Promote trust, clarity, and understanding in your professional context with effective interpersonal communication.
6 weeks, excluding
orientation
8–10 hours per week,
self-paced learning online
Weekly modules,
flexible learning
1
A personalised communication guidebook to help you communicate clearly in both everyday and unpredictable situations.
2
Interpersonal and persuasive communication skills to confidently lead and influence others towards successful outcomes.
3
An effective communication plan to manage your own or your organisation's reputation during times of crisis or extreme change.
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:
MODULE 1
The Current Communications Landscape
Gain insight into the digital, social, and political factors influencing communication in a fast-paced world.
MODULE 2
Critical Thinking in Communication
Explore the benefits of systematic communication in communicating your message and avoiding disagreement.
MODULE 3
Persuade Effectively Using Rhetoric and Storytelling
Explore the function of persuasive communication in cultivating influence.
MODULE 4
Communicating With Influence: Strategies and Techniques
Develop your personal brand, and hone your presentation skills.
MODULE 5
Communication as an Investment in Leadership and Ethics
Explore the role of communication in interpersonal relationships, cultural awareness, and leadership.
MODULE 6
Crisis Communication and Reputation Management
Recognise types of crises and how best to manage them through communication.
Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.
Dr Signe Rousseau
Lecturer in Critical Literacy and Professional Communication, UCT
Based in UCT’s Faculty of Commerce, Dr Rousseau has a special interest in social media, attention economics, risk society, and food. She is also the author of Food Media: Celebrity Chefs and the Politics of Everyday Interference (2012), and Food and Social Media: You Are What You Tweet (2012).
Gao Nodoba
Professional Communication Lecturer, School of Management Studies, UCT
Nodoba holds a master’s degree in education, specialising in applied language studies, and is currently in the process of obtaining his doctorate in education at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. He teaches professional communication at UCT, lectures for courses in the management Postgraduate Diploma, and consults for the Graduate School of Business. Before joining UCT in 2008, he had already lectured at university level for 10 years. Nodoba speaks various indigenous South African languages, and since 2009, he has held workshops on learning and practising communication skills at UCT. His research interests lie in language policy, planning, and implementation, and he was co-awarded the UCT Collaborative Educational Practice Award in 2013.
“I enjoyed the content of the course as it was interesting, relevant, and the approach to teaching was fabulous. It didn’t feel like studying, but rather further self-development. The online platform was user-friendly and easy to navigate. The small discussion groups allowed full expression as well as an opportunity to hear other's experiences and follow their thought processes. I also appreciated the tutors, their insights, and the valuable case studies and videos. I recommend the course as well as GetSmarter in lifelong learning.”
This UCT online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter, part of edX. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:
Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.
Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.