How to become a public relations officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a college course
- specialist courses run by a professional body
University
Public relations roles are open to graduates of most subjects, though you could study for a more specialist degree or postgraduate award recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Courses include:
- Public Relations
- Marketing Communications with PR
- Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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College
There is no set entry route to become a public relations officer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject like a Foundation Certificate in Marketing.
You can also study higher level qualifications if you're working in a marketing or communications department. Courses include the Level 3 Certificate in Public Relations and Media Relations.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You can work towards this role by doing a public relations assistant higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get paid or unpaid experience of working in public relations. You could:
- contact PR departments and consultancies for work experience
- volunteer to promote local charities
- write for student magazines, newspapers, blogs or social media
- work on student or volunteer radio services
Other Routes
You can do professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
These can be done online or at a training centre. Courses include:
- a Foundation Certificate for beginners
- a Professional PR Certificate, if you're a graduate or have 2 years' experience in PR
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Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations and Communications Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about the world of public relations from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and careers in the industry from the Public Relations and Communications Association.