To succeed, your brand needs visibility, recognition, and trust. If people already know and value your brand, sales will come naturally. Achieving this level of success requires one of two paths: hiring a PR specialist or learning PR yourself. Either way, proper PR training is essential. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of online and offline courses and organizations where you can study PR.
Most Rated Public Relations Courses
There are many aspects involved in running a business successfully. Apart from delivering top-notch products and services, a company should be able to spread the word about itself and reach the target audience. How do people know that your brand exists? This is when public relations and communications skills should be mastered to help your business get noticed by the buying public. If you wonder how PR works and how to master it yourself, here are 10 free public relations courses you should try.
Tricks of Choosing the Courses
If you browse through the Internet, you will find plenty of interesting courses and masterclasses. Here you face the issue of selecting the one that suits you. Ask yourself several viable questions to move forward instead of being stuck on the stage of picking:
- Who is the speaker?
- What program do they offer?
- Are there any good reviews about it?
After you have done the fact-checking and come up with enough background information, it will be easier to pick. Consider among at least ten or five courses. Focus on famous providers; thus, there is a chance you may pay less, participate in sales or get some bonuses for a subscription or an invite of a friend.
Mastering Digital PR with Brian Dean
A part of Semrush Academy, this free public relations course is designed for businesses seeking to grow with PR in any industry. It includes the most advanced strategies the course author Brian Dean used to get press coverage for his own brand on such popular media outlets as Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, TechCrunch, and Vox. By enrolling in this course, you will learn how to attract media attention step-by-step. This free public relations course should be helpful to businesses in different industries and micro-niches. It teaches you how to scale your public relations efforts from 1-2 campaigns per year to 1-2 campaigns per month.
Public Relations (Short Course)
This free public relations course should be helpful for everyone who already works in a PR role or is interested in learning something new. This PR certificate program from Oxford Home Study College should be a perfect starting point for everyone eager to learn PR and get a public relations certificate. The core topics covered by the course are the differences between PR, advertising, and publicity. It also discusses the most useful PR tools that should be useful for getting started and achieving success in public relations.
The Nuts and Bolts of Public Relations
The course explains how to create PR-related collateral, including how to write a press release, a story pitch, and a media contact list. You can use these materials to tell your company’s story as part of your public relations campaign. This free public relations course teaches how to create collateral that stays “on message” and clearly communicates the company’s mission and core values. The course also explains how to work with journalists and other media professionals in a way it meets your communication goals.
Improving Communication Skills
Communication plays a significant importance in so many ways. Learning how to communicate more effectively helps PR experts better achieve their goals. The award-winning Wharton professor and best-selling author Maurice Schweitzer teaches this free course. It’s designed to give you the tools you need to improve your communication skills and the most successful strategies for using them to your advantage. It teaches you how to find out if someone lies to you, develop trust with the person you communicate with, and apologize if something goes wrong. The “Improving Communication Skills” course explains how to choose the right medium for communication, how to create a persuasive message, how and when to cooperate, etc. By completing the course, you will learn how to understand what others want, develop critical communication skills, and craft a convincing message to help you get your business ahead.
Principles of Public Relations
This free public relations course covers the main principles and theories relevant to practice. It clearly explains the meaning of public relations and how to understand how different brands use strategic communication to reach their goals. The course also discusses the ethical implications of public relations. One of the modules of this free course gives insights into how Corporate Social Responsibility works and how it contributes to social goals by engaging in volunteering or ethically-oriented business practices.
Introduction to Personal Branding
The next free public relations course we’ve added to our list of recommendations is designed by instructor Kimberley R. Barker. It helps you understand what personal branding means for your brand. The course helps you explore how to create a personal brand that authentically communicates your company’s business goals. It teaches the basics of digital security and reputation management. You will learn how to establish a strong social presence for your brand on at least three social platforms, and create a system for ongoing brand maintenance.
Working with the Media
As the name of this free public relations course suggests, it helps you understand the media and how to leverage the power of storytelling with different outlets. The course comprises 5 modules explaining the role of public relations, media, and how to leverage storytelling with different outlets. You will learn the similarities and differences between public relations and journalism, advertising, and marketing. The course explains how different types of media and gatekeeping in public relations work. On top of that, you will learn the art of press releases, understand the basics and practice writing your own piece.
Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content
If you have ever wondered how to create content to catch on, the next free public relations course should be helpful. The course is designed by professor Jonah Berger, who teaches you how to be more effective at marketing your ideas, generating more word of mouth, and using the power of social media platforms to the fullest. The author of the course uses examples from his book “Contagious: Why Things Catch On” to illustrate successful strategies on how to use buzz to create vitality so that your campaigns become more shareable on social media and elsewhere.
Public Relations Campaigns
Public relations campaigns are one of the most exciting areas of public relations. This free cause explains what PR campaigns are and what are the most popular practices for putting campaigns together. The cause explains the structure of a PR campaign and what steps it involves to put one campaign together. You will also learn how to set objectives correctly, develop your strategy and create tactics. The free course covers the basics of various campaign theories that you can put into practice.
Advertising and Public Relations
This free public relations course is designed to help you understand and sift through the plethora of persuasive information thrown our way. Advertising and public relations go hand-in-hand in our modern times. This course will help you clearly understand the difference between these two fields, develop expertise in each of them, and learn how to benefit from using advertising and public relations together. After completing this free course, you will get the knowledge and skills needed to design and manage advertising and public relations communications to promote your brand and make it more noticeable to your target audience. The course also teaches how to become more skilled in planning and executing strategic brand management. If you are only planning to start your career in PR and advertising, this course should help you find the needed insights on being employable and successful in your chosen niche.
Public Relation Courses on Udemy
It is another trustworthy place that helps to invest in future knowledge and skills. Udemy is the second world’s best-known platform for online learning. It operates in a few languages and has a very useful app for those who are always moving and cannot study from a computer. The platform cooperates with many famous big companies. You will get certificates after the course is complete. Two more interesting courses we added to the list:
- “Crisis Communications: Survive a Media Crisis” The cost is $20. You will learn how to handle any emergency PR situations, look confident on camera, organize a press conference and do strategic planning. It includes 18 lectures, in total 10 hours of study.
- “Advanced Communication Skills for 21st Century Leaders” is a fresh, updated online class about making quick decisions in different situations by using communication skills. Here you will discover the art of effective interaction between people and be a confident speaker.
The platform loves its visitors and shares news and fresh materials in its blog on the website. It also provides students’ reviews and works on negative ones by improving the courses’ weak sides.
It is a place where many famous people share their knowledge with others. You may visit their website and see for yourself how much stuff they offer. You may find pretty impressive public relations courses. Here you buy a membership and select a tariff plan you want so you can get countless watches. The introductory video will help you understand if you selected the right topic for learning. Here are the top ones:
- Public Relations: How to Be a Government/PIO Spokesperson” The course consists of short videos describing how to behave during TV press conferences, how to move your hands and other body parts to look confident and professional, in which manner you should answer questions and how to dress for the event. The speech is very productive and contains mostly facts and experiences from real people. You can start watching the videos for free. Below them, you will find students’ reviews.
- “DIY Public Relations: Craft Your Press Release” By taking this class, you will learn how to master your text, work on its content and trim it to highlight the important parts and message it to the crowd. A set of videos shows significant sides of the work a PR person performs, from direct pitch to interacting with journalists.
One of the platform’s greatest features is that you can choose all the filters on the left panel, from class level to its length.
Online Or Offline: Where Is Better To Study PR
After COVID-19 in 2020, the world moved away from the usual option of exclusively offline learning, and now students have new opportunities for online. Both online and offline learning have advantages and disadvantages, and if you’re unsure which option is right for you, our mini-guide is here to help.
Offline university studies often provide a more qualitative and relevant educational experience, offering the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree at a higher academic level. This format of study is suitable only if you are prepared to commit to a specific location, have a clear goal of earning a degree in this field, and are willing to dedicate 2 to 4 years to the process.
The key advantages of offline studies include:
- Full immersion in the material: A live presence in the classroom will improve your concentration and focus on learning.
