PR Diploma: Independent Learning
CIPR Professional PR Diploma Independent Learning
About this course
Studying for the CIPR Professional PR Diploma will enable you to operate as a more strategic and confident communicator. This CIPR diploma will equip you with the advanced knowledge to design effective PR strategies. Learn more about communication and how to influence behaviour in today’s digital world. Examine the role of PR and ethics.
When you opt for our Independent Learning programme, you’ll benefit from our extensive online library, on-demand lectures from expert tutors, podcasts and case studies.
We’ve launched this option to make learning more affordable. And if you’re studying from outside the UK, sales tax (VAT) probably won’t apply.
Want more one-on-one support? Check out our Guided Learning option and add live online lectures and one-to-one tutorials.
July offer: save 10% on tuition fees if you enrol by 31 July 2026. Fees displayed have the discount applied.
Course detail
Study Support Package
Online library with all the books you need
Study Hub: our bespoke online learning centre
On-demand expert lectures
Podcasts and Case Studies
Networking via our LinkedIn group
Easy access to help and support
Pay monthly
Initial fee: £336 (+ £64 VAT where applicable)
10 monthly instalments: £210 (+ £15 VAT where applicable)
A one-off initial fee is taken when you enrol. Instalments are collected monthly from the date you enrolled.
Please note that these rates are valid until the end of July.
How we calculate your fee
Save 10% on tuition by 31 July 2026!
PR Academy tuition: £1,070 (+ VAT)
CIPR fees: £1,366 (No VAT)
Total: £2,436 (+ VAT)
VAT is calculated upon enrolment and is dependent on your location and situation.
VAT inclusive fee is £2,650
Please note that our launch offer is valid until the end of July. From 1 August, we will be charging the usual tuition fee of £1,189 (+ VAT).
Download our course brochure for all the course details including:
- Full syllabus
- Assignment details
- Reasons to study
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Who is this course for?
PR and communication practitioners. If you are working in any field of public relations (e.g. media relations, internal communications or public affairs), you want to learn about the strategic role and functions of the public relations practitioner. Maybe the time is right for a more senior position.
Underpin what you do. You’ve got quite a bit of PR experience, perhaps as a PR manager, and hold a first degree or maybe another professional qualification. You feel the time is right to underpin what you do with some theory and learn the models and concepts that inform your practice.
Flexible learning. You want to be able to study at a time and pace that works for you.
Master’s level. This is a Master’s level course, so make sure that you are ready to study and be assessed at this level.
CIPR Professional PR Diploma Syllabus
- Unit 1 PR Strategy and Planning is focused on the PR strategy and planning process, with an emphasis on research that establishes robust communication objectives related to the organisation’s goals.
- Unit 2 PR Content, Communications and Engagement is focused on communication and engagement, with an emphasis on content, which reflects employers’ views that management of content across the organisation is an essential competence.
- Unit 3 PR Management, Measurement and Evaluation is focused on leadership of PR activities, with an emphasis on management of projects, campaigns and resources; internal stakeholders, the PR team and key suppliers; and on measurement and evaluation.
Apply what you learn. Be assessed on real-life or work-related projects, which is great for employers, showing the practical relevance of the course.
Reviews from our graduates
Discover how our courses work
Ann Pilkington, co-founder of PR Academy, explains how our courses work, demonstrates our Study Hub and explains the resources and support you will receive. Also, hear from members of the PR Academy alumni.
Hear from others
Find out what it’s like to study for the CIPR Professional PR Diploma with PR Academy.
Your questions answered
All our learners benefit from our extensive online library, on-demand lectures from expert tutors, podcasts and case studies.
Our Guided Learning programme also includes live online lectures on a range of topics plus one-to-one tutorials.
Independent Learning: Go for this option if you are happy to study independently and don't think you'll need tutorials and live sessions. We launched this option to make the learning more affordable and if you are joining us from outside the UK you probably won't pay sales tax (VAT).
Guided Learning: Go for this option if you like the idea of access to one-to-one support, live sessions and detailed feedback on assignment proposals.
Still not sure? Book a course advice call and chat it through.
Since 1 June 2025 you need to be a member of the CIPR if doing one of their qualifications. This is included in the cost of the course and applied at the time of enrolment.
The grade of membership is "Professional Student" - you can see the CIPR membership benefits ↗ on their website.
