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SYMPODIUM INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME 2025-26

Sympodium Institute is delighted to open applications for the 2025-2026 Postgraduate Certificate (equal 30 ECTS) in Strategic Communications.

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The programme is taught by leading international Strategic Communications academics and media professionals under the aegis of the Sympodium Institute for Strategic Communications and accredited by Vidzeme University for Applied Sciences, Latvia. The programme offers full accreditation as a postgraduate programme under the Bologna Agreement in the European Union.

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Programme Details

The programme consists of 2 taught terms of 9 weeks each and 1 term of assessment:

  • Term 1: Taught programme – Monday 13 October to Friday 12 December 2025

  • Term 2: Taught programme – Monday 12 January to Friday 13 March 2026

  • Term 3: NO TAUGHT programme – Assessment period: Monday 13 April to Friday 29 May

This is a hybrid programme that combines online and in-person modes of teaching:

  • 18 weeks of online teaching: the anticipated study commitment is one synchronous (live) session, and one asynchronous session, each of 3 hours per week.

  • One week of intensive group study in-person teaching conducted in a European city (TBC), of 8 hours per day for 5 days.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Programme, candidates must have attained their Bachelor's degree with commendable academic achievements or be in the process of completing such qualifications by the commencement date of the Programme.

 

Fees

Student fees are £10,000, plus travel and accommodation expenses for the on-site study week.
 

FCDO Scholarship

Sympodium Institute with the generous support of United Kingdom Foreign Office (FCDO) is offering a fixed number of scholarships to study for the Postgraduate Certificate. Student fees under the scholarship scheme will be covered. Travel and accommodation costs for the in-person study week are included in this scholarship

This scholarship scheme is available exclusively to prospective students from civil society organisations and UK embassies who are nationals of the following eligible countries: Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

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Application Forms & Deadlines

 

General (non-scholarship) applications will remain open for self-funded candidates, that is those who wish to meet the costs of their own fees, until the commencement of teaching. Applications, alongside all supporting documents, should be submitted via the General Application Form. 

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*please note that if you apply via the General application portal will NOT be considered for a FCDO Scholarship.  

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Scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 Programme are now CLOSED.

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  • Can I study the whole programme online and not attend the on-site teaching week?
    Unfortunately not. The periods of on-site teaching are intense and require participation in person. They also offer students an opportunity to build professional and friendship networks.
  • Is a Certificate issued upon completion of the Programme?
    On completion of the Programme, students receive: • The Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Communications issued by Sympodium Institute for Strategic Communications in association with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. • The official transcript for 30 ECTS recognised under the Bologna Agreement within the European Union showing all modules studied and grades achieved.
  • What is the expected study load during in-person teaching week?
    During in-person teaching week, there will be 8 hours of teaching each day.
  • What is the standard entry requirement?
    A high standard Undergraduate degree in any subject (equivalent of above 65 in the UK higher education system). Communications, international relations, political science, social sciences or another related subject will offer the most suitable preparation for this programme.
  • My degree has a lower mark or it is in an unrelated subject. May I still apply?
    Your application will be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer another graduate qualification (such as another Masters).
  • For Scholarship Applications, I am a national of a country that is not on the list of eligible countries. Can I apply?
    For Scholarship Applicants, unfortunately, no. This is a closed scholarship. The list of eligible countries is restricted to: Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. However, it is regularly reviewed, and your country might be eligible for one of the future intakes. However, for General Applicants, there are no eligibility requirements in relation to country.
  • For Scholarship Applications, I am a national of a country that is on the list of eligible countries, but I reside in a different country that is not on the list. Can I apply?
    Yes, you are eligible to apply.
  • Is there an age limit for the programme?
    There is no age limit.
  • Is an English language test such as IELTS/TOEFL required?
    The Programme is taught in English and language proficiency is required. All short-listed candidates will have to pass an interview to show their level of English. and an internal test of spoken and written English. No IELTS/TOEFL test is required.
  • What documents should I submit with my application and by what date?
    General applications will remain open until the commencement of teaching. Applications, alongside all supporting documents, should be submitted via the General Application Form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqBN-dN0733SP2Jg0rZ8p4gXsWb6fxAfplu6R2nlVjvxdN9A/viewform?usp=header Scholarship applications, with all supporting documents, must be submitted by Friday 30 May 2025 via the Scholarship Application Form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZXV43vmyAynWYuJ3UDpZZ76DYzdNUH4KaNkkjAQtGFBbxwQ/viewform?usp=header 1. Copies of academic qualification including: The final certificate given to you when you completed your qualification. The official transcript showing all subjects or modules studied and grades achieved throughout your studies. Certified translations of your documents if they are not originally issued in English by the institution. Evidence of any changes in your name, including legal identification showing your current legal name (such as a passport or driving licence). This is only required if the name used during your studies is not the same as your current legal name 2. Professional CV. 3. Letter of interest. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to produce a letter of support from their employer.
  • When will I be notified about the outcome of my application?
    On receipt of the student’s application package, our team will review it before our student-liaison office notifies the candidate of the outcome. The usual waiting time for the review process is up to 2 working weeks.
  • I am shortlisted for an interview, how should I prepare?
    You should expect to be asked about your professional work and your earlier academic study.
  • When will I be notified about the outcomes of the interview?
    Our student-liaison office will notify the candidate within 2-3 weeks after the interview.
  • Whom should I contact if I have a question about the programme or the application process?
    Please contact Students@sympodium.net
  • If I apply through the Scholarship admissions track and am shortlisted but not awarded a scholarship, will I still be considered under the General admissions track?
    For those who applied for the Scholarship, should your application be shortlisted, but not awarded a Scholarship, then you will be offered the opportunity to join the programme as self-funded. You do not need to submit an additional application.
  • What are the fees for the Programme?
    For General Applications, the fees are £10,000 (ten thousand), plus travel and accommodation expenses for the on-site study week. For Scholarship Applications, student fees under the scholarship scheme will be covered. Travel and accommodation costs for the in-person study week are included in this scholarship. However, students are expected to cover: - Laptop and internet costs - Medical and Travel Insurance costs - Any personal living costs beyond the scope of the on-site teaching week.
  • For Scholarship students, What costs will be covered?
    All student fees under the scholarship scheme will be covered. Travel and accommodation costs for the in-person teaching weeks are included in this scholarship.
  • Can my family travel with me to in-person teaching weeks, and is there any financial support for this?
    No. This is an intensive programme of study. Students are dissuaded from bringing family members. The scholarship does not cover these costs.
  • Will I need a laptop?
    Yes. You will require computer access for study throughout the whole duration of this Programme. You will also need to bring your laptop to in-person teaching weeks.
  • How will I access reading materials for the courses?
    A dedicated online site containing reading materials will be available for all students. Further links will be made available to access online libraries.
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