
About this course
Gain an insight into the process of policy formation, how public affairs relates to PR and corporate communication and the reputational context in which public affairs operates. The CIPR Public Affairs Diploma explores theory while being rooted in practice. Learn how public affairs contributes to organisational success and what is expected of an ethical practitioner in the complex political environment.
This course is taught and assessed at Master’s level. Make sure that this is the right level for you and if you aren’t sure, just get in touch.
You will have access to the course for one year and can decide how quickly you want to complete it within this time. The CIPR exam board meets four times a year and this is when you can submit your work (usually January, March, July and October).
Course detail
Course Features
Plenty of tutor support
Individual feedback on assignment ideas to ensure you're on track for success
Specially selected online library
CIPR accredited
Individual tutorial
Live interactive online workshop
Networking
Your investment
PR Academy tuition: £1,550
Our pricing is totally transparent:
CIPR Awarding body fees: £405 (no VAT)
Total: £1,955 (+VAT)
VAT will be calculated upon enrolment depending on your location and situation. VAT inclusive price £2265.
Instalment option
Pay in easy instalments. An initial payment of £465 (payable before course starts) then six monthly payments of £300.
Instalments shown include VAT
Paying by instalment: the first payment is made when you enrol, future payments come out monthly on the same date. For example, if you enrol on the 20th, future payments are made monthly on the 20th.
Who’s this course for?
Public Affairs practitioners. You are an experienced public affairs practitioner or a communication/PR professional working on public affairs activity and looking to gain a specialist qualification to underpin your skills with theory and analysis.
Gain new skills. You want to gain new skills or improve existing skills by learning about the strategic role of public affairs.
Moving into public affairs. You wish to establish yourself as a public affairs practitioner. The course is designed for both generalist public relations practitioners wishing to enhance their understanding of the discipline and also for those intending to specialise in public affairs as a career.
Master’s level. This is Master’s level course so make sure you are ready to study and be assessed at this level.
Learning outcomes
Discover how the public policy environment operates and how to engage in the process. Learn about the psychology of communication, persuasion, rhetoric, engaging the electorate, the role of the media and political marketing.
Take a strategic look at public affairs practice and how it integrates with other broader reputation management. Emerging issues and trends that affect contemporary public affairs practice are discussed together with the strategy and tactics of lobbying and campaigning and the theories underpinning the process.
Research and develop ethical public affairs strategies and plans which confront and manage political and societal issues, change attitudes and influence behaviours, and so achieve strategic objectives.
Download our course brochure for all the course details including:
- Full syllabus
- Assignment details
- Key dates
- Reasons to study

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Why get a qualification?
Studying over a period of time leads to a deep level of learning, helping you to become a more strategic practitioner.
Underpinning my transferable skills with a qualification has been incredibly valuable and my experience of completing the course has been very positive. In particular, having my tutor as a resource who has worked in the industry, and being able to listen to her experience and that of others on the course who are already working in public affairs has been both interesting and informative. (See Antony’s case study)

Meet your course tutor Heather Yaxley
I’m a passionate advocate for investment in sustainable professional development and the benefits that effective learning brings to individuals, teams and organisations. At a time of unprecedented change in working practices, we all need to keep up to date with latest thinking, new ideas, and emerging practice.