Q: Is the Advanced Certificate available as an online course?
A: Not at present

Q: Is there a deadline for applications?
A: No, however applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis and some venues do fill up quite quickly

Q: Are there any other teaching venues apart from those shown on the website?
A: No, all the venues are shown. The CIPR aims to increase geographical coverage of its courses and is gradually expanding the number of centres on a year-on-year basis.

Q: Should I apply to the college/university or to the CIPR?
A: All applications must be made to the CIPR.

Q: Are there still places available on a particular course?
A: The CIPR website should indicate when a course is full. However you may check by emailing the CIPR (NOT the college/university).

Q: The course is shown as full. What can I do?
A: You could consider an alternative venue, or a January start date (if the Autumn start is full) or you could contact the CIPR to be added to the waiting list for the particular course you are interested in.

Q: Is it possible to join a course after it has started?
A: Generally speaking no. In some cases though, if there are still places available and if you will have missed no more than one session, this could be possible.

Q: I will be moving from one part of the UK to another during the duration of the course. Can I start the teaching at one venue and then swap to another part way through?
A: Generally speaking no. However if both the venues you want to attend are run by the same college (eg Cambridge Marketing College which has centres in Cambridge, Guildford, Bristol and Edinburgh) then this might be possible.

Q: I will not be able to attend one of the scheduled teaching dates. Can I still attend the course?
A: Yes. Although this is not ideal it can be accommodated. You should let your tutor know as soon as possible and you will be provided with notes etc from the day you miss.

Q: I don’t quite fit the enrolment criteria– is there any leeway with this?
A: Yes. For example if we state that you need two years experience and you have one year and 10 months then we wouldn’t be too rigid. You should email the CIPR with your CV and ask for clarification on your eligibility.

Q: I have a degree from a University abroad – will this be recognised for the enrolment criteria?
A: Probably. Please contact the CIPR for further details.

Q: I already have certain PR/related qualifications. Can I receive any exemptions from some of the assessments.
A: No.

Q: I live outside the EU and want to study in Britain. Will my fees be the same and can the CIPR help me to obtain a student visa?
A: Fees are the same for EU and non-EU students. However, as the course is a part-time one, no student visas are available to study this course.

Q: Who should the cheque be made payable to?
A: The Chartered Institute of Public Relations or CIPR.

Q: My employers have offered to pay part of my fees. Can I receive two separate invoices?
A: Unfortunately not. The CIPR is only able to generate one invoice. You will need to decide who this should go to.

Q: Can I pay for the fees in instalments?
A: Only if the course you are applying for is run by Cambridge Marketing College in which case the centre fees can be paid in instalments, but the CIPR awarding body fee will still need to be paid in full before the course starts.

Q: Will there be any additional costs apart from the fees?
A:You will also need to pay for membership of the CIPR for the duration of your studies. It will also be necessary to buy one or two books – but nothing else.

Q Do I need to have a computer at home in order to take the course?
A: No, but bear in mind that most communication with students is via email. You will therefore need easy access to email. This could though be through an internet café etc.

Q How much time will I need to spend studying outside lessons?
A: For the Advanced Certificate approx. 80 hours in total and for the Diploma approx. 150hrs