CIPR Online Diploma

The CIPR Online Diploma in Public Relations is a Masters level qualification. It is a ten month course. Studying online 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.

As well as working online, there are two full day, face-to-face lecture and workshop sessions held in London. The Diploma is based on the latest e-learning internet technology which is really easy to use so you don’t need any special computer skills.

The syllabus, assessments and resulting qualification are just the same as if you were studying using traditional methods.

Syllabus

The course comprises three units and three assessments. Click here for more information.

The Online Diploma is right for you if…

• You are an experienced PR professional without an industry specific qualification
• You are working in any field of Public Relations, for example media relations, internal communications, public affairs
• You want to learn about the strategic roles and functions of the public relations practitioner
• If you want the flexibility to study when and where you want
  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

What it costs and what you get

Tuition fees are £1500 (plus VAT), payable to PR Academy. You will also need to pay an exam/awarding body fee to the CIPR (£950, no VAT) and they will invoice you for this separately. You will also need to become a member of the CIPR if you aren’t already.

What’s included in the tuition fees?

• 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)
• Personal tutor support
• Membership of the world’s largest online library – Questia
• The e-book: ‘Exploring Public Relations’ by Tench and Yeomans
• The e-book: ‘Public Relations, Concepts, Practice and Critique’ by L’Etang
• Two full-day workshops (not compulsory, but highly recommended)
• Marked mock assignment

Call charges for conference calls /webinars, any travel and overnight accommodation costs must be met by the student.

Other things to know

Diploma graduates are eligible to become full members of the CIPR. A growing number of universities recognise the Diploma in respect of their Masters’ programmes.

Course dates

Autumn 2010
The next course starts in the Autumn and dates will be published in the Spring.  

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. A headset for your PC for taking part in webinars.
• An email address
• Around 10 hours available each week/over the time of the course for your study

This is a CIPR course provided on their behalf by PR Academy.

How do I enrol?

Step one: Check that you meet the enrolment criteria. Click here to view or download below.

Step two: Complete the application form on the CIPR website, go to www.cipr.co.uk, then select ‘qualifications’/’diploma’ and under quick links, select “How do I apply”?

Online demonstration

Click here to view the online demonstration of our tailored e-learning software.

What our students say

Download our MP3 podcast (2.1MB) to hear past students discussing their experiences studying with PR Academy.