The CIPR Public Affairs Diploma is taught and assessed at level 7 of the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Who is the course aimed at?
The course is aimed at practitioners who want to develop their strategic public affairs and management skills with the aim of taking on more senior roles.
The course will focus on the process of policy formation and the wider corporate communications and reputational context in which public affairs operates. This qualification is firmly rooted in practice - with senior PA practitioners involved in its development - and is also grounded in the latest academic thinking.
Once qualified, you can progress your studies with the CIPR Diploma and receive an exemption from the final unit of the course.
Graduates of the Public Affairs Diploma will be able to fast-track to become a CIPR Accredited Practitioner – a hallmark of your commitment to professional development.
Do I qualify to study the Public Affairs Diploma?
You will qualify for the Public Affairs Diploma on the basis of your academic qualifications and work experience.
Check the application criteria
What will I learn?
Topics include:
- The impact the political environment has on the organisation
- The importance of engaging with political audiences to enhance reputation
- Emerging issues and trends that affect contemporary public affairs practice; the strategy and tactics of lobbying and campaigning and the theories underpinning the process
- Knowing when and how to engage in the political process and policy formation.
- How to leverage media and public affairs activities to shape the agenda, the importance of reputation management and its components
View the syllabus (PDF format, opens in a new window)
Visit the Public Affairs Diploma Study Hub, including reading list and assessment details
How will I study?
The CIPR Public Affairs Diploma is available to study face-to-face or online.
- Face-to-face.
The face-to-face course consists of four compulsory and optional study days. In addition, you will need to allocate approximately 8 hours per week to private study. This may increase when you begin working on your assignment project. The Public Affairs Diploma is available at two study centres in the UK.
- Online
The Public Affairs Diploma is also available to study online. Read more about the online course and view PR Academy's taster webinar to see how it works.
Fees
Course fees vary according to study centre. Refer to the Quick Public Affairs Diploma Course Finder for details.
In addition to the course fees specified, CIPR membership is a course requirement and, if you are not currently a member of the CIPR, this will cost £145 (the membership form is incorporated in the course application). If you live outside the UK and are not currently a member of the CIPR you must register online for Global Affiliate membership at a cost of £80.
Are you looking for study dates for the course that started in Winter 2013?
Full details can be found in the Study Hub.
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