- Social engagement: Being among people studying together will help social integration and provide opportunities for collaboration.
- Practical application of knowledge: Many offline programs incorporate hands-on projects, workshops, and internships.
- Networking opportunities: Building connections with classmates, professors, and industry professionals can be invaluable for future career growth.
- Better feedback: Face-to-face interaction provides personalized feedback and immediate clarification of issues.
Online courses and programs are commonly offered by major online platforms, universities, or business schools, with most programs lasting up to a year. This type of training is perfect if you want to enhance your skills, gain new experience, and explore whether the PR field is right for you – without being tied to a specific location.
The key advantages of online studies include:
- Flexibility: You’re not tied to a specific location, allowing you to learn from anywhere.
- Convenient access: All course materials and resources are easily available online.
- Work-life balance: You can combine your studies with a full-time job or other commitments.
- Maximum result in a short period: Boost your efficiency without spending much time.
- Expert knowledge: Learn directly from renowned PR professionals.
Many universities now offer online programs; however, it’s important to consider that the study duration might be twice as long, or the diploma may not carry the same weight as a traditional, on-campus degree. Choose wisely and focus on your desires, needs, and capabilities.
Offline Studies: Universities
GBSB Global Business School
Ranked among the top 10 business schools in Spain and an impressive 250 worldwide, GBSB Global Business School is an international business school that attracts thousands of applicants each year. Their business school serves as a catalyst, nurturing the aspirations of a new generation of socially responsible leaders poised to thrive in an interconnected, dynamic environment.
What GBSB Global Business School Can Offer?
- Newsweek and Forbes Recognition: It’s showcasing its excellence in education and innovation.
- Four Campuses & Online Studies: Students have the option to choose from one of four campuses across Spain and Malta or choose online programs that suit different learning preferences.
- Multiculturalism: Their students come from 150 countries around the world.
- Education in small groups: Personalized learning in groups of up to 30 people improves the perception of information and the overall learning atmosphere.
- Support throughout studies: The Career, Alumni, and Entrepreneurship Center is always at your service to help you achieve your professional goals.
About The PR Program:
The Digital Communication & PR program offers a comprehensive approach to public relations, focusing on multichannel PR, universal communications campaigns, corporate branding, digital innovation, and new technologies. Throughout this innovative BA program, students can specialize in their areas of interest while receiving a solid business education with a digital focus. You’ll explore the latest trends in digital innovation, reinforce theoretical knowledge through hands-on experience, and develop an agile mindset that allows you to easily adapt to the remote realities of today’s world. The program spans 2 years, with the opportunity in the 3rd year to choose where to complete your studies for a higher qualification. Options include Malta, online learning, or blended learning in Barcelona and Madrid, providing flexibility to suit your preferences.
Features
GBSB Global Business School is a private institution, so free tuition opportunities are limited. However, it’s important to note that GBSB Global graduates have secured positions in top companies around the world, with many finding internships or full-time jobs within 1-3 months of graduation. The school holds prestigious accreditations, including recognition as a Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: 2020-012) and accreditation by the Government of Catalonia’s Department of Education.
Richmond American University London
Richmond American University London offers students the unique opportunity to graduate with both a UK-accredited degree and a US college degree. Their Advertising & Public Relations program is about preparing you to influence audiences across multiple channels and make a meaningful impact in the marketplace.
What Richmond American University London Can Offer?
- Dual Accreditation: Graduate with dually-accredited UK & US Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees.
- Generous scholarships: Potentially reduce student debt & combine funding options (including SFE US government loans).
- Liberal Arts system: An American education with extensive contact hours and mentorship (average 15 hours per week).
- Global Work Opportunities: Gain international work experience while studying, with opportunities across five continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia.
- Academic Advising: academic advisors provide personalized support in course selection, professional development, and study skills.
About The PR Program
The Advertising & Public Relations program is designed to equip you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for a successful career in advertising and PR. Grounded in the fundamentals of communication, the degree offers an interdisciplinary approach that explores key subjects such as business, marketing, and visual culture. You will gain hands-on experience in media production, preparing you to excel in the media and creative industries. Key topics include Contemporary Issues in Global Media, Creative Campaigns, Visual Storytelling, and Research and Writing.
