PUBLIC RELATIONS
Are you a quick-thinking creative? Do you have a passion for brands, reputation, and professionalism? Do you like writing and public speaking? Are you addicted to current affairs and news and love reading and researching? Do you want a career that lets you do all of this and more?
The Public Relations specialisation, as part of the Diploma in Media Practices at Boston Media House, might be the perfect fit for you!
Over 3 years, this dynamic Public Relations course covers not only the theory and history of PR but introduces you to the fast-paced, multi-faceted, and increasingly complex world of corporate and commercial public relations, whilst giving you real-life experiences and assignments so you are ready to enter the world of PR from the day you graduate.
You will be taught by South African PR industry professionals who use real-world experiences to show you how to think creatively, to be culturally aware and sensitive and how to constantly represent not only yourself but the industry, in a professional manner.
Learn how to communicate with and understand a varied group of stakeholders with a key focus on developing and building media relations.
The PR specialisation will also teach you how to organise events, plan Corporate Social Investment projects and experience the pressure of the real-world PR environment, through crises communication simulation, while developing your communication skills using current case studies drawn from the fast-paced field of public relations. Compiling media relations strategies, internal communications plans, and social media content plans will become second nature to you. A record of your skills put together in 2 student portfolios, can be used to showcase your PR talents and land you internships and top positions with small and large PR agencies or organisations in South Africa.
Develop a thorough understanding of public relations and be introduced to the technical skills needed in this industry, and appreciate what it takes to become a public relations professional. Learn more about social skills and protocol, the importance of interpersonal relations in the business environment, as well as building and maintaining media relations. You will learn how to write for print, broadcast, and electronic media for public relations purposes.
Managerial public relations which include the scope and development of public relations as a field. We start to delve deeper into the various stakeholder groupings and reputation management. You will understand the relationship between public relations and the other media disciplines such as marketing, selling, and advertising. You will also learn to use research as part of your public relations toolkit. You will gain a better understanding of how to build and maintain relationships with investors, employees, the media and government; customers, competitors, and suppliers, and the community. You will learn how to manage the internal communication function, including how to effectively communicate within an organisation and how to plan a public relations programme, including event management, for a variety of sectors within public relations. You will get to develop and expand your media toolkit, including social media skills, and learn how to work with and pitch to the media.
Delve deeply into strategic Public Relations including the professionalization of public relations in Africa as well as ethics in public relations and civil society; Issues management; business-to-business public relations; management, the Stockholm Accords; leadership communication; digital reputation economy; strategic communication: shifting mindsets; strategic public relations; managing a diverse workforce in a changing corporate environment; integrated marketing communications; corporate communication; corporate branding and corporate reputation; managing global public relations; risk, issues, and crisis management; speeches; Press conferences; media interviews.
We also focus on the different skills and proficiencies needed to specialise in specific PR fields like Sports PR, Lifestyle and Entertainment PR, Corporate PR, Exhibitions and Eventing, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorship, Financial or Business PR, Medical PR, Hospitality Industry PR, and Government Relations.
After completing your studies, you will have a valuable toolkit of skills and industry connections, and networks to be able to apply for various positions in the Public Relations industry across multiple sectors and interests.
- Public Relations intern
- Public Relations assistant
- Social Media manager
- Content Manager
- Content Strategist
- Internal communications manager
- Media Relations manager
- Brand Ambassador
- Content Manager
- Content Strategist
- Copy Writer
- Director of Public Affairs
- Director of Public Relations
- Editor
- Executive Assistant
- Event Coordinator
- Event Manager
- Lobbyist
- Manager
- Manager, Digital and Social Media
- Managing Editor
- Media Director
- New Media Coordinator
- Program Coordinator
- Public Affairs Manager
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Public Information Assistant
- Public Information Officer
- Public Information Specialist
- Public Relations Coordinator
- Public Relations Director
- Public Relations Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Publicist
- Relationship Manager
- Social Media Analyst
- Social Media Manager
- Social Media Specialist
- Technical Writer