Get exclusive student offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder
Privacy & Cookies Policy
and
Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Online public relations courses
Step into the dynamic world of public relations with an accessible online course.
Subjects
Gov. Assistance
Certifications
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
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
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, communication strategies and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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.
Last verified
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
More guides on Finder
-
Handypay Green Loan
A Green Loan from Handypay could help you make your home more energy-efficient. Handypay green loans are available up to $75,000 on terms of up to 10 years.
-
Victoria floods: How much food spoilage will your home insurance cover?
There’s been over 25,000 power outages across Victoria. Home insurance can reimburse you for the food that’s gone to waste. Find out who here.
-
TCL 20SE Review: Great display but otherwise unremarkable
If you're after a low-cost mobile with a quality display, the TCL 20SE is appealing, but you'll otherwise be left wanting for app performance, camera quality and battery life.
-
Today’s ASX top stocks: Moneyme (MME ↑18.8%), Cd Private Equity Fund I (CD1 ↑18.5%)
The 10 biggest movers on the ASX for Tuesday 15 June 2021.
-
Amazon Prime Day: 60% off fashion deals you’re not going to want to miss
Bargain hunters - get ready to save on Nike, New Balance, Cotton On, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and so much more.
-
Amazon Prime Day best home deals: Bose, iRobot and more
From home speakers to robot vacuums, these are the items to watch out for this Prime Day.
-
Staple items worth a splurge and how you can grab a cheeky 30% off all of them
We've got a cheeky 30% off at THE ICONIC so here are the staple items worth a splurge because the savings are too damn good.
-
THE ICONIC x Finder: Huge 30% off sale + 5 things to shop right now
THE ICONIC's massive sale is exclusive to Finder members and applies to over 40,000 must-have items.
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