Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Public Affairs Diploma

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations Public Affairs Diploma is for experienced PR practitioners who want to develop their strategic public affairs and management skills with the aim of taking on more senior roles. The course focuses on the process of policy formation and the wider corporate communications and reputational context in which public affairs operates. The qualification is firmly rooted in practice - with senior PA practitioners involved it its development - and is also grounded in the latest academic thinking.

CIPR Public Affairs Diploma students study over a seven month period from September to April , receiving 20 hours of face to face teaching scheduled over four days in 2 blocks. Ongoing contact is maintained via the internet and students have full access to University learning resources on and off campus - the latter through secure remote access software.

Teaching includes lectures, readings, cases study, practical exercises and group discussion involving students from a cross-section of public relations programmes. Students are also supported by internet access to the complete range of University learning resources even when off campus, through continuing contact with the teaching team and through project supervision.

CIPR Public Affairs Diploma graduates receive credits towards an MSc Public Relations at Queen Margaret University (QMU) and towards the CIPR Diploma.

Studying for the CIPR Public Affairs Diploma counts towards the CIPR’s Continuing Professional Development Programme and becoming a CIPR Accredited Practitioner – the hallmark of your commitment to professional development.

QMU is the only Scottish institution to teach the CIPR Public Affairs Diploma. We also offer CIPR accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses and teach the CIPR Diploma and the CIPR Internal Communications Diploma. These programmes reflect the strength and depth of the teaching team which includes academics with extensive research and publication portfolios and PR practitioners with many years of experience at senior level and in a wide range of organisations.

EXIT AWARDS: CIPR Public Affairs Diploma. Graduates are also awarded 30 credits towards QMU’s MSc Public Relations
Delivery: Block attendance supported by online learning
Duration: Full-time 7 months
Start date: September
Application deadline: September 2013
Teaching, learning and assessment: On campus teaching comprises a variety of approaches including lectures, workshops, case study, group work and input from senior practitioners and QMU academics. Work is set and contact maintained between teaching blocks through online discussions. CIPR Public Affairs Diploma students learn alongside MSc Public Relations students ensuring that you benefit from sharing experiences and developing a network of colleagues. Assessment is through submission of a 6,000 word research project. Support is offered with research project preparation. Further information is available on the CIPR website at http://www.cipr.co.uk/courses/cipr-public-affairs-diploma
Teaching hours and attendance: You will be required to attend QMU for two consecutive days in both September and November. Other teaching is delivered via the internet.
Links with industry/professional bodies: Students on the course are eligible for student membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and, on graduation, can upgrade their membership to full or associate status depending on professional experience.