Study for your Advanced Certificate online

The CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations is delivered in two ways - either online or as a part-time taught, venue-based course with approximately 8 days teaching, normally at weekends. The syllabus, assessments and eligibility are just the same for the Online Advanced Certificate as if you were studying using traditional methods.

The CIPR Online Advanced Certificate is a brand new way to study for your CIPR Advanced Certificate qualification. The first of its kind, this online course 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 are two full day, face-to-face lecture and workshop sessions 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
Autumn 2009:
Start Date: 7 October 2009
Workshops*: 11 November 2009 and 10 March 2010 


Winter 2010:
Start Date: 3 February 2010
Workshops*: 24 February 2010 and 2 June 2010


* Venues will depend on demand. Though recommended, the face-to-face sessions are not compulsory

About the Online Advanced Certificate
Is the Online Advanced Certificate right for you?

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 Advanced Certificate


Learning methods

  • Online resources and course notes
  • Podcasts
  • Conference calls
  • Discussion groups
  • Tutor group forums
  • Workshop sessions in central London and/or another European venue*
  • Guidance on reading lists

* These are recommended, though optional if you have difficulties in travelling to venues

What it costs and what's included
The fees for the Online Advanced Certificate Autumn 2009 and Winter 2010 courses are £1,400 (+ VAT) payable to The PR Academy Ltd , £780 (vat zero rated) payable to the CIPR, and membership of the CIPR at the reduced rate of £145 (UK) / £77* (overseas) for your first year's subscription (usually up to £204 depending on level of membership held).

* For courses starting after 1st January 2010 this will be £79.

Please note that from 1 January 2010, VAT will increase to 17.5%.

Please note that payment in instalments is not available on this programme. The course fees must be paid in full before the start of the course.

This gives you:

  • All course materials.
     
  • Three core text books: 'Exploring Public Relations' by Tench and Yeomans, ‘Evaluating Public Relations’ by Watson and Noble, and “Effective Writing Skills for Public Relations’ by Foster.

  • Two full days of workshops and speakers over the study period. These are held at a central London venue. Refreshments and lunch are provided. Please note, these workshops are recommended, though not compulsory. If you are unable to travel to a venue then copies of materials will be provided.
     
  • Twelve months access to online learning resources provided through tailored e-learning software (including forums, e-book, slide packs, podcasts, case studies written specifically for the course by handpicked subject experts, extracts from other texts, example reports/plans, assignment submitting and pickup facility).
     
  • Assigned personal tutor who can provide email support.
     
  • Administrative support – both for technical and academic queries.
     
  • Seven  webinars with handpicked subject expert lecturers (call fees are separate, replays will be made available as mp3 downloads).
     
  • Online feedback and guidance for discussion groups.
     
  • Assessment services (i.e. assignments, marking, certification) including a mock exam paper with feedback provided before the real test.
     
  • Normal CIPR membership benefits

What you need to get started

  • Access to a computer with internet access and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • An email address
  • 6-8 hours available each week/over the time of the course for your study
  • Telephone for conference calls

How to enrol

Application queries should be addressed to Bernadette Eveleigh on bernadettee@cipr.co.uk.

Application forms

Application forms must be submitted by post as supporting documents - such as the official sponsor's letter*, copies of your degree and other academic and/or professional qualifications - need to accompany the form.

* 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 Advanced Certificate qualification in this way?
About 6-8 hours a week. This includes time spent online, reading and completing coursework.

What is the difference between an online course and distance learning?
The Online Advanced Certificate uses a carefully balanced mix of online and traditional learning methods to help you work towards your qualification. This type of learning is sometimes referred to as ‘blended learning' because it uses a range of different channels and learning methods.

Is the qualification the same as if I had studied in a more traditional way, going along to lectures every week?
Yes, it is exactly the same, as is the syllabus and the assessments.

Do I have to be based in the UK?
No, but you will need to come to London (and/or a continental European destination, depending on demand) for two separate face-to-face sessions. You also need to meet the usual requirements in terms of English language.

Will the website be available 24/7?
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.

Can I use my work email address as my contact email?
Yes.

Will I be able to access the website from work?
 It very much depends on the IT security arrangements that your employer has in place. Some firewalls may prevent access to interactive websites.

Is there a helpdesk if I get stuck using the website?
There is email and telephone support available.

How will I know that I am keeping on track with my studies? 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.

What technology is used to deliver the course? The online element is based on Moodle software. This is leading learning software used by major education institutes all over the world.