of communication principles,
such as models of counselling, organisational contexts, and communication in the
workplace (including conflict resolution, interviewing, managing meetings).

Term 4: Advanced Study of Selected Areas of Communication

This module allows you to choose the focus of your study and builds on principles
covered in the first three terms, with opportunity to deepen and broaden both practical
and theoretical aspects of communication study. Study will include areas of advanced
application, such as emotional intelligence, coaching, mediation, advanced presentation
skills, persuasive communication, influencing skills and leadership.