CIPR Foundation in Public Relations

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Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills needed in PR and is a platform for further studies, with a nationally recognised qualification. Success at this level qualifies you to enrol for the CIPR’s Professional Certificate.

The foundation award focuses on the skills required for an entry-level PR role. Part 1 covers content creation for both traditional media outlets and digital media platforms. Part 2 develops an understanding of the role of PR in an organisation and what PR practitioners do (and don’t do). You will undertake a two-part assessment that tests your practical PR skills.

CIPR Foundation in Public Relations
Assessment Method
Entry Requirements
Course Dates

CIPR Foundation in Public Relations

Aims of the module

At the end of the qualification candidates will be able to:

Create content for written and audio-visual platforms that will engage stakeholders
Identify and prioritise different audience groups and channels, and justify those choices in the context of building relationships between an organisation and its stakeholders
Explain how PR helps to support different organisational objectives, and how it works with related disciplines such as marketing communications and advertising.

Module structure

Component 1
PR Skills and content creation Component 1 considers the types of content PR practitioners produce and how to target content for particular audiences and channels. It also develops practical content creation skills.

Component 2
The role of the PR practitioner Component 2 focuses on the role of PR within an organisation. It looks at the contribution PR makes to the organisation’s key objectives, the way PR practitioners interact with other disciplines, and their responsibility to operate ethically and to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

Aims of the module

Module structure

Assessment Method

Component 1: produce a portfolio of content for traditional and digital media to generate positive coverage for an organisation. 1000 words (+/- 10%).

Component 2: produce an accompanying discussion paper showing how the portfolio of content will help deliver the objectives of the PR team in that organisation. 1000 words (+/- 10%).

Entry Requirements

You will qualify for the Foundation Award if you have at least five GCSEs at grade C or above*.

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 7.0 or above or equivalent.

* If you do not have the necessary GCSEs or GCEs you may still be accepted at the discretion of the CIPR on the basis of your professional experience (not necessarily in public relations).

The Foundation in PR is right for you if you’re a school or college leaver, changing career direction, or working in a PR support role.

Course Dates

Our next Bootcamp option will run 11 and 12 January 10am-4pm and a half day on the 13 January 10am-1pm, for more information please email jen.lorimer@nesma.co.uk.

What our students say

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Marketing Manager

Your Move - Chris Stonock

This was one of the most enjoyable and informative workshops I have attended. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly which was really conducive to learning and Jo was able to focus specifically on my industry, which was really helpful. The learning materials that accompanied the course were informative and easy to understand. I am now armed with a wealth of ideas on how to produce effective content, target the right customers and make my organisation stand out from the crowd.

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Meryl Bentham

Gardner Aerospace

nesma is a first-class study centre combining excellent facilities and knowledgeable, supportive tutors who really feel like partners through the learning process. Small, interactive groups promote valuable discussion between students - a great way to transfer theory into the real world.

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Learning Options

Virtual Learning Offering:

Our teaching is live and interactive, with your tutor and classmates giving you full support, allowing you to ask questions and receive answers in real-time.

We have two learning options for this qualification:

The Foundation is taught via Zoom over 15 hours with a total of 7 x 2-hour evening teaching sessions, with 2 x 30-minute 1:1 assignment feedback tutorials.
The Bootcamp learning option allows you to complete the same amount of teaching hours but in 3 days; it’s an intense but effective option.

Please see our course dates for the schedules, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Client Relationship Manager, Jen Lorimer at jen.lorimer@nesma.co.uk