Qualifications

Invest in your career

PROFESSIONALRECOGNITION –cipr.co.uk/qualifications

We are the professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK

ContentsGain a CIPR qualification 6

How and where you can study 8

Our qualifications 12

Your next steps 28

Your career journey 30

Chartered Institute of Public Relations52-53 Russell SquareLondon WC1B 4HP

+44 (0)20 7631 6900 qualifications@cipr.co.ukcipr.co.uk/qualifications

We are the professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK.

With over 11,000 members, we’re the largest body of our type in Europe. We set standards through CPD, accreditation, training, qualifications, awards and the production of research, best practice and skills guidance.

We advance professionalism in public relations by making our members accountable to their employers and the public through our Code of Conduct and searchable PR register.

4 / Get CIPR Qualified

Our globally recognised professional qualifications have been developed to give you the skills, knowledge and understanding to advance your career.

Professional study takes drive and commitment. But the rewards are worth it.

You’ll gain credibility with employers, develop confidence in your abilities and be well equipped to achieve your long-term professional goals.

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

cipr.co.uk/qualifications *CIPR qualifications survey 2014 Our qualifications are taught and assessed at the levels indicated. Levels given for guidance only.

Each year more than 700 PR professionals complete CIPR qualifications to boost their careers. 93% of students would recommend them* so you can be confident that you’re making the right career investment when you choose to study with us.

Foundation Awardin Public Relations

Discover PR

A-level

Diplomain Public Relations

Lead, influence and advise

Masters level

Advanced Certificatein Public Relations

Work effectively

Foundation degree level

Short Diplomasin specialist

communication disciplines

Specialise

Masters level

6 / Gain a CIPR qualification

How and where youcan study

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

8 /

Flexible studyOur qualifications are offered in a variety of ways to help you fit your studies in around work and home.

Face to faceLearn in a group environment. Some Accredited Teaching Centres offer weekend and evening classes to make juggling study with busy working lives easier.

OnlineControl where you learn and when. Study at a time, pace and place that suits you using the latest interactive learning technology.

Blended (Online and face to face)Benefit from the flexibility of online learning with the added support of face to face workshops and tutorials.

SupportOur online Study Hub is packed with information and resources to help you succeed. Find academic journals, advice on writing assignments, and sample papers from past students.

Quality teaching Our qualifications are delivered by a network of leading universities, colleges and training providers around the UK and overseas too.

Our Centres are rigorously assessed and continually reviewed to ensure that our qualifications are delivered to the highest standard.

Accredited UK Teaching Centres• Bedfordshire University• Birmingham City University• Bournemouth University• Cambridge Marketing College

(Bristol, Cambridge, Guildford, Edinburgh, Nottingham)

• CIPR Centre for Learning (London)• Coventry University College• Leeds Beckett University• Manchester College (Belfast and

Manchester)• North East Sales and Marketing

Academy (Newcastle)• PR Academy (London)• Queen Margaret University

(Edinburgh)• Sheffield College• Sunderland University• The Management School (London)• University of Hertfordshire

Contact your preferred Centre directly for fees, start dates and timetables.

Accredited Teaching Centres overseasFind details of our overseas Centres online: cipr.co.uk/qualifications-overseas

LondonBristol

Bournemouth

Cambridge

ManchesterLeeds

Sheffield

Belfast

Newcastle Sunderland

Edinburgh

Coventry

Nottingham

Birmingham

LutonHatfield

10 / How and where you can study

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Visit us online to see who offers which qualifications.cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Which CIPR qualificationis the best onefor you?

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

12 / Get CIPR Qualified

The first building block for a career in public relations. Learn about the role and scope of PR and develop the basic knowledge and skills essential for a job in the profession. Find out how to pitch to journalists, what makes the news and how to write for different channels – from press releases to blogs and tweets.

Is it for me?It’s right for you if you’re a school or college leaver, changing career direction, or working in a PR support role.

How will I be assessed?• 3–hour open book exam.

How long will it take?• 15 hours of tuition. Timetables

vary according to Centre.

What are the entry criteria?• Five GCSEs at Grade C or above

(one must be in the English language).

See online for full details.

