The CIPR Diploma in Public Relations
The Course
The course consists of a minimum of 48 hours teaching over 24 weeks. A special session on research methods and
learning resource support is arranged, followed by a period of three
months’ self directed learning to study a specialist area and,
thereby, produce a substantial project. Tutor support is available
during this period.
A variety of methods of delivery are available at the different
centres as set out later in this brochure. There is tutor support
throughout the course.
Students examine case histories and will be given the opportunity to
consider them with practitioners in workshops and by reference to
recommended texts for more theoretical analysis. Students build case
histories and find evidence for practical examples from a wide range
of daily newspapers, the broadcast media, magazines, journals and
specialist publications. They also create a diary of their
professional development which they can carry forward throughout
their working lives.
Learning experience
Teaching centres offer a variety of study options
– such as evening, weekend, day blocks or online learning.
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 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.
| Suggested study
time |
Advanced
Certificate
[Tactician level] |
Diploma
[Manager level] |
Total study
hours per Unit
(contact and directed/
independent study) |
80 |
150 |
Total study
hours per
Qualification
|
48 contact & 192 independent
240 hours total |
48 contact & 402 independent
450 hours total |
|
