Course details
During the course you will have at least 20 hours of contact time with the CIPR Diploma teaching team at Bournemouth University. Both the CIPR Specialist Diploma in Internal Communications and the CIPR Crisis Communication Diploma are advanced qualifications and are comparable to a Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 7 (or Postgraduate Level). Further information about the syllabus for both courses is available from the CIPR website.
The CIPR Specialist Diploma in Internal Communications covers topics including:
- Analysing organisational culture
- Audit methodologies and application
- Change management theory
- Using research to inform and help develop internal communication strategies
- Internal communication for employee engagement
- Psychology of communication.
This qualification comprises one written assessment: a research project based on an investigation into an aspect of internal communication practice and theory that you encountered – either on the course or in the workplace (6,000 words). You will work independently on your assignment with the guidance of a supervisor.
Full entry requirements
Unless you already hold the CIPR Advanced Certificate, PR employment experience is an essential requirement for entry on to one of the CIPR diploma-level courses. As a guide, we consider the following roles to be at an appropriate level:
- Media and PR Officer
- Information and Communications Officer
- Stakeholder Communications Officer
- PR Campaigns Officer
- Account Officer/Executive.
No employment experience
You will need the following:
- CIPR Advanced Certificate.
One year of full-time employment (or equivalent part-time)
In addition to any one of the following:
- CIPR Internal Communication Certificate
- Postgraduate professional qualification in a related discipline (e.g. CIM diploma)
- UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a PR-related discipline: business, marketing, management, communication, media or journalism.
Two years of full-time employment (or equivalent part-time)
In addition to any one of the following:
- CAM Advanced Diploma in Marketing Communication
- NCTJ Diploma
- UK bachelor's degree or equivalent in any other subject
- LCCIEB qualification which must comprise five level three subjects in: PR, Marketing, Advertising, and Principles & Practice of Management.
Four years of full-time employment (or equivalent part-time)
In addition to the following:
- Five GCSEs (or equivalent) of which one must be in English Language.
In addition, those whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the language – spoken and written – to an International Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 6.5.
If you are currently studying full-time or working whilst studying part-time towards another course – either within the CIPR or externally – your application may not be accepted.
CIPR entry requirement criteria
Fees and funding
Fees for 2020: £1,800
Discounts
Students on the MA Corporate Communication are offered the option to undertake one of the two CIPR Diplomas as part of the Bournemouth University MA Corporate Communication/CIPR Diploma bundle offering.
BU alumni and staff discount
BU graduates who enrol will be eligible for a 20% discount on the standard course fee (this discount does not apply to short courses charged at the promotional discounted rate).
Deposits
A 15% deposit is required for each short course and is payable within two weeks of receipt of your offer of a place on a course or one week prior to the start date, whichever date is sooner. Deposits for late applications will be considered on an individual basis. The balance of the fee is payable on/before enrolment. Flexible payment options will be considered on an exceptional case-by-case basis.
How to apply
Applications can be made electronically, please download the application form (doc 267kb) and return to the Bournemouth University CIPR Accredited Teaching Centre Director, Dr Tasos Theofilou: atheofilou@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Application guidelines
- Use BLOCK capital letters
- Complete all sections of the form which relate to your application
- Please read the general entry requirements and further entry requirements for the particular short course in which you are interested. If you are in doubt about your eligibility, please contact us: atheofilou@bournemouth.ac.uk.
- Make sure you read and understand the personal declaration
- Sign and date your application form (you only need to date the form if applying online).
If your application is successful you may be required to provide two references and proof of your previous study (including degrees and/or professional qualifications). If English is not your first language you will need to provide proof of your English language ability.
