CIPR Diploma
Quicklinks
Introduction
The CIPR Diploma is for more experienced practitioners who want to develop their strategic PR management skills.
This course takes an in-depth look at PR as an integral part of successful business practice. Topics include PR as a management function; theoretical approaches; reputation management; corporate responsibility and stakeholder theory; issues and crisis management; and PR planning. You will acquire strategic theories, tools and techniques to improve your PR decision-making and effectiveness.
A growing number of universities recognise the Diploma in respect of their Masters’ programmes (at present London Metropolitan University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Leeds Metropolitan University, Queen Margaret University, University of Stirling, and University of Central Lancashire).
Who is the course aimed at?
Taught as a part-time course, the Diploma is ideal for those in full-time employment.
The Diploma is suitable for you if:
- You are an experienced PR professional without an industry specific qualification and want to underpin your skills with PR theory and analysis
- You want to gain new skills or improve existing skills by learning about the strategic roles and functions of the public relations practitioner
- You wish to establish yourself as a Public Relations Chartered Practitioner
Please see below for Entry Requirements
What will I learn?
The CIPR Diploma is for experienced professionals who are ready to play a more strategic role. It is taught and assessed at postgraduate level. The course focuses on strategic public relations and its role as an integral part of successful business practice.
Topics you will study include:
- PR as a management function
- Strategic communications theories and techniques
- Reputation management
- Corporate responsibility and stakeholder theory
- Organisational culture change and issues
- PR planning and crisis management
You will examine case-studies and practical PR examples to analyse strategic communications in action. You will develop your PR planning and integrated communications management skills, and carry out an in-depth PR planning assignment as part of the course assessment, along with a significant work-related research project.
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.
How will I benefit?
Study for the CIPR Diploma to:
- Help advance your career
- Increase your confidence in the workplace
- Gain the theory to back up decision-making and underpin practice
- Adopt a more strategic and structured approach to PR
- Obtain an industry-recognised professional qualification
Hear from others about the benefits of the CIPR Diploma.
When and Where?
The CIPR Diploma in Public Relations is delivered in two ways – either online or as a part-time taught, venue-based course with approximately eight days teaching, which normally take place at weekends. The syllabus, assessments and eligibility are just the same for the Online Diploma as if you were studying the Diploma using traditional methods.
There are two intakes per year – one in the Autumn and one in Winter (Jan-March) – and the course lasts for approximately 12 months.
You can study the CIPR Diploma through a number of routes:
- International students can also study the CIPR diploma at a range of international centres.
Find out more about CIPR Diploma venues, dates and costs.
Quality Assurance
How will I learn and be assessed?
Study Centres
Teaching centres offer a variety of study options – such as evening, weekend, day blocks or online learning.
The course consists of a minimum of 48 hours tuition, which is generally delivered across eight days. 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.
In addition to the taught sessions, students would be expected to spend approximately 400 hours on independent study over the length of the course.
Online
The online diploma is taught via online resources using all the latest social media features such as wikis, podcasts, webinars and live forums
- Wikis (course notes)
- Webinars (conference calls to explain and answer questions on wiki content)
- Live discussion groups
- Podcasts (lectures by leading academics and practitioners)
- Two full workshop sessions at the prestigious CIPR PR Centre in central London and/or another European venue *
- Guidance on syllabus content and reading list
*Highly recommended but not compulsory especially if you have difficulties in travelling to venues.
Diploma Syllabus (PDF)
The assessment of students’ work submitted for the qualification is carried out by their tutor and is subject to internal moderation (carried out by your study centre) and then external moderation (carried out by CIPR examiners). Assessment results are then presented to the CIPR Awarding Body Exam Board for final approval.
About the awarding body
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must have at least one of the following:
- A post-graduate professional qualification in a related discipline (e.g. CIM diploma), plus one year’s relevant full-time employment (or equivalent part-time employment) in public relations
- Degree in business/marketing/management/communication studies, plus one year’s relevant full-time employment in PR
- Any other UK degree plus two years relevant full time employment in PR
- Two years’ relevant full-time employment in public relations, and the CAM Advanced Diploma in Marketing Communication
- The CIPR Advanced Certificate in PR
- LCCIEB 5 3rd Level subjects, including PR, Marketing, Advertising, Principles & Practice of Management, plus two years’ experience in PR
- Four years’ relevant full-time employment in public relations and five GCSE passes, one of which must be in English Language
Plus: those whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the language – spoken and written – to an International Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 7.0 or above, or equivalent.
