The CIPR Specialist Diploma in Sustainability Communications is aimed at senior PR professionals wishing to develop expertise in how sustainability can be integrated into strategic public relations planning and management.

Upon completing this qualification, learners will be able to:

  • Apply relevant macro, meso and micro contexts of strategic communications leadership

  • Define sustainability engagement to internal and external audiences

  • Critically evaluate the role of PR in advancing a corporate sustainability strategy

The CIPR Specialist Diploma in Sustainability Communications is a level 7 qualification, similar to a Masters level degree and typically can be completed in around 6 months.

Distance Learning

£1,25000+VAT
  • Virtual Classes £1350 +VAT
  • Face-to-face Learning £1450 +VAT
  • Not Including CIPR Fees
Course Enquiry

Free Access to All Specialist Diplomas

For delegates who sign up to any of our Specialist Diplomas, we are offering reading access to not only their selected qualification, but all four of our Level 7 Specialist Diplomas (Sustainability Communications, Crisis Communications, Digital Communications and Internal Communications).

Delegates who then wish to gain an additional Level 7 qualification through completion of an additional assessment, will be offered 50% off our course fees to do so.

Free Project Management Qualification

All delegates who choose to undertake their CIM or CIPR qualifications with us, will have the option of studying a free project management qualification as well. Delegates can choose between either the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification* (PFQ), the AgilePM Foundation or the PRINCE2 Foundation.

These courses provide a great introduction to project management skills, which tie in nicely to wider public relations roles. If you would like to gain the full project management qualification, you will just need to pay the assessment and/or book fees associated with your chosen course.

*Please note this offer is not open to ELCAS funded learners.

Course Structure

This qualification consists of three elements, and after completion, candidates will be able to:

Apply relevant macro, meso and micro contexts of strategic communications leadership including:

  • The role of PR in advocating the relationship between organisations and sustainability

  • The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals

  • UN Principles for Responsible Management Education

  • Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

  • Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG)

  • How best practice in diversity supports sustainability goals

  • How the context (global, international, national and/or local) impacts on attitudes to sustainability

  • The impact of the organisation’s context and culture on its sustainability agenda

  • Researching, interpreting and analysing sustainability data (including relevant case studies) • identifying and responding to objections to sustainability

  • Recognising and responding to disinformation and misinformation about sustainability

  • Referencing the growing practice of brand/CEO/corporate activism

Define sustainability engagement to internal and external audiences by:

  • Exploring the link between sustainability and reputation, issues and crisis management

  • Analysing and evaluating stakeholders’ importance to sustainability

  • Establishing a sustainability agenda including setting organisational sustainability goals

  • Engaging practically with comprehensive stakeholder analysis, resource-based review and resulting recommendations

  • Identifying and addressing ethical, legal and other impacts on stakeholder groups within the context of sustainability.

Critically evaluate the role of PR in advancing a corporate sustainability strategy by:

  • Applying sustainability tools, concepts and ethical principles to the organisational context

  • Evaluating the success of sustainability PR strategies and tactics

  • Evaluating the impact of the organisation’s sustainability goals

  • Critically analysing potential areas of conflict, for example:

    • The