This professional short course is designed for any professional who has a responsibility for crisis management and business recovery strategies, as well as those looking to specialise in crisis communication as a career.
The course will help you to understand the impact of a crisis, how it damages reputation and how it can be mitigated. You will develop an understanding of potential causes which could lead to the need for crisis management.
The course will cover a number of engaging topics including crisis-prone behaviour, issues management, reputation (vulnerabilities and opportunities), different levels and impacts of crisis and influencing strategies to avoid or avert a crisis.
This course will cover various topics including:
- Crisis-prone behaviour
- Different levels and impacts of crisis
- Issues management
- Reputation (vulnerabilities and opportunities)
- Influencing strategies to avoid or avert a crisis
Learning Methods
The course will be delivered in two day long workshops at RGU’s Garthdee Campus in Aberdeen, from November onwards. This is followed by self-study online through Moodle, the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers you the flexibility of where and when you can study.
The workshop will provide you with the hands-on practical ability to handle and react to a crisis. It will also allow the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded individuals and build your confidence in the subject area.
Moodle provides you with full open access to tutors and other class members. The course materials and online support will provide you with a wealth of theory and specific guidance.
Assessment
Assessment will be carried out through a single 5,000 word coursework assignment (a 3,000 word executive report plus a 2,000 word summary analysis of secondary research findings), which will be marked by RGU and moderated by the CIPR. There will be three assessment submission points to choose from within the 12 month period, providing added flexibility for busy professionals.
*Students will not receive RGU credit for this course.
Career opportunities exist primarily within the private and public sectors where there is growing demand for crisis management expertise which can adapt to an increasingly uncertain political, economic, social and technological environment.
The CIPR Specialist Diploma (Crisis Communication) may be used to support an application to other MSc courses within RGU.
On completion of the course you will be eligible for 20% Alumni discount on other RGU courses and may be able to accelerate membership to the CIPR (subject to individual circumstances and CIPR policy and regulations).
An undergraduate degree or CIPR recognised qualifications and a minimum of 12 months work experience is required. Ensure you are familiar with the requirements of the CIPR.
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at Robert Gordon University and all students must demonstrate that they’re proficient in reading, writing, speaking and listening before starting a course with us.
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of English language to a level of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page.
Academic Year 2025/2026
- Tuition fee: £2,053
- AB registration fee, per student: £81
- CIPR student registration and assessment fee, per student: Specialist Diploma: £356
- Total payable: £2,490
Students will be given the option to pay 22% of their fees on enrolment and the balance is payable in 6 instalments of 13% on a monthly basis thereafter.
Academic Year 2024/2025
- Tuition fee: £1,830
- AB registration fee, per student: £81
- CIPR student registration and assessment fee, per student: Specialist Diploma: £355
- Total payable: £2,266
Students will be given the option to pay 22% of their fees on enrolment and the balance is payable in 6 instalments of 13% on a monthly basis thereafter.
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
For students who live out-with the Aberdeen area there may be travel and accommodation costs for the 2 day-long workshops at RGU’s Garthdee Campus, Aberdeen. This will vary depending on the distance to travel
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Any questions?
Get in touch with the course leader who will be delighted to help.