What is PR? Public relations is about the strategic management of relationships between an organization and its diverse audiences through the use of communication. Strong negotiation tactics, writing skills, leadership techniques and communication strategies can help you shape public perception, and the reputation of your organization. In our PR programs and courses, you will gain an increased awareness of current events and the impact on global issues, improve your critical thinking and organizational skills, and gain confidence in how to implement effective approaches and communication strategies.
Public Relations programs
Recognized by the Canadian Public Relations Society, the Diploma in Public Relations explores the history, evolution and theory of the public relations industry. You will learn about the different aspects of PR including digital communication, issues and crisis management, and strategic methods to manage public relations and communication planning. Offered exclusively online, you can take the program part-time while you work, or choose the fast-track option to progress through the program quicker.
The Crisis Communication for Public Relations Professionals online micro-certificate is designed for communicators seeking to enhance their skills and expertise to develop, implement and assess robust crisis communication plans. Exploring crisis communication theories and real-world case studies, you will learn to navigate the complexities of crisis preparation, craft narratives for tumultuous times, ready spokespersons, effectively engage with media and social platforms, and navigate through the post-crisis landscapes.
The Skill Building for Public Relations is designed for new practitioners who want to boost their confidence, credibility and skills in the field of public relations. Over 12 weeks, learners will explore the fundamentals of public relations, such as writing, social media, communications planning, media relations, leadership and more, through hands-on activities, practical tools and templates, and real-world examples. Upon completion, learners will possess job-ready skills and a deeper understanding of their career path within the public relations profession.
Public Relations courses
Some courses under this topic require acceptance into the Diploma in Public Relations. Please refer to individual course pages for details.
- Business Administration Essentials
- Case Studies in Public Relations
- Communication Planning
- Community Engagement
- Crisis Communication for Public Relations Professionals
- Effective Communication Tools
- Ethics and Public Relations
- Evolution of Public Relations
- Leadership Excellence in Public Relations
- Media Relations
- Public Relations Theory and Practice
- Research and Evaluation
- Skill Building for Public Relations
- Social Media for Public Relations
- Writing for Public Relations
Business Communication
Effective communication skills can help you go places. This versatile business program provides practical information and easily applied strategies to help you become a confident communicator in any industry.
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Crisis Communication for Public Relations Professionals
The online Crisis Communication for Public Relations Professionals micro-certificate gives you the expertise to develop, implement and evaluate effective crisis communication plans for your organization. You will emerge as a resilient communication, armed with the knowledge and skills to navigate a crisis.
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Public Relations
The online Public Relations diploma program gives you the theory, skills and credential you need to set yourself apart in the competitive public relations and communication industry. This program is beneficial to those working in the public or private sector, and can be an excellent professional development option for virtually any career level.
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Skill Building for Public Relations
This program will give you job-ready skills for a public relations profession. You will explore the fundamentals including public relations writing, social media, communications planning, media relations, leadership and more.
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In an ocean of information polluted with misinformation, questioning everything becomes paramount. Fraud, whether intentional or unintentional, permeates every sector of society, from finance to academia, from politics to personal beliefs.
Read StoryDaniel Fainstein, a current student in the Diploma in Public Relations (PR) program with Continuing Studies at UVic, was recently awarded the 2023 Denis Racine Bursary.
Read StoryAlanna is a recent graduate of a Diploma in Public Relations with Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria. We asked her a few questions about her experience in the PR program here at Continuing Studies at UVic.
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Read StoryAllison Boyd is a recent graduate of the Public Relations diploma program. We asked her a few questions about her experience in the PR program here at Continuing Studies at UVic.
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Read StoryRead articles by Public Relations instructors and graduates and find out important PR program news.
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Read StoryPublic Relations really chose me more than I chose it. Throughout my life I’ve always been an outgoing and gregarious person who enjoys bringing diverse personalities together. From a career perspective I’ve naturally gravitated to roles that allow me to interact with the public and work with people to achieve mutual understanding and consensus.
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Read StoryMy career in communications began in 1987 upon graduation from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I graduated with a degree in communications and was lucky enough to secure a coveted internship at KATU Channel 2 (an ABC affiliate) working as assistant producer of a local children's television show.
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