Features
Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programs are based on the US educational approach, which takes four years to complete. However, with their new Advertising & Public Relations program structure, students can complete it in three years. The university also offers a master’s degree in PR.
University of Economics and Human Sciences
Located on a modern campus in the heart of Warsaw, the Warsaw University of Economics and Humanities provides an inspiring space for students to nurture their creativity, build successful careers, and bring their projects to life. For over 20 years, it has been one of Poland’s leading private universities, offering top-tier training in the field of public relations.
What University of Economics and Human Sciences Can Offer?
- CEEMAN IQA Accreditation: Recognized for its quality education and commitment to international standards.
- International Cooperation: Opportunities to connect with global institutions, fostering a multicultural and dynamic learning environment. Within them: China, UAE, USA, Switzerland, Georgia, etc.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with renowned organizations and universities to enhance educational and career prospects. Key partners include Stowarzyszenie Media Lokalnych, Wspólnota, and News City.
About The PR Program
The Social Communication and Public Relations program provides students with theoretical understanding and practical skills in political science, applied across various spheres of social activity. The program is available in both Polish and English.
This specialization prepares graduates for careers in PR, corporate communications (including PR agencies), and the media market as PR professionals. In addition to essential topics such as Media Relations, the curriculum includes Constitutional Law and Political Systems, Political Marketing, Diplomacy, and International Political Relations, equipping students with a well-rounded education for success in the field.
Features
A bachelor’s degree in Polish universities takes only 3 years, with long holiday breaks, making the learning process less intensive than in other countries. Many institutions offer opportunities for double diplomas, summer schools, vacation courses, and professional development programs in collaboration with foreign partners. International cooperation is a cornerstone of Polish universities’ scientific and educational activities, fostering a global learning environment and building connections with institutions worldwide.
Media University of Applied Sciences
The German Media University of Applied Sciences not only increases the attractiveness of the courses in the German market but also for international students. They rebranded a year ago and switched to modern forms of education, such as one-year master’s programs, dual study programs, or distance learning formats.
What Media University of Applied Sciences Can Offer?
- Practice-Oriented Learning: The university’s approach combines theory with hands-on experience. Through real-world projects and case studies, students gain practical skills and professional experience, preparing them for the demands of the media industry.
- Empathetic Environment: A respectful and supportive learning atmosphere is a priority. Teachers and students engage as equals, enhancing a positive and motivating academic experience.
- Competency: Students benefit from highly qualified professors and lecturers with extensive specialist knowledge and real-world experience. This ensures a high-quality education tailored to career success.
- Small study groups: Intimate class sizes enable personalized support, encourage active interaction, and enhance learning outcomes. Every student receives focused attention and guidance.
About The PR Program
The Media University’s Master’s Program in Public Relations and Digital Marketing (MA) prepares students for emerging communication professions driven by digital technologies. These future-focused roles are supported by a curriculum emphasizing application-oriented research and the professional use of digital communication tools, particularly within social media. The program integrates these skills into broader corporate and marketing communication strategies, equipping students to navigate and contribute to the transformation of society and culture. Specializations include: Corporate and financial communications, Non-governmental organizations, associations, and foundations, Public Administration, and political communications.
Feature
The master’s degree (M.A.) can be achieved in four semesters in a dual-practice-integrating manner. “Dual-practice-integrating” means that students work in a cooperating company parallel to their studies. In addition to imparting theoretical knowledge, practical business projects are integrated into the course of study.
Online Studies and Programs
Marketing, Communication, and PR by Microsoft
Microsoft offers a course for beginners in marketing, communications, and PR on the Coursera platform. This specialization includes the professional certification “Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Associate,” providing students with a globally recognized credential to enhance their expertise and career prospects in marketing, communication, and PR.
- Course Duration: 28 hours to complete (3 weeks at 9 hours per week)
- Course volume: 5 units
- For whom: Beginners
- Teaching language: English
- Certificate: Included
What you will learn:
- Develop strategies for integrating multiple communication channels to deliver a cohesive and effective campaign.
