PRII Diploma in Public Relations

The PRII Diploma in Public Relations is the foremost Public Relations qualification in Ireland, held by one in four senior communications professionals in Ireland

NOW TAUGHT IN A BLENDED & FLEXIBLE WAY

Who is it for?

• Early-career practitioners who want to consolidate their on-the-job learning.
• Those working in other fields who want to move into Public Relations/Communications roles.
• Post-Graduates who want a career in Public Relations.
• PR and Communications practitioners who want a formal/industry-specific qualification.

What will I learn?

You will gain a complete understanding of all aspects of the industry, both academic and professional.  You will:

• develop in-depth knowledge of the role and practice of external and internal communication in any organisation
• learn how to devise, develop and implement comprehensive PR strategies
• understand how the media works and how to develop effective relationships with key players
• learn how to write and perfect all types of effective PR material
• appreciate the ethical and legal issues around public relations
• gain insight into the other professions central to the work of PR practitioners
• see how business, politics and society interact and understand the role of PR in that process

The PRII Diploma will be delivered using a blended approach in 2020/21. This will incorporate a number of delivery methods: live in-person introductory and revision lectures; video lectures; live online tutorials and self-directed learning.

This will allow students undertake the course in line with necessary COVID-19 protections and protocols.

This allows participants to undertake the course remotely also.

Learning materials available to students include:

• Dedicated Diploma Portal resource webpage hosting video lessons, notes, readings and references.
• Introductory and revision in-person lectures for each module.
• Video lectures on key module content.
• Live two-hour online seminars each week (Monday evening 6:30 – 8:30pm) to discuss and develop upon material covered in video lectures.

When does the course start and take place?

Monday 20 September 2021 – the course will start with an in-person welcome session and introductory lecture.

Following that the first tranche of video lectures and related learning materials will be made available to students on Wednesday 22 September. We suggest that students dedicate time on Wednesday evening (6:30 – 9:30pm) for those lectures, as they would if attending in person. However, they will have flexibility to follow the lectures in their own time, in advance of the online tutorial sessions. The first live online tutorial will take place on Monday evening 28 September.

The course will then take place in the same way with online tutorials on Monday (6:30 – 8:30pm) and lectures and related learning materials made available to students on Wednesdays. Each of the six modules of the course will begin with an in-person introductory lecture and end with a similar revision lecture replacing the respective online session. The course runs until May 2021 and is assessed by way of examination, projects and campaign assignment.

Is it a recognised qualification?

Absolutely!  Delivered and accredited by the PRII, Ireland’s professional body for PR & Communications practitioners, the diploma is universally recognised in the industry.

Who gives the course?

Industry experts, PR professionals and academics, and guest lecturers all present and contribute to the course, ensuring that everything you learn is up to date and relevant to this dynamic and ever-changing profession.

Click here to download the full Diploma Prospectus

How do I qualify and apply for the course?

You must be aged over 18 and have passed a minimum of five subjects in the Leaving Certificate or hold a qualification at Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications.  These requirements can be waived if you have a minimum of two years professional experience in a public relations or communications role.

Enrolment is ongoing and closes 14 days before course commencement.  Course places are limited and are awarded competitively.

You should provide the following, by email, to Annmarie Jordan at annmarie@prii.ie,:

• Career resume
• One-page letter explaining your motivation for taking the course

Your application will be assessed by the PRII and, if appropriate, a follow-up interview scheduled.  If the course is over-subscribed, priority will be given to those already working in Public Relations or a related role, followed by those seeking the qualification to seek employment in the profession.  There is no charge for making an application.