About the Department
Professionals in the workplace need to be able to articulate clearly both in written communication (e-mails, letters, reports) and in oral presentations. Electronic communication enables direct contact with the reader or listener, with messages traveling in a matter of seconds. It is vital that they are correct, as these communications live on as testimonies to the individual.
Increasingly, too, work is gained through self-motivated projects. It is essential for graduates to have the confidence and skills required to initiate, manage and present research. They need to excel as entrepreneurs in both local and international markets. The importance of good communication skills is substantiated by professional bodies such as ECSA, SAAIMECH and IEEE.
PCS courses are convened by Dr Jane English who is supported by a team of part-time staff. The research emanating from PCS reflects the interests of the staff in communication needs in the workplace. Consultancies to industry and commerce underpin the material in the curricula. PCS is designed to prepare individuals for the workplace, as well as to improve their written and oral delivery skills.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of all aspects of modern life and work. Being able to communicate professionally, clearly and accurately is a skill that is required in all areas of business, both corporate and entrepreneurial.
Professional Communication Studies and Services is a dynamic interactive team providing expertise both to students at UCT and to the business world. All courses are grounded in proven theory and incorporate skills required for effective communication. Workshops combine theory with actual case studies and examples to provide a realistic context for participants to practise their skills. Research into curricula for Professional Communication is founded in current casework. PCS students work on exercises created from company material and on projects linked to their professional studies.
Professional Communication Studies at UCT
Relating to people successfully in one's professional and private life depends on effective communication. We believe effective communication:
- ensures personal growth;
- enhances professional effectiveness;
- overcomes barriers;
- brings about shared understanding;
- creates cohesive and productive teams; and
- builds healthy organisations.
Professional Communication Studies (PCS) ensures that all students graduating from the faculty are well equipped for the demands their future careers will make on them as communicators.
PCS courses are convened by Dr Jane English.
Courses
PCS courses are accredited by accreditation boards and written and oral examinations. The Accreditation Boards are: Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA): accredits all engineering degrees and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, South African Council for the Quantity Surveyor's Profession, and South African Council for the Property Valuation Profession, accredit degrees in the Department of Construction Economics and Management.
Visit our website for further details.