CIPR Professional PR Certificate

Level 5 | Degree |8/9SQA
Advance your PR expertise

Strengthen your strategic thinking and creative capabilities across the full PR planning cycle. From research and insight to content creation, media relations and evaluation, this qualification gives you the tools to deliver ethical, effective communications that change minds and influence behaviour.

Achieve a respected CIPR qualification and develop the confidence to lead campaigns that make a measurable impact.

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Accredited qualification

Digital Marketing Institute
Format
Live online
Start anytime
Live cohort start dates
October 2025
January, April, June 2026
Duration
10 months
Course tutors
Anne-Marie Lacey, Deb Sharratt
Course fee

£995 +VAT
Plus Institutional fees
CIPR Fees
Membership £160
Registration £81
Assessment £870
*Team discounts and payment options available

Get a recognised qualification

Join a 300,000 strong digital marketing community!

Over 75,000

Learners

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Why learn with nesma ?

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Unique offers for this programme: 

We provide a unique range of offers to support your learning experience when completing this qualification:
  • Flexible dual award options to enhance your qualification portfolio
  • Earn nesma credits for smoother progression to other programmes.
  • Dedicated expert support available throughout your learning journey.

Course description

Advance your PR expertise with the CIPR Professional PR Certificate. Develop strategic skills in PR planning, media relations, and digital communications.
With nesma, you’ll get expert tutor support, real-world insights, and a clear route to a recognised industry qualification.
Perfect for early to mid-career professionals ready to take on more responsibility and lead effective, high-impact PR campaigns.
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What you'll learn

This qualification is made up of three units that together give you a strong foundation in modern PR practice. You’ll learn how to plan strategically, create engaging content, and measure the impact of your work—all while understanding the ethical and professional standards that guide the industry.  By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
  • Plan and manage PR campaigns that align with organisational goals using research, insight, and clear objectives.
  • Create compelling, audience-focused content across media channels, using storytelling techniques that influence behaviour and build reputation.
  • Evaluate campaign effectiveness and apply ethical, legal, and professional standards in your everyday PR practice.

Your course includes

  • 35 hours of expert-led live online classroom sessions
  • Curated resources and case studies to support your learning.
  • 121 sessions with tutor to support with assignment 
  • Live online learning with lifetime access 
  • Qualification Certificate

Take your PR practice to the next level

This course is perfect for communicators ready to develop beyond the basics—whether you’re early in your PR career, expanding your role, or preparing to take on more responsibility.

Learn how to research and plan effective campaigns, craft engaging content, connect with key audiences, and measure your impact—building the confidence to manage PR activities strategically and ethically every day.

By the end, you’ll be equipped to lead campaigns with greater ownership and earn a respected CIPR qualification that boosts your credibility and career prospects.

With nesma, you’ll qualify faster and receive expert support every step of the way—better than any other study centre.

All of our learners gain access to the nesma learning hub via your own homepage.

From here you can access all of 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!

Aims

You’ll deepen your strategic understanding and develop advanced planning and content skills to manage effective PR campaigns.

In short, you’ll become a CERTIFIED PR professional, ready to take ownership of campaigns that influence behaviour, engage diverse audiences, and deliver measurable results aligned with organisational goals.

Assessment 

To complete the course, you’ll submitthree assignments:


  • PR Plan – A 2,000-word campaign plan with a short reflection on your planning approach.
  • Content Portfolio – A curated content report, an original written piece, and a reflection on your content strategy.
  • Evaluation Report – A professional report with reflections on measuring impact and the ethical considerations behind your campaign.


You’ll get clear guidance and support to help you succeed.

CIPR Membership  & Assessment Fees

We handle all the admin – you focus on learning
We’ll arrange your membership, registration, and assessment  fees,  and help you prepare with practice tests and revision sessions.
Plus, as a CIPR member, you’ll gain access to expert resources, practical toolkits, on-demand webinars, and exclusive networking opportunities. You’ll also benefit from ongoing career support and become part of a vibrant community of PR and communications professionals committed to ethical, high-impact practice.
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Who is it for?

