CIPR Online Diploma
Study for your Diploma online
The CIPR Diploma 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 Diploma as if you were studying the Diploma using traditional methods.The CIPR Online Diploma is a brand new way to study for your CIPR Diploma qualification. The first of its kind, this online course gives you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit you. The CIPR Diploma is aimed at experienced PR professionals who want to advance their career, and is taught and assessed at post graduate level.
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 at the CIPR's prestigious central London PR Centre and/or another venue elsewhere in Europe*. The Diploma 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: 23 September 2009
Workshops*: Wednesday 4 November 2009 and Wednesday 17 March 2010
Winter 2010:
Start Date: 13 January 2010
Workshops*: Wednesday 3 March 2010 and Wednesday 30 June 2010
* Venues will depend on demand. Though recommended, the face-to-face sessions are not compulsory
About the Online Diploma
Is the Online Diploma 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 Diploma
Learning methods
- Online resources and course notes
- Conference calls
- Discussion groups
- Workshop sessions at the prestigious CIPR PR Centre in central London and/or another European venue*
- Guidance on reading lists
- Plus, the latest social media features such as blogs and wikis
* 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 Diploma Autumn 2009 and Winter 2010 courses are £2,675 split as follows: £1,500 (+ VAT) payable to the PR academy and £950 (VAT zero rated) payable to the CIPR plus 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).
From 1 January 2010 the total course fee will be £2,712.50, including VAT (from 1 January 2010, VAT rises to 17.5%)
* For courses starting after 1st January 2010 this will increase to £79.
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
- The core text books: 'Exploring Public Relations' by Tench and Yeomans and "Public Relations: Concepts, Practice and Critique" by Jacquie L'Etang. Please note that these texts are provided in electronic format. View a demo of ebooks.
- Membership of Questia, the world's largest online library
- Two full days of workshops and speakers over the study period. These
are held at a London venue (and/or another European venue, depending on demand). Refreshments and
lunch are provided and there is an informal evening drinks reception at
the end of each day. Please note, these workshops are recommended,
though not compulsory. If you are unable to travel to a venue then an
alternative case study exercise will be offered
- Access to online learning resources provided through tailored e-learning
software (including forums, chat, blog, wikis, slide packs, 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
- Ten one-hour 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)
- 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
- 10 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.
- UK candidates should complete this form (pdf)
- Candidates from overseas should complete this form (pdf) and must also apply online for the Global Affiliate grade of membership. Students are advised to apply for this membership only after they receive notification of acceptance on the course from the CIPR.
* 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 Diploma qualification in this way?
About 10 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 Diploma uses a carefully balanced mix of online and traditional learning methods to help you work towards your Diploma 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 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.