What can I do next?• CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public

Relations.

Foundation Award in Public Relations

14 / Our qualifications

knowledge

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Is it for me?It’s right for you if you’re a graduate looking for a career in PR or if you have a couple of years’ PR experience at a junior level.

How will I be assessed?Three written assessments:

• Critical reasoning test• PR planning assignment • In-depth essay on a PR topic of

your choice.

How long will it take?• 10–12 months. You’ll need to allow

at least 4–6 hours of study time each week.

What are the entry criteria?You will be eligible to apply if you have any one of the following:

• CIPR Foundation Award in Public Relations

• Any UK CIPR recognised degree or equivalent

• Two years’ PR experience.

See online for full details.

What can I do next?• The CIPR Diploma in Public

Relations• Any of our short specialist

Diplomas.

Get the know-how, practical skills and confidence to work more effectively. Learn about essential PR theories and planning principles and apply them to create winning PR campaigns. You’ll look at how social media is used for PR, understand how to write for different channels and develop your media relations techniques.

Advanced Certificate in Public Relations

16 / Our qualifications

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

18 / Our qualifications

“The Diploma has been such an exciting and valuable experience.

I secured two promotions during my studies and have the CIPR to thank

for my success.”Pragati Baddhan MCIPR,

Highways England cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Gain an advanced understanding of PR theories and concepts and apply them to transform the way you work. You’ll develop the knowledge to take a strategic approach to PR planning, measurement and evaluation – creating PR objectives that are linked to organisational strategy and success.

Diploma in Public Relations

Is it for me?It’s right for you if you’re an experienced PR professional and are ready to progress towards a senior management position, or if you have previously studied the CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations.

How will I be assessed?Three written assessments:

• Critical reasoning test • Planning assignment –

campaign plan • Research project.

How long will it take?• 10–12 months. You’ll need to allow

at least 10–12 hours of study time each week.

What are the entry criteria?You will be eligible to apply if you have any of the following:

• CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations

• CIPR Internal Communication Certificate, or a PR related degree, or a related postgraduate professional qualification, plus one years’ PR experience

• CAM Advanced Diploma or NCTJ Diploma plus two years’ PR experience

• Four years’ PR experience plus five GCSE’s grade C or above.

See online for full details.

What can I do next?• Any of our short specialist Diplomas• If you’re a CIPR member, work

towards Accredited or Chartered PR Practitioner status.

Fast-track to Accredited PR Practitioner status with our Diploma level qualifications (Awarded to CIPR members upon successful completion of the qualification and one year’s CIPR CPD).

20 / Our qualifications

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Become an expert internal communicator. Learn about organisational culture and transformation, the importance of tone of voice in employee engagement, and how to effectively plan, manage and measure the impact of your internal communication activities.

Internal Communication Certificate

Is it for me?It’s right for you if your passion is for people and how they contribute to organisational success. You may work in internal communication and be looking to gain a relevant professional qualification, or you may work in PR and be keen to specialise in this area.

How will I be assessed?• Written assessment: In-depth

essay on an area of internal communication practice.

How long will it take?• 6–8 months. You’ll need to allow at

least 4–6 hours of study time each week.

What are the entry criteria?You will be eligible to apply if you have any one of the following:

• CIPR Foundation Award in Public Relations

• Any UK degree• Two years’ PR experience

See online for full criteria.

What can I do next?• CIPR Internal Communication

Diploma • CIPR Diploma in Public Relations*.

*Subject to entry criteria.

22 / Our qualifications

confidence

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Develop the advanced knowledge and understanding to influence and operate at board level. Analyse what makes communication effective, learn how to develop internal communication strategies that are aligned with business strategy and goals, and understand the complexities of the change management process.

Internal Communication Diploma

Is it for me?It’s right for you if you’re an experienced PR or internal communication practitioner and are ready to progress towards a senior management position. It’s also suitable if you have completed the CIPR Internal Communication Certificate.

How will I be assessed?• Written assessment: Research

project.

How long will it take?• 6–8 months. You’ll need to allow

at least 10–12 hours of study time each week.

