Public relations professionals plan and deliver communication strategies for private companies, government departments and non-profit social enterprises to influence people’s attitudes and promote behavioural change.

They are highly effective networkers who act as a crucial link between an organisation and its key stakeholders, such as the local community, customers and corporate shareholders.

They also look after their clients' social media accounts, organise events, write media releases and corporate documents, and work closely with journalists to manage media publicity.

PR professionals can also get involved with crisis and issues management, lobbying government ministers, sponsorship and fundraising, and employee relations.

The assignments for this short course are highly practical. So if you enjoy writing and talking to people, and love framing ideas in engaging ways, then a career in public relations could be a good fit for you.

We encourage our PR students to get involved with the Management Communication Students' Association (MCSA), an award-winning student club that organises regular activities.

Internationally recognised

Waikato is the only university in New Zealand - and one of only four outside the United States - whose Public Relations programme is certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). This is your guarantee of a world-class learning experience, as the PRSA sets the gold standard for PR education.

We're also ranked in the world's top 200 universities for Communication & Media Studies in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2020.

You'll be studying at Waikato Management School, which is ranked in the top 1% of all business schools globally with our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB.

Applicants must have:

a) completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification; OR

b) be able to demonstrate they have adequate training, experience, and ability to proceed with the programme.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for special admission, subject to completing some additional qualifying papers.