Communicate with clarity to thrive in the public sector.
This micro-credential course provides students with knowledge and practice in plain language communication. It focuses on learning to communicate in a clear, simple, and user focused manner for a public sector setting. The goal of this course is to offer students the opportunity to develop a skill often sought after by public sector employers and valuable for work within such institutions.
Course Structure and Objectives:
The course consists of 5 modules aimed at helping students learn how to effectively communicate within the public sector. The modules and their learning objectives are:
Module 1: What is Plain Language?
Learn the definition, history, rationale and common misconceptions of plain language communication.
Module 2: Plain Language Processes
Learn the process for creating plain language communications by considering your audience, purpose, subject, and reviewing and reflecting on your work.
Module 3: Plain Language Practices
Learn basic practices for creating plain language communications from clear and correct writing, to concise language and simple style, organization information, and inclusive language.
Module 4: Plain Language Examples
Review structures and examples of public sector communications such as: briefing notes, press releases, letters, web content, and legal documents.
Module 5: Recap & Assessment
Demonstrate your ability to communicate in plain language and your unde
Course Details
- Study in your own time. (Online and asynchronous)
- Approximately 12 hours to complete
- Start Date: October 2025 / 7 November 2025 (Completion 3 Dec)
- Start Date: Jan 2026
- Cost:
- $195 for community members
- Current Trent undergraduate students free
- Trent alumni qualify for a 10% off discount. Please email alumni@trentu.ca for more details.
- Current Trent staff and faculty receive 20% off. Please email microcredential@trentu.ca for more information.
NOTE: Only one discount code can be used per order
Evaluation:
To earn this micro-credential students must:
Complete modules 1-4 by watching content videos, accessing resources, and working through self-learning interactive activities.
Complete and achieve a passing grade (80% or higher) on module quizzes (modules 1-4).
Complete the Module 5 Assessment.
How to Register:
Click to register for this plain language course only
Prerequisites:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, it is recommended for students and community members who work or plan to work in the public sector.
Conclusion:
Students will leave this course with the knowledge of how to communicate in a clear, simple, and user focused manner for a public sector setting.