Public relations (PR) plays a crucial role in shaping how organizations communicate with the public, manage their image, and build relationships. With the increasing demand for skilled PR professionals, pursuing a degree in public relations can lead to a rewarding career in media, corporate communication, and beyond. South Africa is home to numerous universities offering specialized Public Relations courses, combining theory, practical skills, and industry exposure to prepare students for the fast-paced communications field. In this post, we’ll explore all the South African universities where you can study Public Relations, helping you find the perfect program to kickstart your career.
1. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication, Master of Arts in Public Relations
- Overview: UJ’s Public Relations courses are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in corporate communication, media relations, and crisis communication. The programs focus on strategic communication and media strategy.
2. University of Pretoria (UP)
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
- Overview: UP offers a comprehensive program in public relations, combining media studies and communication theory with hands-on training. The program covers areas such as PR writing, media relations, and digital communication.
3. Stellenbosch University
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Overview: Stellenbosch University offers a broad communication program with an emphasis on public relations and media management. Students gain practical experience in communication strategies, media writing, and crisis management.
4. Rhodes University
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Journalism, Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies with a Public Relations focus
- Overview: Rhodes University is known for its specialized programs in public relations, blending PR theory with practical skills in writing, media relations, and reputation management. Students receive industry exposure through internships and practical assignments.
5. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communication
- Overview: Wits offers a strong PR program that focuses on corporate communication, media relations, and digital PR. The postgraduate diploma is ideal for students seeking specialized knowledge and advanced PR skills for a professional career.
6. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Programs Offered: National Diploma in Public Relations, Bachelor of Technology in Public Relations
- Overview: DUT offers a hands-on approach to public relations education, providing students with the skills needed to manage media relations, corporate communication, and strategic PR planning.
7. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Programs Offered: National Diploma in Public Relations, Bachelor of Technology in Public Relations
- Overview: CPUT’s programs focus on preparing students for various PR roles, including corporate communication, media relations, and PR writing. Students benefit from practical training and industry-linked projects.
8. University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Programs Offered: Diploma in Public Relations
- Overview: UNISA provides distance learning opportunities in public relations, allowing students to study PR courses from anywhere in South Africa. The program covers all essential aspects of public relations and corporate communication.
9. North-West University (NWU)
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
- Overview: NWU’s public relations program blends communication theory with practical applications, preparing students for careers in PR, media relations, and corporate communication.
10. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
- Overview: TUT offers a focused public relations degree that covers PR management, communication strategy, digital media, and media relations. The program includes hands-on experience through practical projects and internships.
11. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies (with a PR focus), Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations
- Overview: UKZN offers a unique public relations program that merges media studies and cultural communication. The university provides students with a strong understanding of PR strategies and their application in different sectors.
12. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
- Programs Offered: National Diploma in Public Relations
- Overview: VUT’s public relations program prepares students for the PR industry with courses that focus on media relations, event planning, communication theory, and PR writing.
13. University of Limpopo
- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
- Overview: The University of Limpopo offers public relations courses that cover communication strategies, crisis management, media relations, and public relations writing, focusing on practical industry experience.