Bursaries available for comms courses

If you or your team are thinking about studying internal communication, public relations or public affairs but are struggling due to the cost, I have some good news. Every year PR Academy offers bursaries for its face-to-face Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) courses and you have until 31 July to apply.

I think this is a great idea and encourage you to investigate the courses and consider applying for the bursary if you’re eligible.

The courses are: CIPR Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Public Relations (£800); CIPR Internal Communication Certificate and Diploma (£350); and CIPR Public Affairs and Political Communication Diploma (£350). One bursary is awarded per course, per calendar year.

Who can apply?

Candidates should be working in a field of public relations, internal communication or public affairs. PR Academy says that it welcomes applications from overseas candidates and that candidates should meet the CIPR eligibility criteria for their chosen qualification. If you have any questions, their email is below or you can find them on Twitter @PRAcademy.

Applicants must provide:

  • A comprehensive CV
  • Proof that they are presently working in public relations, internal communication or public affairs (e.g. an appointment letter or letter from their employer)
  • A written submission of no more than 500 words saying why they believe that a PR, internal communications or public affairs professional qualification is important
  • A covering letter that explains how they feel they would benefit from the bursary (no more than 200 words)
  • A signed statement confirming that funding is not available from an employer.

Selection

Who will be making the decision? PR Academy says that the selection panel will comprise the Directors of PR Academy and a representative from PR practice. Their decision will be final and no discussion will be entered into, although PR Academy will provide feedback on the application.

Panel members will look for the following:

  • Evidence of the ability to apply oneself to study
  • Enthusiasm for a field of PR
  • Commitment to the professional status of PR and communications
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • The case put forward for receipt of the bursary.

Conditions

PR AcademyAs you would expect, there are a fair number of conditions attached to the bursary and I’ve listed them all here. The funds are only available as a contribution towards studying with PR Academy and will be deducted from the invoice for your PR Academy tuition fees.

One bursary is awarded per course, per calendar year. Successful candidates will receive the same resources and support that PR Academy offers to other students on the chosen course. The course must be started within 12 months of the award being confirmed. The number of courses and start dates may vary.

If for any reason the course selected by the candidate not run, the bursary award can be held over until the next academic year. No cash alternative is available. Applicants should be willing to take part in media relations and/or other promotional activities initiated by PR Academy or the CIPR.

At the end of the course of study, successful applicants should provide a short report of 500 words that discusses how they benefited from the course. This may be used to promote the bursary scheme and the qualifications generally.

Payment by installments for PR Academy tuition fees  is not available to those students awarded a bursary.

Key dates

Applications should be received by 31 July each year. Successful candidates will be advised towards the end of August. PR Academy reserves the right to change these dates and say if that’s the case they’ll communicate any change on their website. Want to know more or have any questions? Applications and any queries should be emailed to info@pracademy.co.uk.

If you would like to know what it’s like to study through PR Academy, check out this article by my fellow @theICcrowd co-founder Jenni Wheller @jenniwheller.

Want to know what courses are available? See my Rachel’s Resources page for links to places where you can study internal communication.

I’ve written about PR Academy a couple of times before, you can read my articles here: Mind the digital communications skills gap and Rolling out the red carpet for comms courses.

If you’re applying for a bursary, I wish you the best of luck and don’t forget to pass this info on to anyone you think would be interested. Thank you for stopping by, Rachel.

Post author: Rachel Miller

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