Skip to content
Get in touch

CIPR Foundation in Public Relations

  • Level: 3
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Study options: Online learning
  • Locations: Online

View the CIPR's full syllabus.

This CIPR course provides a detailed introduction to PR, including essential writing and other technical skills. The course has been designed for those new to public relations who want to learn the basic techniques of this communications discipline.

During this course, you will receive study support from an experienced PR practitioner. Our exclusive online Learning Zone includes a range of learning methods, including interactive exercises, video material, and case studies, backed up with tutor support.

Find out what our students receive in their study package as part of this course.

Online learning

Finance option available
Start any time and set your own pace! £500 +VAT ENROL

Fees and payment

Course fees are subject to VAT in the United Kingdom.

You can pay the course fees by debit/credit card or provide us with a Purchase Order number to invoice your company.

* An additional amount of £172 for CIPR registration and assessment to be paid at checkout.

Spread the cost of your course

Take advantage and make an initial payment of £200 by credit/debit card, then spread the remaining amount over 4 equal monthly instalments as follows:

  • Online learning £149.25/month

Entry criteria and support

To take this CIPR course, you need to have:

  • at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above,*
  • PLUS, proficiency in English (via IELTS with band score of 6.5 or above, or equivalent).
  • *If you do not have the necessary entry requirements, you may still be accepted at the discretion of the CIPR on the basis of your professional experience (not necessarily in public relations).

Level finder

Do you know which qualification is right for you?

You should complete in 6 months but the College will give you 12 months of support for flexibility if needed.

As part of this CIPR course, you will also receive the full study package and there are lots of free resources available within our student community to ensure you gain the best learning experience possible — This includes:

  • Learning styles support and practical toolkits to help with your studies.
  • The ‘Marketer’s Sustainability Toolkit’ shows you what you need to action in your organisation.
  • Fortnightly personal development and career webinars.
  • Informal Friday Drop-ins which follows a current topic for students to discuss and generate ideas.
  • Two podcasts; one follows the opinions of our experts and the other welcomes guests from the industry.

Course modules

Study hours:
20 hours, split into a weekly study plan.

  • Communities, audiences and stakeholders
  • Different types of media channels
  • Influencers and getting a story covered
  • News or feature angles to catch a journalist's interest
  • Key principles of storytelling and narrative
  • Organisations on social media
  • One work based assignment at the end of entire course.

Study hours:
20 hours, split into a weekly study plan.

  • PR within an organisation and the marketing mix
  • Advertising, marketing communications, publicity, lobbying and fundraising
  • Ethical responsibilities and ways to manage ethical dilemmas
  • PR competencies and continuing professional development 
  • One work based assignment at the end of entire course.