What are the entry criteria?You will be eligible to apply if you have any of the following:

• CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations

• CIPR Internal Communication Certificate, or a related postgraduate professional qualification, or a related UK degree, plus one years’ PR experience

• CAM Advanced Diploma or NCTJ Diploma, or any UK degree, plus two years’ PR experience

• Four years’ PR experience plus five GCSEs grade C or above.

See online for full details.

What can I do next?• CIPR Diploma in Public Relations

(you’ll receive an exemption from the final module).

• If you’re a CIPR member, work towards Accredited or Chartered PR Practitioner status.

Is it for me?It’s right for you if you’re an established PR professional and are keen to develop your expertise in risk issues and crisis management.

How will I be assessed?• Written assessment: In-depth essay

on crisis management planning.

How long will it take?• 6–8 months. You’ll need to allow

at least 10–12 hours of study time each week.

What are the entry criteria?You will be eligible to apply if you have any of the following:

• CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations, or a related postgraduate professional qualification, or a related UK degree, plus one years’ PR experience

• CAM Advanced Diploma or NCTJ Diploma, or any UK degree, plus two years’ PR experience

• Four years’ PR experience plus five GCSEs grade C or above.

See online for full details.

What can I do next?• CIPR Diploma in Public Relations

(you’ll receive an exemption from the final module).

• If you’re a CIPR member, work towards Accredited or Chartered PR Practitioner status.

24 / Our qualifications

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Crisis Communication DiplomaLead your organisation with skill and confidence during a crisis. Develop your understanding of the different levels and impacts of crises and learn how to build, test and maintain a crisis response plan. You’ll understand the importance of training and the strategies that can help you avoid or avert a crisis.

26 / Our qualifications

credibility

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Public Affairs DiplomaDiscover how the public policy process influences legislation. You’ll learn about the psychology of communication, understand the issues and trends affecting contemporary public affairs practice and gain a strategic understanding of the lobbying and campaigning process.

Is it for me?It’s right for you if you’re an experienced public affairs or PR professional looking to gain a specialist qualification, or if you want to become established in public affairs.

How will I be assessed?• Written assessment: Research

project.

How long will it take?• 6–8 months. You’ll need to allow

at least 10–12 hours of study time each week.

What are the entry criteria?You will be eligible to apply if you have any of the following:

• CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations, or a related postgraduate professional qualification, or a related UK degree, plus one years’ PR experience

• CAM Advanced Diploma or NCTJ Diploma, or any UK degree, plus two years’ PR experience

• Four years’ PR experience plus five GCSEs grade C or above.

See online for full details.

What can I do next?• CIPR Diploma in Public Relations

(you’ll receive an exemption from the final module).

• If you’re a CIPR member, work towards Accredited or Chartered PR Practitioner status.

Your next steps

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

28 / Qualified

2 Choose how you would like to study1Decide which

qualificationis best for you

3 Find your Accredited Teaching Centre4 Contact

the Centre for more details and to apply

Unsure which qualificationis best for you?Call us on +44 (0)20 7631 6900 or email qualifications@cipr.co.uk.

Your career journeyIf you join the CIPR, you can go as far as you want and we’ll support you at every stage. CIPR membership shows that you’re a professional and proud of it. It says to clients, employers and colleagues that you work to the highest standards and are accountable to our Code of Conduct.

Membership gives you the support, tools and resources to do things differently. As your career grows, keep track of your development with CIPR CPD and work towards accreditation.

You’ll make valuable connections too. Get involved with your CIPR groups, exchange knowledge and ideas and strengthen your professional networks.

If you join the CIPR, you can go as far as you want and we’ll support you at every stage. “I enjoyed the

experience so much, I have started

the next stage in my professional career –

the Diploma.”Rachel Palmer MCIPR,

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service

cipr.co.uk/qualifications

30 /

Find out more about the benefits of membershipcipr.co.uk/membership

PROFESSIONALRECOGNITION –cipr.co.uk/qualifications

Chartered Institute of Public Relations52–53 Russell SquareLondon WC1B 4HP

+44 (0)20 7631 6900qualifications@cipr.co.uk

Comment on front cover provided by Amanda Hepton-Patchett MCIPR.