16 Best Public Relations Courses To Take In 2025

Public relations (PR) is making a comeback. The rise and rise of AI, platform enshittification, AI-led content saturation, and a changing SERP mean it's much harder for your brand to stand out.

So how do you reach an audience who are overwhelmed, don't trust a majority of the branded content they come across, and are doing everything to hide from us? PR.

Developing your PR skillset is one way to get ahead of your peers, control the conversation, and drive revenue for your business. To help you upskill, I've put together 16 of the best PR courses in 2025 that are worth your investment.

Best Public Relations Courses Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best public relations courses out there:

1. Public Relations Foundations (LinkedIn Learning)
2. Introduction to PR (PR Academy)
3. Public Relations (Short Course) (Oxford Home Study College)
4. Introduction to Public Relations and the Media Specialization (University of Colorado Boulder)
5. Public Relations (IDM)
6. COMM411: Public Relations (Saylor Academy)
7. Public Relations Certificate (Simon Fraser University)
8. Strategic Communications Management and Public Relations (ESEI International Business School Barcelona)
9. Public Relations (University of Florida)
10. Advanced Strategic Public Relations Management (London Business Training & Consulting)
11. Public Relations (PR) (Acadium)
12. Professional Public Relations Program (The American University in Cairo)
13. National Certificate: N4 Public Relations (Oxbridge Academy)
14. Marketing Management - Public Relations (BCIT)
15. Public Relations Theory and Practice (University of South Australia)
16. Introduction to Public Relations (Open Polytechnic)

Find more details about each course below.

Overview Of The Best Public Relations Courses

Here's a quick overview of each course, highlighting who it's for and what makes it stand out.

1. Public Relations Foundations (LinkedIn Learning)

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to public relations, emphasizing the core principles and practices that drive effective communication. It provides a practical framework for understanding how to build and maintain relationships with key audiences through strategic messaging.

Designed for beginners, the course equips participants with the foundational skills needed to navigate the dynamic world of PR confidently.

• Who It’s For: Beginners in public relations
• Topics Covered:
  • PR strategies
  • Communication techniques
  • Media relations
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 1 hour and 39 minutes
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: Free for a month
• Take The Course: LinkedIn Learning

2. Introduction to PR (PR Academy)

This course covers the foundational concepts of public relations, exploring its significance in shaping organizational reputation and fostering meaningful communication with various audiences. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, learners will understand how PR strategies contribute to organizational success and social impact.

• Who It’s For: Individuals new to public relations
• Topics Covered:
  • PR history
  • Role of PR in organizations
  • Current PR trends
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: Free
• Take The Course: PR Academy

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3. Public Relations (Short Course) (Oxford Home Study College)

This short course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of public relations, equipping learners with practical skills and foundational knowledge to excel in the industry. It emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications to help participants build confidence in managing PR tasks.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a basic understanding of PR
• Topics Covered:
  • PR principles
  • Communication skills
  • PR ethics
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 20 hours
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: Free
• Take The Course: Oxford Home Study College

4. Introduction to Public Relations and the Media Specialization (University of Colorado Boulder)

This course emphasizes developing practical skills to build and sustain impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Through real-world applications, learners gain expertise in managing relationships and leveraging media platforms to achieve strategic goals.

• Who It’s For: Individuals interested in PR and media relations
• Topics Covered:
  • PR campaign management
  • Media strategies
  • Crisis communication
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 1 month
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10 hours per week
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: Free
• Take The Course: Coursera

5. Public Relations (IDM)

This course covers the core principles and advanced public relations techniques, emphasizing the importance of strategic communication to foster meaningful connections. Participants will gain insights into crafting impactful messages and managing communication channels to build trust and credibility. Designed to elevate PR expertise, the course offers practical approaches to navigating the dynamic landscape of public relations with confidence and precision.

• Who It’s For: Professionals seeking to enhance PR skills
• Topics Covered:
  • Strategic communication
  • Relationship management
  • PR tactics
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-person
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 1 week
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Take The Course: IDM

6. COMM411: Public Relations (Saylor Academy)

This course thoroughly analyzes the foundational principles and advanced practices of public relations, equipping participants with the skills to craft impactful communication strategies. By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to manage communications that resonate with diverse audiences and drive organizational success.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of PR
• Topics Covered:
  • PR principles
  • Communication strategies
  • Public opinion analysis
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? Yes
• Duration: 43 hours
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Take The Course: Saylor Academy

7. Public Relations Certificate (Simon Fraser University)

This course delivers an in-depth exploration of contemporary public relations practices, equipping learners with practical skills for managing communication in dynamic environments. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, participants gain the expertise to craft impactful messages and maintain strong media relationships. This certificate program emphasizes adaptability and strategic thinking, preparing professionals to excel in diverse PR roles.

• Who It’s For: Professionals looking to improve their PR skills
• Topics Covered:
  • PR writing and media relations
  • Crisis communication
  • Social media strategy
  • Corporate communications
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 5 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10 hours per week
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree or five years of professional experience is  recommended
  • One or more years of experience in a communication role is recommended
  • Advanced English language
• Price: $5,430
• Take The Course: Simon Fraser University

8. Strategic Communications Management and Public Relations (ESEI International Business School Barcelona)

This course provides a comprehensive framework for mastering strategic communications and public relations campaign management. It emphasizes aligning communication strategies with broader business goals to enhance organizational impact and engagement. Through practical insights and applied methodologies, participants will gain the tools to craft effective and purpose-driven PR initiatives.

