Thinking of signing up to study a professional qualification? There are just 10 days to go to get your application in to be considered for one of the annual PR Academy bursaries.
They offer the following amounts towards these Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) courses:
- CIPR Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Public Relations (£800)
- CIPR Internal Communication Certificate and Diploma, Public Affairs and Political Communication Diploma, Crisis Communication Diploma (£350).
- One bursary is awarded per course, per calendar year.
Want to know what the courses are all about? I interviewed PR Academy co-founder Kevin Ruck for an episode of the All Things IC podcast last year. You can listen again online:
Are these courses for me?
To be eligible, candidates should be working in a field of public relations, internal communications or public affairs. Applications are welcome from overseas candidates. Candidates should meet the CIPR eligibility criteria for their chosen qualification.
Application process
Applicants must provide:
- A comprehensive CV
- Proof that they are presently working in public relations, internal communications 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
The selection panel will comprise the Directors of PR Academy @PRAcademy, and a representative from PR practice.
The panel’s decision is final and no discussion will be entered into, although you will be provided with feedback on your 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
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.
Should 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 Friday, 31 July 2015. Successful candidates will be notified by 14 August 2015.
PR Academy reserves the right to change these dates, but any change will always be posted on the website.
Applications and any queries should be emailed to courses@pracademy.co.uk.
Further reading about IC careers on the All Things IC blog:
All you need to know to develop your IC career
Welcome to internal communication: a guide for you if you’re just starting out
How to explain comms to a toddler
How to find your next comms role
How to advertise your comms role
What events are on for comms pros to attend? – See the comms calendar
How comedy can prepare you for internal communication
How the history of IC can be traced back to the 1920s
How to master communication through education
Post author: Rachel Miller
First published on the All Things IC blog 21 July 2015.
