The CIPR Diploma in Public Relations 

Student Feedback

This is an excellent eye opener on a fuller role to public relations than media relations or publicist.  It has much improved and broadened my understanding of public relations and allows me to be more confident with senior managers and peers in explaining clealry what my role involves. John Gannon – PR Academy, London 2007

I have gained a higher level of professionalism, better understanding of the theory of PR, wider professional scope and the ability to think strategically and to plan properly. Kateryna Zasoukha – International Institute of Business, Ukraine 2007

The course has really allowed me to bring a critical perspective to my practice and I have enjoyed academic study.  Stacey Arnold – Manchester Metropolitan University 2007

The course has made me realise that some of the theories do apply to my role and that our organisation is not fully operating the PR function correctly.  Anon – Birmingham City University 2007

I am gaining so much from learning the theoretial approaches upon which much of PR is practiced and can directly relate it to my everyday work.  This has not only improved the quality of my work but also my ability to offer professional advice and guidance when choosing approaches and planning how to deliver pieces of work. Ruth Lawson – PR Academy, London 2007

Sharing experiences with other students is very valuable. Jayne Phenton – London Metropolitan University 2007

Though we have only had two teaching blocks so far I feel I am already putting things into practice and have gained a good theoretcial knowledge of PR. It's given me the confidence to argue PR's worth to organisations.  Andrew Taylor – Leeds Metropolitan University 2007

I feel I’ve gained a great deal of theory to inform my day to day work. It’s refreshing and reassuring to know why you are doing something, rather than a 'flying by the seat of your pants' approach which is rife in PR. I have the skills to think on a more stratageic level when a big issue comes up, and I can now anaylse why certain projects have come into difficulty. So far, it’s been invaluable. Looking forward to the practical element in the planning assignment. Clare Millington – PR Academy, London 2007

It has been great meeting the other professionals on the course, it's a really good networking opportunity.  Nicky Hind – Birmingham City University 2007

The course has been absolutely outstanding. Apart from boosting my confidence, it has given me the theoretical knowledge that is already making me much more effective at my job.  Anon -  Cambridge Marketing College, Guildford 2007

I think it has really helped me to concentrate on creating better and more effective campaigns for clients. It has also helped me to identify what I want to achieve from being part of the industry  and what is imporant to me.  Anon – Birmingham City University 2007

I feel I have gained a wealth of public relastions knowledge and tips and techniques which have shaped and informed my work experiences. The public relations diploma has show that a strategic perspective can yield better results than a flying by the seats of your pants approach.  Anon – PR Academy, London 2007

I have found it has given me renewed confidence in my work, as well as helping me to raise my standards and widen my thinking.  Claire Robson, Cambridge Marketing College – Cambridge 2007

The theory side of things has helped in the workplace, primarily with the ability to plan activities more thoroughly. It's become evident which colleagues have similar training and which don't! It's made me more critical of certain PR approaches at work and has opened new doors for me by way of responsibility..  Catherine Chappell – London Metropolitan University 2007

As far as my professional career is concerned, I feel that the decision to become a student of CIPR Advanced Certificate and then Diploma course was a crucial one. The knowledge acquired empowered my daily practice to a high degree. My fellow students are true PR professionals as well as very interesting personalities. We enjoy discussions and often share our PR experiences  (Yuliya Golikova – Ukraine 06/07)

Having studied the books in particular Tench and Yeomans 2006, I scrapped the CSR strategy that I had written for my corporation and completely re-wrote it So the course was useful indeed, yet tough. (Volodymyr Gaydash – Ukraine 06/07)

I'm enjoying the course so far as I'm developing new skills and it is making me evaluate the way that I work (Sarah Langworthy – Manchester Metropolitan University 06/07)

As PR teams are often quite small it is extremely useful and reassuring to meet likeminded people and feel that others have experienced the same situations as you. Even though I have been doing PR for 7 years and feel that I am good at it a lot of it is by instinct and gut feeling so it is good to finally have some grounding in theory and standards of professional practice. (Gemma Gibb – Manchester Metropolitan University 06/07)

The knowledge I have gained has been useful for my role. Meeting other PR people has also been extremely beneficial and it is good to be able to bounce ideas of people and share knowledge. (Jayne Williams – Chloe Kane and Associates, London 06/07)

I feel that the course improved my work after only two tutorial sessions and already people have noticed that I have more confidence and creativity in what I do. It has given me a great amount of confidence and knowledge and also given me an opportunity to meet people in a similar field - sharing experiences can be incredibly helpful.   (Helen Reynolds, Cambridge Marketing College, Cardiff 06/07)

I think the CIPR course is certainly helping me on my way. I already feel more confident in making decisions in the workplace with my new knowledge base. I really hope that the course gives me the footing I need to take my career to the next level.    The course is well respected, so I would recommend the course to anyone wanting to progress in their careers. I would not recommend it to anyone who has other time consuming committments - this course requires dedication! I am talking from experience, as I am redecorating a new house and planning a wedding at the same time, which is really not advisable!  (Karen Mason, Cambridge Marketing College, Bristol 06/07)

 I feel that I am doing the CIPR Diploma at the right time for me in my PR career. I enjoy getting to understand the theory behind my actions, and have learnt a lot of useful tips that I have started to apply to my everyday working practices. I feel that the only way in which PR will be viewed as a true profession is for other practitioners to gain an accredited CIPR qualification. The Diploma is an excellent grounding for those of us who have for many years been practitioners of PR, but have not necessarily had to concentrate on the theory underpinning our actions. It is hard work - particularly having to balance a pressurised job with the amount of preparation necessary for the course - but I feel that it will be well worth it in the end!  (Rachael Jackson, Cambridge Marketing College, Cambridge 06/07)

It is very useful to have specific knowledge on public relations which was not covered in my university degree. I also feel that the level of understanding I will take away will enable me to become a more effective practitioner. (Laura Buchan, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh 06/07)

The theory learnt in the first module has really opened my eyes to the role I should be playing as a PR practitioner. Sometimes at work you become embroiled in the day to day technician aspects of the role and never consider the bigger picture. The course has encouraged me to play more of a strategic role. (Zoe Patel, London Metropolitan University 06/07)

I have become much more aware of ethical practices within PR and the duty of the practitioner to act as a social conscience for his/her organisation. The course has made me want to go on and study further and achieve greater things. (Mark Hermitage – London Metropolitan University 06/07)

It is a good course for bringing together the theory and practice. I also would recommend it for the networking opportunities it brings. I am really enjoying the course so far. (Katie Walker – Leeds Metropolitan University 06/07)

It's great for my needs, however it it a very big commitment which people need to be aware of before commiting. (Joanne Keene – Chloe Kane and Associates, London 06/07)