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Certificate of Public Relations

In this public relations course, you will explore the theoretical underpinnings of PR, ethical considerations crucial to practice, managing stakeholder relationships, and navigating the Australian media landscape, including digital and social media. You will also develop skills in building relationships with media professionals, crafting compelling media releases and pitches, and managing press conferences and interviews.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
30 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

Whether you are planning to start a new career in the vibrant and constantly evolving field of public relations or looking to advance in your current one, this course will open doors for you.

The Certificate of Public Relations is a professional development course that provides a solid foundation for a successful career in public relations or related fields.

In this public relations course, you will explore the theoretical underpinnings of PR, ethical considerations crucial to practice, managing stakeholder relationships, and navigating the Australian media landscape, including digital and social media. You will also develop skills in building relationships with media professionals, crafting compelling media releases and pitches, and managing press conferences and interviews.

You will also explore crisis communication and success metrics for online campaigns. You will learn about government relations, public affairs, corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, legal and ethical considerations (communication, professional and social ethics), and relevant Australian laws and regulations.

On completion of this course, you will be well-prepared to pursue diverse and exciting roles in the public relations industry.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Unit - Certificate of Public Relations

Unit 1 – Introduction to Public Relations in Australia

  • The history of public relations
  • Timeline of public relations
  • General overview of public relations
  • Evolution of public relations in Australia
  • Major players and sectors
  • Importance of PR in society

Unit 2 – Theories and Models in Public Relations

  • Major models in public relations
  • Grunig and Hunt’s four models of PR
  • Major theories in public relations
  • Application of theories
  • Evolution of PR models
  • Ethics and PR theories

Unit 3 – Stakeholder Management and Community Relations

  • Identifying and understanding stakeholders
  • Influence/interest matrix
  • Engaging with and managing stakeholders
  • Role of community relations in PR
  • Australian case studies
  • Engagement strategies and tactics

Unit 4 – Media Relations

  • Media landscape in Australia
  • Digital and social media
  • Building relationships with the media
  • Writing media releases
  • Media pitches
  • Managing interviews
  • Press conferences
  • Crisis management

Unit 5 – Crisis Communications and Reputation Management

  • Understanding crisis communications
  • The role of PR in crisis management
  • Examples of bad PR
  • Crisis management in Australia
  • Case studies in Australia
  • Techniques for reputation management

Unit 6 – Digital PR and Social Media Management

  • Digitisation of PR
  • Impacts of digitisation
  • Social media landscape
  • Strategies for digital and social media PR
  • Online success metrics

Unit 7 – Government Relations and Public Affairs

  • Role of government relations
  • Importance of government relations
  • Role of Public Affairs
  • Lobbying
  • Advocacy

Unit 8 – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability

  • The rise of CSR and sustainability
  • Driving factors
  • The role of PR in CSR
  • Future trends

Unit 9 – Legal and Ethical Considerations in PR

  • Communication ethics
  • Professional ethics
  • Social ethics
  • Key legal areas for public relations
  • Australian laws and regulations

Unit 10 – Trends in Public Relations

  • Tools and technologies
  • Global trends in PR
  • Career Opportunities
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Estimated Duration
30 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Career Outcomes

Professional Development for:

  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Copywriters
  • Social Media Managers
Enrol & start today
* Ts&Cs apply
Certificate of Public Relations
$499.00
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About Us

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

How to Enrol

You can enrol online by clicking Get Started on any course page under Enrol & Start Today. Follow the prompts to complete your enrolment as an individual, business, or service provider.

Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)

Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)

Payment Options

Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.

Course FAQs

Why choose Australian Online Courses?
  • Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
  • Improve your employment opportunities;
  • Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
  • High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
  • All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
  • Unlimited tutor support via email;
  • We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
  • Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.

There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.

You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!

Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.

BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.

Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.

Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.

This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

Offer
Enrol in June and take 15% off!
  • Valid for courses only
  • Enter the coupon code JUNE when enrolling.
  • Ts&Cs apply.
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