The Public Relations and Communication Management Certificate explores the role of PR and communication in organisational and societal contexts. 
 
You will develop practical skills across planning, content and evaluation, deepen your understanding of ethical practice, and gain the knowledge and confidence to advance your career. 

What will I learn and how will I be assessed? 

The qualification is structured around two units that reflect core areas of practice: 

Unit 1: Public Relations and Communication Planning and Evaluation 
You’ll learn how to analyse organisational context, identify stakeholders, apply planning models and develop measurable communication objectives. The unit also explores the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC) evaluation frameworks and how to demonstrate impact.  

Unit 2: Communication and Content Management 
This unit focuses on storytelling, multi-channel content creation, social media strategy, data interpretation, and ethical communication practice, including the responsible use of AI.  

Assessments are practical and based on real organisations. You’ll complete applied learning assignments including analysing your organisation’s communications landscape, creating a PR and communication plan, developing a micro-campaign and reflecting on ethical practice. 

Who’s it for and what are the enrolment criteria? 

It’s right for you if you're a graduate looking to build a career in PR or communications, or if you already have a couple of years of relevant experience. 

You may have worked in an agency, in-house team, voluntary role, or a related discipline such as marketing or journalism. Please check with your chosen teaching centre for full enrolment criteria.  

How long does it take? 

Teaching centres provide approximately 48 hours of guided learning, alongside self-directed study.  

Timetables vary by provider, and your teaching centre will advise on study expectations and assessment timelines. 

Do I need to be a member? 

When you register for a CIPR professional qualification, you’ll automatically become a CIPR Professional Student Member, giving you access to exclusive resources and benefits designed to support your studies and career development. 

If you are already a CIPR member, you will keep your existing grade and accreditations at a reduced membership fee for the duration of your studies (included within your course fees). 

CIPR qualifications count towards CIPR CPD and can lead to Accredited and Chartered PR Practitioner status. 

Qualification update 

This qualification was refreshed following a routine syllabus review. The updated syllabus comes into effect from 2 April 2026, ensuring it continues to reflect modern, ethical and digitally capable PR and communications practice. For additional information, please visit our frequently asked questions page.