- Enhance the effectiveness of communication and storytelling strategies with AI tools.
- Craft compelling PR messages with powerful storytelling and tailor these messages to various PR scenarios.
- Create a comprehensive blueprint for effective integrated campaigns while streamlining your PR processes.
Price: €56/month with Coursera Plus subscription (there is an opportunity to get a 75% discount on the course)
CIPR Professional PR Certificate
Studying for the CIPR Professional PR Certificate is an excellent way to enhance your skills or gain a strong foundation in public relations. The program features live online sessions, tutorials, and personalized feedback on assignment topics, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive learning experience. Between 74% and 85% of learners report that a professional qualification with CIPR Professional PR Certificate has led to career progression, combined with increased confidence in achieving their goals.
- Course Duration: 10 months
- Course volume: 3 units
- For whom: Beginners and practitioners
- Teaching language: English
- Certificate: Included
What you will learn:
- Gain a deep understanding of your chosen profession and develop the skills needed to advance your career.
- Learn how to research and create effective PR plans.
- Develop the ability to craft compelling content that helps organizations tell their story, shift attitudes, influence behaviors, and market products or services.
- Master techniques to measure the impact of communication activities.
Price: around £2,026.20
Public Relations (Short Course) by Oxford Home Study Centre
If PR is the kind of career you can see yourself succeeding in, this exclusive PR certificate program from Oxford Home Study College could be the perfect starting point! Core topics covered include the differences between PR, advertising, and publicity, a variety of PR tools, and a broad overview of contemporary public relations in general. There are no deadlines, no time restrictions, and no penny to pay at any time.
- Course Duration: 20 hours
- Course volume: 3 units
- For whom: Beginners
- Teaching language: English
- Certificate: CPD Accredited Certificate
What you will learn:
- Define the term ‘Public Relations’
- Discuss the nature and scope of Public Relations
- Public Relations Tools and Methods
- Earn CPD points to enhance your profile
Price: Free
Public Relations Theory and Practice by the University of South Australia
The University of South Australia offers an introductory course to Public Relations designed to debunk common myths about the industry and explore its foundational theories. Gain insights into why organizations communicate and present themselves in specific ways and uncover the core principles that drive effective PR strategies.
- Course Duration: 10 weeks
- Course volume: 10 units
- For whom: Beginners
- Teaching language: English
- Certificate: This is a first-year course from UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Communication degree.
What you will learn:
- Understand the specific functions of PR within a corporate context.
- Learn how to outline and develop an effective crisis communication plan.
- Gain practical experience by creating a PR campaign based on a real-life scenario.
- Explore the role of Government Public Relations and its unique challenges.
- Analyze the impact of the evolving landscape of public relations on modern communication strategies.
Price: $2,300
Modern PR: How To Get Press Coverage For Your Business by mDash Courses
Press coverage is a powerful tool for new companies and products, offering immense opportunities for growth and visibility. Whether your goal is to attract new customers, secure meetings with potential investors, or establish social proof and legitimacy for your brand, being featured in prominent media outlets can help you achieve these objectives—completely free of charge. This course will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to harness the power of media exposure and effectively boost your brand’s presence.
- Course Duration: 48m total length
- Course volume: 7 units
- For whom: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketers
- Teaching language: English
- Certificate: Included
What you will learn:
- How to build and leverage relationships with reporters
- How to find the right journalists to contact (the ones most likely to write about you)
- How to build a compelling narrative around your bran
- How to create a press kit
- How to write a pitch that journalists respond to
- How to handle negative publicity
- A secret weapon to help you get press coverage in record time
Price: $20
Whether you choose an online course or go to university to study PR, it doesn’t matter, as you will already have some experience. The world of PR is multifaceted, and it’s up to you to decide how you will apply its different aspects to your career!
Summing Up: Public Relation Courses
USA citizens can find the best public relations courses by relying on several popular Internet online educational providers. It is better than testing some unknown resources because here; you understand what you are paying for. If you do not like the source, you can get a refund or be offered some other lectures to listen to. Small websites cannot provide that much safety and service level, like free trials and bonuses for loyal customers.
