CIPR Professional Public Relations Certificate

The Professional Certificate will help you if you’re a practitioner who has recently joined the profession, are thinking of pursuing a new career in PR, or want to enhance your skills and knowledge as part of your continuing professional development.

Maybe you have been working in a comms role for a little while, so you know what to do, but not always why you do it. The Certificate gives a thorough and robust grounding in the core concepts of PR, giving you the expertise and confidence to take your skills to a new level. Researching, planning and evaluating an effective strategic communications plan is at the heart of the course. You will learn how to set objectives, how to develop and articulate strategy, as well as broadening your arsenal of tactical skills, not least in the fast-changing wold of social media.

To gain the Certificate, you must succeed in three challenging assignments that can be directly relevant to your working life, putting into practice the skills you are learning as you go along - a win-win situation for you and your employer.

Working closely with experienced tutors who bring a mix of academic insights and practical experience, you will gain a rounded understanding of the PR discipline, and also make new contacts who will help and support you as your career blossoms.

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

Applicants must have 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 5 GCSEs grade 4 (C) or above, one of which must be English Language.
The LCCIEB Group Diploma in PR, plus one year's experience in PR
Equivalent qualifications are acceptable.

The course is designed for people already working in PR, with part-time study that fits in around your full-time work.
Your tutors are highly experienced, both as academics and practitioners.
The course is taught at our prestigious City Centre Campus and you will have 24-hour-a-day access to our online learning environment, and have regular contact with your tutor and fellow students.
Graduates have quickly gained promotions in their current employment, and many have gone on to exciting roles such as Communications Specialist or PR Account Manager. They work with prestigious companies like the NHS at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Gutenberg Communications. Others have gone on to study the CIPR Diploma which offers accreditation to our MA in Public Relations.