The CIPR Specialist Diploma in Public Affairs is designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their proficiency in this area. The public affairs qualification is suitable both for generalist PR practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of the discipline, as well as those who are interested in specialising in public affairs as a career.

This Level 7 public affairs course, focuses on the role of public affairs within organisations and in society, its contribution to organisational success, and the expectations of ethical practitioners within the complex political environment. The Specialist Diploma takes approximately six months to complete.

CIPR Specialist Diploma in Public Affairs
From £1340 +VAT

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Study Options and Start Dates

Virtual Classes

Distance Learning

The Diploma in Public Affairs 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 live virtual classes, there are various start dates throughout the year.

Next start date: w/c 14th September

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

Download the CIPR Specialist Diploma in Public Affairs syllabus.

To gain the CIPR Specialist Diploma in Public Affairs, you are required to complete one unit and a written assessment.

During the course, you will focus on policy formation, corporate communication, and reputation in the public affairs domain. You will be able to apply key concepts in public affairs including typologies of political and democratic systems and recent developments in public affairs. You will also cover the process of policy formation and the broader context of corporate communications and reputation. Finally, you will learn how to critically evaluate public affairs issues and campaign management, reflecting on your own experiences alongside case studies.

Complete an Additional Specialist Diploma with 50% Off!

Once you start your qualification, you’ll also gain free reading access to all the Level 7 Specialist Diplomas. If you wish to study another Specialist Diploma and take the assignment, you’ll receive a 50% discount off the standard price.

Distance Learning
From £1340 + VAT with 1 year of support

Virtual Classes
From £1450 + 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 (£80) or assessment fees (£375 per unit).

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

Start monthTimetable
September 2026View the September 2026 timetable
February 2027View the February 2026 timetable
June 2027View the June 2027 timetable

The CIPR Specialist Diploma in Public Affairs is aimed at experienced PR professionals.

You should have one of the following:

  • A previous CIPR Qualification and two years’ experience in PR
  • A business / marketing degree, in addition to one year’s work experience
  • A non-business / marketing degree, in addition to two years’ experience in PR
  • Four years’ full-time employment in PR, in addition to five GCSEs, one of which must be in English Language
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