Continuing Studies at UVic wordmark
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Orchestrate strategic impact with confidence

True leadership is about bringing people together around a common goal. Just as a conductor brings individual instruments together into a harmonious symphony—with a baton as a tool—this program turns experienced communicators into confident, visionary leaders. Designed for public relations professionals ready to advance into a leadership role, you’ll gain the skills to effectively guide teams, manage crises, or align diverse perspectives with organizational strategy. Whether you’re overseeing a big project or daily communication, step onto the podium and start leading with clarity, composure and impact.

Conduct organizational success one powerful note at a time.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

Questions?

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Program at a glance

Program description

What are the four drivers of the Strategic Public Relations Leadership micro-certificate’s approach?

Strategic

Elevate from tactical to visionary thinking

Leadership

Guide teams with confidence and clarity

Resilient

Lead organizations through any challenge

Relationship-driven

Purposefully engage between organizations and community groups

How this program will prepare you:

  • Lead high-performing communication teams
  • Develop comprehensive crisis response strategies
  • Influence C-suite decision-making processes
  • Build strategic community partnerships
  • Advance to senior leadership roles

How you'll feel more equipped:

  • Confidently act in high-stakes situations
  • Become respected as a strategic advisor
  • Be empowered to shape organizational direction
  • Be prepared for any communication challenge
  • Gain validation as a true leader

About the Strategic Public Relations Leadership micro-certificate

Advance your career in public relations with the Micro-certificate in Strategic Public Relations Leadership. This program is designed for mid-to-senior PR professionals and aspiring leaders. You will gain advanced leadership competencies in three critical areas: honing your public relations leadership skills to effectively guide teams and influence organizational success, mastering strategic community engagement to build meaningful relationships, and developing expertise in crisis communication to safeguard reputations in challenging times. Delivered through a flexible, online asynchronous format, this micro-credential allows you to build on your existing PR knowledge and acquire high-demand leadership skills for today’s field of public relations. 

Program highlights

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Online Flexibility
This program is delivered online, allowing you to work independently within deadlines set by your instructor. With this format, you don't have to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts while you study. You can work at your own pace, on your own schedule and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Credibility
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a micro-certificate.
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Teaching Talent
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.
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Stackable
This program will give you laddering opportunities into other micro-credentials or to non-credit programs.

Program outcomes

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

  • develop leadership competencies to lead teams effectively
  • build strategic community engagement
  • master crisis communication planning and response
  • cultivate self-awareness and career vision within the PR profession
  • strengthen problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills to lead ethically across diverse contexts  

Who is this program for?

You're an established PR or communication professional ready to take the next step in your career journey. Whether you're currently excelling in your role and eyeing leadership positions, or you're already leading teams and want to strengthen your capabilities and strategic communication, this program speaks directly to your ambitions. As a driven professional balancing career growth with life's other priorities, you value flexible learning that builds on your solid foundation while positioning you for the senior roles you're working towards.

This could be the opportunity you’re looking for to elevate your PR career if you see yourself reflected in any of the following:

Career and Education Background

  • you have a professional foundation with several years of hands-on experience in public relations, communication, marketing, or related fields across government, private sector, or non-profit organizations
  • you currently hold job positions with titles such as communications specialist, PR coordinator, public affairs officer, or communications manager
  • you possess strong technical skills in media relations, content creation, and stakeholder communications
  • you have successfully managed campaigns, projects, or client relationships that demonstrate your competency
  • you hold a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field

Career Growth and Aspirations

  • your sights are set on senior leadership roles where strategic thinking and team management become central to your success
  • you aspire to advance into leadership roles such as public relations manager, director of communications, community engagement director, or communications consultant
  • you want to transition from executing tactics to developing strategy and leading organizational communication initiatives
  • you seek to build the leadership credibility needed to influence C-suite decisions and organizational direction
  • you aim to become a trusted advisor who shapes how organizations engage with their communities and partnerships

Motivations and Values

  • you value continuous learning as essential to staying relevant in an evolving public relations and communication landscape
  • you believe in the power of strategic communication to build stronger communities and organizations
  • you want to develop crisis management expertise to protect and strengthen organizational reputation
  • you are committed to leading with integrity while navigating complex partner relationships and diverse perspectives

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:

Instructors

News and resources

The 8 key leadership skills you need to know in 2025

What is Community Engagement?

Why Leadership Teams Need Training In Crisis Management

Courses and fees

To successfully complete this program, participants must successfully complete three courses. Courses can be taken in any order. 

Please contact us once you have completed your third course to receive your micro-certificate.

All students enrolled in micro-credential programs will automatically be opted-in to receiving a digital credential through Accredible upon completion of their program. Please visit our digital credentials page for more information.

Apply online
= Courses open for registration

Three (3) required courses

Program planning

You can take courses in any order. View our course schedule to plan ahead.

Estimated fees

Description Fee
HPPR461: Community Engagement (early registration fee) $745.00
HPPR470: Leadership Excellence in Public Relations (early registration fee) $745.00
HPPR480: Crisis Communication for Public Relations Professionals $920.00
Micro-certificate program fee $20.00
Estimated Total $2,430.00*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.


HPPR461 and HPPR470: Early registration fee is available until two weeks prior to the course start date. After that, the standard fee will apply.

Application information

Admission requirements

Although not required, current or prior experience in a work environment is recommended for success in this program. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they can complete all assignments and contribute meaningfully to all discussions by drawing from their experience. 

Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to possess strong English language skills equivalent to TOEFL score of 90 on the online test, or 575 on the paper-based test, with no section less than 20—or an academic IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual component less than 6.0. 

We are open to learners with a variety of educational or professional backgrounds. Our expectation is that you have a commitment to learn and achieve your continuing education goals. If you do not meet the admission requirements listed, we still strongly encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.

How to apply

Submit a Continuing Studies online application form and pay a $20 micro-certificate program fee. 

Application dates

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RELATED TOPICS: Public Relations

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