CIPR Internal Communication Certificate – NEW for 2009Quicklinks
Run by the Chartered professional body for PR practitioners, the CIPR Internal Communication Certificate is a six-month course designed specifically for internal communicators. The demand for effective internal communication and skilled internal communicators is set to increase as the changing economic environment and impact of new (social) media mean organisations must get better at informing, educating and engaging their people to help them achieve their objectives. By investing in your or your team's professional development you can ensure you are best positioned to see your clients and employers through increasingly competitive times. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
Who is the course aimed at?
What will I learn? You will focus on core topics such as:
Study for a CIPR professional qualification and:
The CIPR Internal Communication Certificate is the only qualification for internal communicators awarded by a chartered Institute. A valuable qualification in its own right, it also prepares you for the CIPR Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Public Relations.
When and Where? Course 2 - This course is now full Course 4 Students must commit to attend all four study days as listed for each individual course. Online: You can study the Internal Communication Certificate online, giving you flexibility to study when and where you want. Teaching is delivered through online tutorials by expert lecturers and you will have access to extensive online learning resources and discussion groups.
Study for the Internal Communication Certificate online The CIPR Internal Communication Certificate is delivered in two ways - either online or as a part-time taught, venue-based course with approximately 4 days teaching, normally at weekends. The syllabus, assessments and eligibility are just the same for the Online Internal Communication certificate as if you were studying using traditional methods. The online course however gives you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit you. You will be working alongside other students, meeting online for group work and discussion, all facilitated and supported by experienced and knowledgeable tutors. Everyone gets a personal tutor who will be in touch on a regular basis to help you keep on track. It's a course full of variety. As well as working online, there is one full day, face-to-face lecture and workshop session held in London. The course is based on the latest e-learning internet technology and is really easy to use so you don't need any special computer skills. START
DATES *
Venues will depend on demand. Though recommended, the face-to-face sessions
are not compulsory
Learning methods
* These are recommended, though optional if you have difficulties in travelling to venues What it costs and what's included Please note that from 1 January 2010, VAT will increase to 17.5%.
What you need to get started
How to enrol
* Sponsor's letter: this should be an official written confirmation from your company/sponsor that they will be paying your course fees. Frequently Asked Questions How
much time will I need to allow to obtain the Internal Communication Certificate
qualification in this way? What
is the difference between an online course and distance learning? Is the
qualification the same as if I had studied in a more traditional way, going
along to lectures every week? Can I
use my work email address as my contact email? Will I
be able to access the website from work? |
| Back to top |
How will I learn and be assessed?
The PR Academy, who has been running PR courses for nine years, takes pride in providing one-to-one student support and guidance. The team comprises experienced educationalists and internal communication practitioners.
The learning experience:
- Face-to-face workshops: leading experts in their field guide you through each of the modules with practical exercises and group discussion.
- Reading: you will receive two key texts:
- Smith, L and Mounter, P (2005) Effective Internal Communication (PR in Practice)
- Quirke, B (2008) Making the Connections, using internal communications to turn strategy into action, 2nd Edition
Assessment:
About one to two hours of study time should be allocated per week. The course is assessed through a final 3000 word report to be submitted approximately 7 or 8 months after the start of the course.
Accreditation:
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
| Back to top |
What are the entry requirements?
-
Applicants for the Internal Communication Certificate course must have any one of the following:
- The CIPR Foundation Award
- Any UK degree
- Two years' relevant full-time employment in public relations (or related sectors e.g. marketing, journalism, and some general business sectors) and five GCSEs grade C or above, one of which must be English Language
- The LCCIEB Group Diploma in PR, plus one year’s experience in PR
- 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
NB: Equivalent qualifications are acceptable.
It is a condition of studying the CIPR Internal Communication Certificate that you apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations at the grade relevant to your experience at the start of the course.
If you are not already a member of the CIPR, you should apply using the membership application attached to the course application. A discounted rate of £130 is offered regardless of the grade you are joining at.
By joining the CIPR you will not only benefit from professional credibility, but unrivalled professional support and resources. As a member you will have access to the Member Area of the CIPR website and industry information, skills guides, research and best practice case-studies. Plus, you will get free membership of a CIPR regional group and CIPR Inside (the sectoral group for internal communicators) and substantial discounts on CIPR events, training and publications.
| Back to top |
How do I apply and how much will it cost?
The fees are as follows:
If you are already a CIPR member, you will pay £840 (plus VAT) for the course to the PR Academy and £260 (VAT zero rated) to the CIPR
If you are not a CIPR member, you will pay £840 (plus VAT) for the course to the PR Academy and £260 (VAT zero rated) to the CIPR + £130 (special reduced rate) for your first year of CIPR membership.
To apply, complete the appropriate application form below:
- UK candidates should complete this form (pdf)
- Candidates from overseas should complete this form (pdf)
and send to qualifications@cipr.co.uk.
If you have any queries, please contact qualifications@cipr.co.uk or email BernadetteE@cipr.co.uk.
| Back to top |
