Public Relations Courses

Explore the power and importance of public opinion from a contemporary corporate perspective. Choose from industry leading Public Relations Courses at Oxford Home Study College and discover what makes PR so vital to the modern business.

In the simplest of terms, public relations refers to a series of strategic communication processes, with the ultimate goal of improving, maintaining or altering public opinion. From a business perspective, PR has the very real potential to make or break any brand of any size. Just as positive public opinion can transform the fortunes of any business practically overnight, a negative PR storm can destroy a brand’s reputation. Even in the public sector, public opinion always has and always will determine an organisation’s strength, relevance and long-term stability.

The digital age represents both a blessing and a curse for the PR professional, with the Internet specifically having brought about new challenges and opportunities. Not only does public opinion carry more weight these days than it ever has, but it has also never been easier for members of the public to broadcast their thoughts and opinions to a global audience. Reputation management remains a priority for the PR professional – the evolution of the effective PR strategy has nonetheless transformed the way the industry works.

Public Relations Courses at Oxford Home Study College

Oxford Home Study College is committed to making distance learning as flexible, accessible and affordable as possible. Each of our online public relations courses has been designed specifically with home study in mind and represents exceptional value for money. Study in your own time and at your own pace, with no deadlines or time restrictions to worry about. Explore Free learning opportunities at OHSC.

Explore the industry and profession in comprehensive detail with our world-class Level 4 Diploma in Public Relations, or gain a better understanding of its key specifics with our Level 3 Certificate in Public Relations. We’re also proud to offer an introductory Level 2 PR Course, along with a basic Level 1 Free PR Online Course now available 100% free of charge!

For more information on any of our PR courses online or to discuss enrolment, get in touch with our admissions team today on + 44 01865 686162, or drop us a line at info@oxfordhomestudy.com.

The Benefits of Studying PR Online

As already touched upon, the reason PR represents such an important subject is the way in which public opinion really is the be all and end all for the modern business. If you fall out of favour with the public, it really doesn’t matter how fantastic your products or services are – you will fail. At the opposite end of the spectrum, positive PR can quite easily convince members of the public that any given brand, business, product or service is truly outstanding, when the reality might be quite to the contrary.

In many ways, PR is closely connected with marketing. The only difference being that rather than attempting to sell products or services, you are effectively selling the brand’s image and reputation. When public opinion takes a turn for the worse, it is the responsibility of the PR professional to do whatever it takes to turn things around. Unsurprisingly, this is precisely why experienced and educated PR professionals are among the most invaluable assets of all, in the eyes of business owners and recruiters.

The Scope of Studying Public Relations

The constant evolution of public demands and expectations makes it difficult for even the most experienced PR professionals to keep up. Nevertheless, it is of crucial importance to lay a solid theoretical foundation upon which to build the strongest practical PR skills. There is a great deal about the sector that must be acknowledged and understood to progress – much of which can only be picked up by way of targeted study.

Just a few of the benefits of studying PR online include:

1 – Career Opportunities

As a sector that is expected to grow as much as 25% before the end of the decade, there has never been a better time to explore careers in PR. Getting a foot in the door in the first place means setting yourself up with the right qualifications and background.

2 – Diversity

Given the fact that PR is of importance to every brand and business spanning every sector, you will have the opportunity to pursue a career with an organisation of genuine interest to you.

3 – Financial Rewards

Those who manage to build names for themselves as a truly outstanding PR managers will find their skills and talents in extraordinary demand. In terms of financial rewards, there is absolutely no limit with regard to how much a PR guru can earn.

4 – Creativity

Public relations experts are generally given a great deal of freedom for innovation and creativity, which can make the position uniquely enjoyable and fulfilling.

5 – Ongoing Relevance

Regardless of how technology or cultural changes affect any industry going forward, there will always be universal demand for the skills and experience of leading PR experts.

Studying Public Relations Online with OHSC

To succeed in public relations means combining a varied skills-set with several very specific character traits and a strong educational background. Extensive practical experience builds the very best PR professionals, but climbing the ladder without studying the subject in-depth can be difficult.

Salary – As of 2016, the average starting salary for public relations officers was between £22,000 and £28,000. This usually increases to £30,000+ with a few years’ experience, while PR directors are more likely to take home £100,000+.
Working Life – The working life of the PR professional is directed by the brand’s PR priorities at the time. It is not unusual for PR officers to work evenings and weekends - national and international travel may also be required. Most PR professionals are responsible for managing their own schedules, responsibilities and deadlines.
Potential Employers – Along with every larger business and organisation that maintains its own PR department, there are literally thousands of PR consultancies and agencies that represent potential employers.
Self-Employment – Those with stellar reputations and track records have every opportunity to work in PR as a freelance contractor, often earning exponentially more than they would as a conventional employee.

For more information on any of our PR courses online or to discuss enrolment, get in touch with our admissions team today on + 44 01865 686162, or drop us a line at info@oxfordhomestudy.com.