• Who It’s For: Those aiming for a career in communications or PR
• Topics Covered:
  • Strategic communication planning
  • Media and public relations
  • Corporate and digital communication
  • Stakeholder engagement
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 18 hours
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Good level of English
  • Passport
  • CV
• Price: €990
• Take The Course: ESEI International Business School

9. Public Relations (University of Florida)

This course introduces students to the core principles and practices of public relations, emphasizing the skills required for effective communication and strategic planning. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, students will develop the ability to craft compelling messages and manage public perception. The program equips learners with the tools to navigate real-world PR challenges with confidence and professionalism.

• Who It’s For: Undergraduate students pursuing a career in PR
• Topics Covered:
  • PR writing and campaigns
  • Media research methods
  • Strategic communication
  • Ethics in public relations
• Exam Required? No
• Eligibility Requirements: A minimum grade of C required
• Take The Course: University of Florida

10. Advanced Strategic Public Relations Management (London Business Training and Consulting)

This advanced course in PR management covers the intricacies of executing high-level communication strategies that align with organizational goals. It emphasizes the development of strategic thinking and leadership skills to navigate complex media landscapes effectively. 

• Who It’s For: Senior PR professionals and managers
• Topics Covered:
  • Strategic PR management
  • Leadership in communications
  • Risk and reputation management
  • Measuring communication effectiveness
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Eligibility Requirements: None6215.00 + VAT£6215.00 + VAT£6215.00 + VAT
• Take The Course: London Business Training & Consulting

11. Public Relations (PR) (Acadium)

This online course introduces the foundational principles of public relations, offering actionable strategies to establish and maintain a positive brand image. It emphasizes practical skills to navigate the dynamic relationship between organizations and the media. It provides a hands-on approach to crafting impactful communication strategies that resonate with target audiences.

• Who It’s For: Beginners wanting to learn PR fundamentals
• Topics Covered:
  • PR basics
  • Press release writing
  • Media relations
  • Brand management
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: Free
• Take The Course: Acadium

12. Professional Public Relations Program (The American University in Cairo)

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in public relations, showcasing hands-on experience and real-world applications. Participants will learn to craft impactful communication strategies, build strong media relationships, and manage events with precision and professionalism. Designed to prepare learners for dynamic roles in PR, the course offers actionable insights and practical tools for success in corporate communication and media-driven environments.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a career in PR
• Topics Covered:
  • Media relations
  • Event management
  • Corporate communication
  • Crisis communication
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 45 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: Good knowledge of PC applications (Microsoft Office – Word and PowerPoint) and ability to use the Internet
• Price:
  • Admission Fees: EGP 150
  • Course Tuition Fees: EGP 4,500
• Take The Course: AUC School of Continuing Education

13. National Certificate: N4 Public Relations (Oxbridge Academy)

This course equips students with the essential knowledge and practical expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of public relations. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and hands-on application, it prepares learners to navigate the challenges of modern PR with confidence. Graduates will leave with a nationally recognized qualification that validates their ability to craft impactful campaigns and foster meaningful connections.

• Who It’s For: Individuals starting a PR career
• Topics Covered:
  • Communication science
  • Public relations principles
  • Computer practice
  • Office practice
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 12 months
• Eligibility Requirements: Matric or introductory certificate
• Price: R14,700
• Take The Course: Oxbridge Academy

14. Marketing Management - Public Relations (BCIT)

This part-time program provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between marketing and public relations, equipping students with the expertise to craft compelling communication strategies. Through practical assignments and real-world case studies, participants gain hands-on experience in managing impactful public relations campaigns. The course prepares students to navigate the evolving media landscape and build meaningful connections with diverse audiences.

• Who It’s For: Marketing or PR professionals looking for part-time studies
• Topics Covered:
  • Media relations
  • Marketing communications
  • PR campaign management
  • Corporate communications
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
• Exam Required? No
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
  • International applicants: A valid study permit
• Take The Course: BCIT

15. Public Relations Theory and Practice (University of South Australia)

This course emphasizes the strategic use of communication to build relationships, manage reputations, and navigate complex media landscapes. Through a blend of theory and practice, students will develop the skills to craft compelling messages and execute effective PR strategies.

• Who It’s For: Students interested in PR theory and application
• Topics Covered:
  • PR principles
  • Media relations
  • PR ethics
  • Strategic communication
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 10 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10-12 hours per week
• Eligibility Requirements: Students must be aged 17 or older by the time teaching commences for their course of study, per UniSA’s Selection and entry to programs policy
• Price: AUD 2,300
• Take The Course: Open Universities Australia

16. Introduction to Public Relations (Open Polytechnic)

This course provides an introduction to the foundational concepts of public relations, equipping learners with the knowledge to effectively manage and enhance organizational communication. Through engaging lessons, participants explore strategies to build meaningful connections with target audiences and the media. By the end of the course, learners will have the skills to craft compelling messages and foster positive relationships that support organizational goals.

• Who It’s For: Beginners in public relations
• Topics Covered:
  • PR fundamentals
  • Media relations
  • Writing for PR
  • PR strategy development
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 16 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 13 hours per week
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price:
  • Domestic: NZD 840
  • International: NZD 2,611
• Take The Course: Open Polytechnic

What’s Next?

In addition to these courses, we've got a couple of other resources to help you keep growing, including this collection of must-read books on influencer marketing, or a list of best storytelling books for businesses.

You should also subscribe to The CMO newsletter, it's a great way to stay on top of trends and get the latest tips, resources, and guides from our community of seasoned marketing leaders straight to your inbox.