CIPR Qualification:

Professional PR Diploma

Level 7 | Masters | 11 SQA
The CIPR Professional PR Diploma opens doors to a strategic PR mindset, equipping you to drive success at the highest levels. Gain expertise in PR strategy, content management, media engagement, and more - stepping confidently into PR leadership.
It is an accredited qualification designed for PR professionals seeking to enhance their strategic skills and advance their careers. This comprehensive course covers key topics such as strategic communication planning, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and ethical practices in public relations.
Participants will explore how to develop effective communication strategies, lead teams, leverage social media, and measure campaign success. With a strong emphasis on real-world applications, the course provides invaluable insights and practical tools to navigate the ever-evolving PR landscape, making it an essential investment for anyone looking to excel in the field.
Format

Live (virtual)
Learning

Starting dates

8 January 2025

April 2025

June 2025

September 2025

Duration

14 x 3 hour
Live sessions

6 x 1 hour
Tutor session

Supplementary

16 weeks

Course tutor(s)

Anne-Marie Lacey
Debbie Sharratt

Course fee

 £995 + VAT 

Excludes CIPR fees*
See enrolment guide
for details

Aims of the course

The aims of are to enhance strategic thinking and leadership skills among PR professionals. The course focuses on mastering reputation management, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and leveraging digital communications. Participants will gain insights into ethical practices, implement practical tools for developing and evaluating strategies, and prepare for real-world challenges, empowering them to advance their careers and make impactful contributions in the dynamic PR landscape.

Assessments Methods 

There are 3 units and each requires a written assignment that demonstrates understanding of the unit’s content and the development of relevant skills.

Students must also submit a statement of reflection that connects their learnings to practical applications in the field of public relations.

Entry requirements 

It’s the perfect fit for you if you are a seasoned PR professional with a strong track record, poised and prepared to advance into a senior management role within the industry.
To study for the Professional Diploma in PR you will need either a CIPR PR Certificate or a PR Related degree plus one year's PR experience.

How can it be used?


Graduates can leverage their strategic skills to lead teams, manage projects, and drive organisational objectives while implementing advanced reputation management techniques. The qualification also equips professionals to build effective stakeholder relationships, develop impactful digital strategies, and uphold ethical communication practices. Additionally, participants learn to evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies and campaigns, using data to inform decision-making, ultimately empowering them to make significant contributions in a dynamic PR landscape.

All our learners gain access the the nesma learning hub and you own learning homepage. From here you can access all your courses, materials and activities, see your progress and work with other students. 

The platform provides broader benefits including skills passport, activity badges, and access to skills intelligence, offers and news!

Learning outcomes

The course comprises of three units and learning outcomes are summarised below.

Learning Outcome Unit 1
Learning Outcome Unit 2
Learning Outcome Unit 3 

Strategic Public Relations: This unit focuses on understanding the strategic role of public relations in organisational success and creating effective communication strategies aligned with business objectives. Participants will learn how to analyse organisational goals, identify target audiences, and craft resonant messages, ensuring that PR efforts contribute meaningfully to overall business plan
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stakeholder Engagement: This unit covers advanced stakeholder engagement techniques and building effective relationships with key stakeholders. Participants will learn to map stakeholders, develop tailored communication strategies, and employ various engagement methods to foster collaboration and support for organisational goals.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reputation Management: This unit explores effective reputation management principles and strategies to protect and enhance an organisation's reputation. This unit includes assessing reputational risks, creating proactive communication plans, and managing crises, equipping participants with the tools to safeguard their organisation’s image in a dynamic environment.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

The 'nesma way'

What makes us different is our focus on giving you a great learning experience with more tutor engagement and personal focus ...we call it 'The nesma Way'!  

  • Personalised course selection and options support
  • Structured guidance from our exclusive tutors
  • Simply more contact time to ensure your success
  • Membership to an ever-growing learning community
  • A leading edge learning companion, content and online tools
  • Amazing pass rates and a great experience!
Write your awesome label here.

Course Tutors

Anne-Marie Lacey

Before earning a Master of Arts in Public Relations, I got my first job through my student blog. My career progressed to being a PR Manager at an integrated brand consultancy. I then set up my own business - Filament PR, a virtual UK agency providing consultancy and coaching services to top brands.

As a Fellow of the CIPR, I maintain Chartered Practitioner status through annual CPD appraisals. My work covers international trade fairs, crisis management, and training sessions, offering a diverse professional life.

Debbie Sharratt

I teach at universities, offer expertise in CIPR Qualifications and Influencer Marketing, and have over a decade of experience as an independent Chartered PR Practitioner. Honoured with the CIPR PRide Independent Practitioner of the Year Award (North East) in 2012 and 2018. My qualifications include a BA (Hons) from Birmingham University, an MA in Marketing from Northumbria University, and CAM certifications. Actively engaged in CIPR activities, serving on various committees and panels. Strong in strategic planning, research, and collaboration, with a passion for impactful PR through analytical thinking.

Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.