This course is designed for communicators who want to take the next step in their PR career and build strategic, campaign-ready skills.

It’s ideal for early to mid-career professionals, in-house teams, agency staff, marketing executives, and those in PR-related roles who want to gain a recognised qualification and the confidence to plan, deliver, and evaluate effective PR campaigns..  If your not sure talk to us  

Entry requirements

You’re eligible if you’ve completed the CIPR Foundation, hold a UK degree (or equivalent), or have 2+ years’ experience in PR, marketing, journalism, or a related field.

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate you’ve achieved an equivalent qualification.  If your not sure talk to us  

Your course tutors

Anne-Marie Lacey

PR Expert 

Anne-Marie Lacey is a senior tutor at nesma and founder of Filament PR, a virtual agency providing consultancy and coaching to leading brands. As a Fellow of the CIPR and Chartered Practitioner, she brings extensive experience in crisis management, international trade fairs, and communications strategy. Anne-Marie combines practical industry knowledge with a passion for teaching, helping students develop the skills and confidence to succeed in their CIPR qualifications and professional careers.

Deb Sharratt

PR Expert

Deb is a Chartered PR Practitioner and award-winning communications consultant with over a decade of independent experience. She delivers CIPR qualifications and bespoke Influencer Marketing training with nesma, alongside teaching at university level.

With a strong track record across the public, private and third sectors, Deb brings strategic insight and hands-on expertise to every project. She is an active CIPR Council Member and co-chairs the Influencer Relations panel. A published blogger and passionate communicator, Deb enjoys helping professionals grow their confidence, skills and impact through creative, practical learning.

Learning outcomes


Course structure

Unit 1: PR in Context – Research and Planning

Explore how public relations fits within the wider economic, social, and political landscape and understand where it adds value within organisations. You’ll learn to align PR planning with organisational strategy and develop research skills to support effective communication.
What you’ll learn:
  • How PR supports business goals and organisational vision
  • Practical challenges in PR practice and strategic planning frameworks
  • Conducting communications research and applying insights to planning

Unit 2: Content, Media and Engagement

Discover how to create and manage communications that truly engage. This unit covers audience behaviour, media relations, and the impact of technology on PR. You’ll gain skills in crafting ethical, compelling content and using storytelling to connect with audiences across multiple channels.
What you’ll learn:
  • Principles of effective content creation and audience engagement
  • How individuals and groups respond to PR activities and messaging
  • Use of traditional and digital media, including social media strategies

Unit 3: Measurement, Evaluation and Professional Ethics

Focus on delivering PR campaigns with impact through robust evaluation and ethical practice. You’ll learn how to measure success against objectives, manage communications professionally, and navigate the legal and ethical responsibilities of PR practitioners.
What you’ll learn:
  • Tools and techniques for measuring and evaluating PR campaigns (including AMEC guidelines)
  • Linking objectives, content, and evaluation to demonstrate organisational impact
  • Understanding the roles of consultancy and in-house PR professionals
  • Applying legal, ethical, and professional standards, including the CIPR Code of Conduct

What our learners say

I got the promotion!

My boss and colleagues have now recognised my commitment to the role and ambition to progress further, and I will be getting a promotion next month as a result!

Confidence to go freelance

Studying with nesma has given me the confidence to go freelance, and I have not looked back. Thanks nesma!

Practical learning, real impact

Studying this course has increased my confidence and has allowed me to contribute more to everyday work situations, improving my performance within my role.

Learning from industry experts

The tutors are true experts who know what works and what doesn’t. They were fascinating to listen to, and I gained valuable knowledge and practical ideas to apply at work.

Simple to understand!

Armed with the knowledge and techniques obtained from your school, I feel more equipped to navigate the challenging social aspects of the real world and become a professional in my field of choice.

Excellent Training Program!

The presenters were amazing. They were engaging, timely, and knowledgeable

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