The costs are:
- £160 for a 2-year course (PR Diploma and PR Certificate)
- £80 for a 1-year course (Specialist Diplomas and Certificate)
- £38 for the Foundation course
We asked the CIPR and the answer is yes, this is what they said:
We recognise that some candidates may already hold an individual membership with the CIPR (and that this will not be Professional Student Membership) at the time of registration. To ensure fairness and avoid duplication of charges, we propose the following:
- Membership Extension Offered Where a candidate has already paid for their own membership which overlaps with the qualification period, that existing membership will not be refunded. Instead, the individual will receive a free extension of their current membership by one or two years, in line with the length of their course. The same applies to Corporate Affiliate membership.
- Membership Grade During Qualification If you are an existing member you will remain on your existing membership grade throughout the course in order to retain any professional accreditations that you already hold e.g. Accredited PR Practitioner, Chartered PR Practitioner. You will continue to receive communications and services appropriate to your existing grade.
The syllabus incorporates three separate units. Unit 1 PR Strategy and Planning is focused on the PR strategy and planning process, with an emphasis on research that establishes robust communication objectives, related to the organisation's goals. Unit 2 PR Content, Communications and Engagement is focused on communication and engagement, with an emphasis on content, which reflects employers' views that management of content across the organisation is an essential competence. Unit 3 PR Management, Measurement and Evaluation is focused on leadership of PR activities, with an emphasis on management of projects, campaigns and resources; internal stakeholders, the PR team and key suppliers; and on measurement and evaluation.
For CIPR courses:
Your course fee is a combination of the PR Academy tuition fee and the CIPR awarding body fee (like an exam fee), a CIPR registration fee and since 1 June 2025, CIPR Professional Student membership.
For all our courses:
For the tuition fee, PR Academy provides all your tuition via our bespoke online learning centre - our Study Hub. It includes an extensive online library with around 60 books, all the resources you need for your course and, depending on the course and learning option, tutorials, assignment idea feedback, live online sessions, plus we mark your assignments. Check out our Study Support Package.
You don’t need to buy any books unless you would like to.
There are three assignments.
Unit 1 Assessment: Executive report (and summary situation analysis). The aim is to enable students to demonstrate competence in undertaking an analysis of a case study situation to inform specific PR objectives and strategy.
Unit 2 Assessment: Thought leadership article (and statement of reflection). The aim is to enable students to demonstrate competence in strategic communication and stakeholder engagement through production of a thought leadership article.
Unit 3 Assessment: Management proposal outlining recommendations for performance improvement. The aim is to enable students to demonstrate competence in evaluating the ethics and effectiveness of professional practice.
It definitely can. Many of our students are studying in order to increase their confidence and boost their CV and report a new role or promotion as a result of their qualification. In PR Academy’s 2023 research into PR education, respondents were asked - if they hold a professional qualification - has it led to career progression/promotion. This is a question that PR Academy has tracked since 2013. There is a consistent report of between 74 and 85 percent that a professional qualification has led to a career progression combined with confidence that it will.
Some organisations ask for qualifications when advertising PR jobs. While a PR qualification isn't essential it improves your CV and also shows your personal commitment to the profession and continuous learning. Check out our ‘Comprehensive Guide to CIPR Qualifications’ for more information.
If you are looking for a qualification in PR, then a professional qualification is a good option because you can study while you work. The syllabi for CIPR qualifications is very practical while still underpinned by theory so you can apply what you learn straight away.
Yes they are. We have practitioners from all over the world studying with us. The CIPR is the only chartered body for public relations which adds to the recognition of the qualification around the world.
There are CIPR qualifications at all levels. If you are just starting out the Foundation in PR is for you. If you are a few years into your career the Professional PR Certificate or internal communication certificate are designed for you. For more experienced practitioners there are diploma qualifications at approximately Master's level. If you aren't sure check out our Complete Guide to CIPR Qualifications or simply get in touch for a chat.
Our CIPR, PRCA and AMEC qualifications are designed for practitioners who want to advance their career with a stronger understanding of theory leading to more strategic campaigns. Many of our students say it boosts their confidence and they go on to better jobs or promotion.
Yes, we regularly speak to practitioners who are using a qualification as a way to refresh their knowledge, get up to date with latest practice and boost their CV. A qualification can be a great reminder of how much you already know boosting your confidence to get back into the PR job market. In our 2023 research into PR education, 84% of respondents said they were doing it to increase their skills.
