This Level 3 entry-level qualification is ideal if you are starting a career in PR and communications or already working in a junior role.

You will develop core knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence, exploring the role of PR, the differences between communication disciplines and what it means to operate as an ethical practitioner in today’s environment.

If you are currently part way through the previous CIPR Foundation syllabus, please be assured that your qualification remains credible and highly respected across the industry.

CIPR Public Relations and Communications Foundation
From £540 +VAT

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Study Options and Start Dates

Virtual Classes

Distance Learning

The CIPR Public Relations and Communications Foundation can be studied via either distance learning or virtual classes. If you choose to study via online distance learning, you can start at any time. If you choose virtual classes, there are various start dates throughout the year; January, April, July and October.

Next start date: 12th October

What’s Included

1 year of support to complete your course

Unlimited support access and personal tutor support

Interest-free payment options

Free Project Management course

Free Lunchtime Masterclass

What’s Involved

Student

The CIPR Public Relations and Communications Foundation is composed of two key components.

Component 1

This component focuses on the role of public relations and communication within an organisation.

During this component, you will produce a 1000-word discussion paper which demonstrates how the portfolio of content helps to deliver the objectives of the PR team within the organisation.

This component looks at:

  • the contribution that PR practitioners make to the organisation’s key objectives.
  • the way PR practitioners interact with other disciplines.
  • the responsibility to operate ethically.
  • keeping your skills and knowledge up to date, through continuing professional development (CPD).

Component 2

In this component, you will produce a 1000-word portfolio of written/audio visual content, to build and support a positive reputation for an organisation.

This component looks at:

  • the different types of content produced by PR practitioners.
  • how to target content for particular stakeholders, audiences and channels.
  • developing your practical content creation skills.

The two component assessments must be based around a single organisation. This can be:

a real organisation

or

your own employer, or another organisation known to you (eg: an organisation where you volunteer).

Download the 2026 CIPR Foundation syllabus

The 2018 syllabus remains available to be enrolled on until 2 April 2026.

Distance Learning
From £540 + VAT with 1 year of support

Virtual Classes
From £800 + VAT with 1 year of support

We provide payment plans to suit most students.

Please note: Prices do not include your CIPR registration fees (£81), CIPR membership fees (£38)  or assessment fees (£99 per unit).

We offer regular start dates throughout the year. Browse our upcoming timetables below.

Start monthTimetable
October 2026View the October 2026 timetable
January 2027View the January 2027 timetable
April 2027View the April 2027 timetable
July 2027View the July 2027 timetable

There are no formal entry requirements for undertaking the CIPR Foundation course.

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