Course Overview
The aim of the CIPR Specialist Diploma (Crisis Communications) is to enable the candidate to develop specialist knowledge and expertise in the contexts, concepts and practical tools of crisis response public relations. It is designed for both generalist public relations practitioners wishing to enhance their understanding of best practice preparation for crisis communications or for those looking to specialise in crisis communications as a career.
The CIPR Specialist Diploma (Crisis Communications) will be of interest to practitioners who have experience or responsibility for crisis planning, in consultancy or in-house, or in a related discipline within the strategic management framework. This qualification will equip the candidate with the knowledge and tools to contribute effectively to the organisation’s risk assessment, crisis preparations and management while meeting what is expected of an ethical practitioner in complex situations.
This course is aimed at experienced public relations practitioners who want to develop their expertise in the area of response and crisis management.
CIPR Specialist Diploma Crisis Communications
Aims of the module
The CIPR Specialist Diploma (Crisis Communications) introduces the theories and knowledge required to analyse the causes, and weigh the likelihood, of unexpected circumstances that demand urgent responses or that might lead to the need for crisis communications.
It considers the skills and knowledge needed for auditing, planning and managing public relations when the pressure mounts for an urgent response or during a crisis. An analytical perspective is applied to encourage candidates to take a reflective approach in examining their own experience alongside case studies of organisations and scenarios.
Module structure
The Crisis (Response) Communications Diploma covers topics including:
- analysing the causes and assessing the likelihood of circumstances requiring crisis communications
- contributing to the organisation’s risk assessment, crisis preparations
- managing public relations during a crisis
- ethical issues in complex situations.
Assessment Method
The assignment will comprise two elements:
1. A 3,000-word (+/- 10%) executive report
2. Supporting 2,000-word (+/- 10%) summary analysis of secondary research findings
Entry Requirements
You qualify for the Specialist Diploma (Crisis Communications) if you hold one or more of the following:
- CIPR legacy Advanced Certificate or the Professional PR Certificate
- 1 of the following plus 1 year’s relevant full-time employment in public relations (or related sectors, e.g. marketing, journalism) and 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, 1 of which must be in the English language:
- Specialist Certificate (Internal Communications)
- 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, communications, media or journalism.
- 1 of the following plus 2 years’ relevant full-time employment in public relations (or related sectors) and 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, 1 of which must be in the English language:
- CAM Advanced Diploma in Marketing Communications
- NCTJ Diploma
- UK Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any other subject
- LCCIEB qualification which must comprise 5 level-3 subjects in PR, marketing, advertising, and principles and practice of management.
- 4 years’ relevant full-time employment in public relations (or related sectors) and 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, 1 of which must be in the 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 or equivalent.
Course Dates
Our next cohort is due to start January 2025, for more information please contact jen.lorimer@nesma.co.uk.
Client Support
Not sure if this course is right for you?
Contact Client Support:
T: 07734 222 254
E: hello@nesma.co.uk
Contact Client Support:
T: 07734 222 254
E: hello@nesma.co.uk
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What our students say
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.
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.
Need help deciding which course is right for you?
Call us on: +44 (0) 7734 222 254 or email: hello@nesma.co.uk