
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.
Our course includes live online sessions, tutorials and individual feedback on assignment topics.
NOTE: From 1 June CIPR ‘Professional Student’ membership is mandatory, the cost of £160 will be added at enrolment. For more information see FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Course detail
Study Support Package
Live interactive online workshops
One to one tutorials
Online library with all the books you need
Individual feedback on your assignment ideas
Study Hub: our bespoke online learning centre
Networking via our LinkedIn group
Easy tutor contact
A copy of the PR Diploma Reader
Pay monthly
Initial fee: £567.80 (incl. VAT)
10 monthly instalments: £220 (incl. VAT)
A one-off initial fee is taken when you enrol. Instalments are collected monthly from the date you enrolled.
How we calculate your fee
PR Academy tuition: £1,349 (+ VAT)
CIPR fees: £1,149 (No VAT)
Total: £2,498 (+ VAT)
VAT is calculated upon enrolment and is dependent on your location and situation.
VAT inclusive fee is £2,767.80
Who is this course for?
PR and communication practitioners. 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 PR manager, 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.
Download the full syllabus and brochure below.
Download our course brochure for all the course details including:
- Full syllabus
- Assignment details
- Reasons to study

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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.
Meet your course leader Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker calls herself a news junkie. “Sky News is constantly on in the background after, of course, BBC Radio Four’s Today programme. The development of the new news ecosystem meshing on and offline media is something that fascinates me. It’s certainly an enormously exciting time to be working in PR.”
Hear from others
Find out what it’s like to study for the CIPR Professional PR Diploma with PR Academy.
Your questions answered
- £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
- 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.