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Online public relations courses
Step into the dynamic world of public relations with an accessible online course.
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The field of public relations is fast-paced, diverse and dynamic. If you're a natural communicator and get a buzz from sharing useful information, you could use your people skills to build a career in this exciting industry.
So how do you get started?
Studying a public relations course online is a convenient way to develop highly sought-after skills that can open the pathway to many career opportunities. Here's our guide on courses available and what's involved.
Where can I find public relations courses online?
Does your company belong in this list?
What public relations courses are available to study online?
Short courses
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| David Axelrod and Karl Rove Teach Campaign Strategy and Messaging | Course length: 5 hours (24 video lessons) Subjects include: Starting a campaign, polling and focus groups, slogans and logos and public appearances | |
| The Ultimate Public Relations Masterclass | Course length: 3 hours of on-demand video lessons Subjects include: Research and planning, media relations, social media and writing for PR | |
| Modern PR – How to Get Press Coverage for Your Business | Course length: 1 hour of on-demand video lessons Subjects include: Building and leveraging relationships, cold outreach and after the pitch | |
| Copywriting Public Relations – Master PR Publicity Skills | Course length: 2 hours of on-demand video lessons Subjects include: Understanding keywords, press releases and white papers and success metrics |
Certificates
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Public Relations | Course length: 12 months access Subjects include: Public relations strategies, writing skills for public relations and business storytelling |
|
Diplomas
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Diploma of Public Relations | Course length: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent Subjects include: Public relations campaigns, marketing communication, public relations theory and practice, and public affairs and opinion formation |
|
Bachelor's degrees
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) | Course length: 3 years full time or part-time equivalent Subjects include: Communication strategy and planning, issues, risks and crisis communication, influence and impact in public relations, professional practice and PR campaigns |
|
| Bachelor of Business (Public Relations) | Course length: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time Subjects include: Public relations techniques, Internal communication and change, public relations campaigns, and marketing and audience research |
|
| Bachelor of Media and Communication (Major in Public Relations) | Course length: 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent Subjects include: Global media industries, public relations writing, media content creation and events management |
|
Who should take an online public relations course?
If you love working with people and have a passion for all forms of communication, a public relations course could help you develop highly marketable skills for the workforce. Likewise, anyone who likes to combine creativity with strategy may find the area of public relations very rewarding.
Whether you are completely new to the world of PR or you want to build on your existing qualifications with a postgraduate course, all are possible with online study.
Studying your public relations qualification online can work really well if you are already working or busy with other commitments and don't have the time to attend lectures or classes at university. The delivery method is accessible and convenient, allowing you to watch recorded lectures in your own time and plan your study schedule as you see fit.
What topics may be covered in an online public relations course?
If you're the type of person that thrives on utilising a multitude of skills in your work, you may find this field satisfying.
Here are just some of the topics you may explore in your public relations course:
- Public relations strategies
- Copywriting
- Conducting market research
- Global media industries
- Social media
- Press releases and white papers
- Media law and ethics
- Business of media
- Public affairs and lobbying
- Event management
- Brand management
- Creating presentations
- Media content creation
- Issues and crisis management
- Campaign development
How long does an online public relations course take to complete?
The length of an online public relations course can range from one hour for a short course or three to six years for a bachelor's degree, depending on whether you study part-time or full-time.
There's a great range of choices with online study. If you just want to get a quick taste of the PR field or add some extra skills to your resume, you can take a short course through Udemy, for example. On the other hand, you can take more time and go for extensive study by completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree online.
What are the career opportunities after taking a public relations course?
From event management to media publicity and copywriting, a world of career opportunities can open up for you when you complete a public relations course online. Some of the pathways that can become available are:
- Public relations officer
- Advertising account executive
- Customer relations manager
- Social media assistant
- Publicist
- Press secretary
- Media advisor
- Fundraising and sponsorship
- Brand management
- Social media manager
- Advertising creative
- Digital content coordinator
- Government relations officer
- Public affairs and lobbying
What equipment and software will I need?
Studying a course online works perfectly for the minimalists among us. All you really need is a laptop, Internet connection and a quiet place to do your study.
It's a good idea to download Microsoft Word so you can take notes and write assignments in a word document, then easily convert your assignments to PDF for submission. You may also need to use Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations for your assessments.
See the latest deals for online public relations courses
Training.com.au
Get free course guides and career advice on public relations
Get free course guides and expert advice to help you start a career in public relations. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
MasterClass
Learn Public Relations from David Axelrod and Karl Rove
Sign up to MasterClass with an annual subscription of $280 ($23.33 per month, billed annually) and access lessons on public relations with David Axelrod and Karl Rove.
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Tafecourses.com.au
Get the latest resources and expert career advice on public relations
Sign up for a course from Australia's best TAFEs, colleges and universities and get the latest advice and resources to help you advance in your career in public relations. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Udemy
Press relations courses from $44.99
Learn about public relations with Udemy. Sample price is for a course on getting press with a limited budget. Other courses include public relations fundamentals, writing communication strategies and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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Ask an Expert
I would like to inquire about Diploma of Public Relation (PR) on line if you have it? Many Thanks, Sid
Hi Sid,
Thanks for your comment.
Regarding the Diploma of Public Relations, there is also a host of short courses available exclusively online.
– Graduate Diploma of public relations at Deakin University.
– Graduate Diploma of communication (Public relations) at University.
– Diploma of Business (public relations) at APM College of Business and Communication.
Regards,
Jhezelyn