For those studying for the online diploma, you will also need:
- Access to a computer with internet to log onto the e-learning website (this can be accessed using all common web-browsers)
- An email address
- 10 hours available each week/over the time of the course for your study
- A telephone for conference calls
NB: If you are unsure whether or not you meet the entry criteria please email qualifications@cipr.co.uk who can advise further.
How do I apply? How much will it cost?
To study at a centre
To apply to study the CIPR Diploma at a centre please complete the relevant application form below and return to the CIPR (address on form) together with the other document/s (copies of qualification certificates, sponsor letter etc) as stated on the form.
Candidates will be notified as soon as possible whether their application has been successful. Provided candidates satisfy the entry criteria, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful candidates will receive an acceptance letter from the CIPR together with an invoice for the Awarding Body (CIPR) portion of the fee.
The CIPR will then pass candidates’ details onto their chosen centre, which will, in turn, invoice candidates (or their sponsors) for the centre portion of the fee.
Before downloading the application form, please see section Condition of acceptance onto course.
To study online
To apply for the Online Diploma, the relevant application form must be submitted by post with supporting documents – such as official sponsor’s letter (this should be an official written confirmation from your company/sponsor that they will be paying your course fees), copies of your degree and other academic and/or professional qualifications.
Before downloading the application form, please see section Condition of acceptance onto course.
Terms & Conditions
Condition of acceptance onto the course
Whether studying at a centre or online, it is a condition of being accepted onto the course that students who are not already CIPR members apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
UK students should apply at the grade relevant to their experience, but at the heavily discounted rate of £130 (VAT exempt). There is provision within the course application form to apply for CIPR membership.
Overseas students must apply for the Global Affiliate grade of membership at a cost of £77 (applicable from 1 January 2009 - VAT exempt) but only after they receive notification of acceptance on the course from the CIPR.
Cost
The fees to study the Diploma at UK centres vary according to the individual centre. Please see the listing under venues, dates and fees for the amount charged by your chosen centre.
The fees for the Online Diploma Winter 2009 courses will be £2100 + VAT (£2415)
NB: Whether studying at a centre or online, if you are not already a CIPR member, you will need to apply for membership at the reduced rate of £130 (UK) / £75 (overseas) for your first year’s subscription. Please see section Condition of acceptance onto the course.
Please note that payment in instalments is not available for the Online Diploma. The course fees must be paid in full before the start of the course.
And finally…
Word of Mouth
Read about past students’ experiences
- 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 clearly 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 theoretical 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 theoretical 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 strategic level when a big issue comes up, and I can now analyse 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 important to me. Anon – Birmingham City University 2007
- I feel I have gained a wealth of public relations 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
FAQ’s
Diploma
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 intake 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 (e.g. 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 Diploma approx. 400 hrs in total (10 – 12 hours per week)
Online Diploma
Q: How do I know if the Online Diploma is right for me?
A: Studying this way could be just the thing for you if:
- You like the idea of being able to work at your own pace
- You want flexibility, but you also want to be able to study and interact with others
- Work commitments mean you may struggle to get to lectures every week
- You don’t live near any of the centres that offer the Diploma
Q: Do I have to be based in the UK?
A: No, but it is highly recommended that you attend the two separate fact-to-face sessions in London (and/or a European destination, depending on demand). You also need to meet the usual requirements in terms of English language.
Q: How much time will I need to allow obtaining the Diploma qualification if I study online?
A: About 10 – 12 hours a week. This includes time spent online, reading and completing coursework.
Q: Is the qualification the same if I study the Diploma online as if I had studied in a more traditional way, going along to lectures every week?
A: Yes, it is exactly the same, as is the syllabus and assessments.
Q: How will I know that I am keeping on track with my studies?
A: You are assigned a personal tutor who keeps in touch on a regular basis to make sure that you are on track with your studies.
Q: Can I use my work email address as my contact email?
A: Yes
Q: Will the website be available 24/7?
A: Generally yes, but there may be occasions when essential maintenance work means we have to take the site down, but we will always notify you in advance.
Q: Will I be able to access the website from work?
A: It very much depends on the IT security arrangements that your employer has in place. Some firewalls may prevent access to interactive websites.
Q: Is there a helpdesk if I get stuck using the website?
A: There is email and telephone support available.
Q: What technology is used to deliver the course?
A: The online element is based on Moodle software. This is leading learning software used by major education institutes all over the world.
