Learning experience

Teaching centres are encouraged to offer a variety of study options – such as evening, weekend, day blocks or distance learning (non-UK based candidates).

Centres individually determine the structure of teaching sessions with a focus on consistency of outcome rather than prescriptive or restrictive content. It is envisaged that a combination of lectures, workshops, interactive group learning, discussion, guest presentations, multimedia, case studies and study/reading packs will be used by centres as appropriate.

Contact hours

The Unitisation  matrix (see syllabus and assessment) reflects the CIPR recommendation for a minimum total of 48 hours tuition, which is generally delivered across 8 days.

Professional Knowledge Units 1.1 and 2.1 comprise the greatest depth of intellectual and theoretical content. They are allocated a recommended 24 tutor contact hours. Unit assessment by CIPR is summative although centres may provide informal formative guidance in preparing candidates for the official assignments.

Vocational skills taught in Units 1.2 and 2.2 involve instruction of underlying principles and practical coaching to develop proficiency in job roles. These Units are allocated a recommended 18 tutor contact hours, plus academic, vocational and learning support as determined by individual centres. Personal development results from Units 1.3 and 2.3 where tuition is required to understand underlying principles, research methodology and requirements of assessment. These Units are allocated a recommended 6 tutor contact hours, plus personal guidance and counsel to conceive and develop the research topic as determined by individual centres.

Directed/Independent study hours

In addition to tutor contact hours, candidates need to undertake significant directed and independent study. Teaching centres and CIPR provide guidance and support within a learner centred approach focusing on enabling candidates to manage their own personal and professional development.