Public Relations Courses: Fees 2025, Admission, Top Colleges, Distance Learning, Online

Updated on Dec 23, 2024 01:06 IST

Public relations is a medium to disseminate information about an individual or organization. Experts in this field establish and maintain relationships with their target audience, media, etc. Some of the common responsibilities of a public relations officer include preparing communications campaigns, writing press releases and news material, working with the press, arranging interviews for company spokespersons, writing speeches for company leaders, serving as organization spokespersons. Including preparing clients for press conferences, media interviews and speeches. These experts play a big role in building the brand image of a company. Candidates willing to pursue a career in Public Relations industry can enroll themselves in several undergraduate, diploma, certificate and postgraduate courses offered by the Mass Communication colleges. Besides, many online platforms also offer short-term courses in Public Relations. Scroll down to know more details about  the Public Relations courses.

Types of Public Relations Courses- UG & PG

Types of Public Relations courses can be categorised based on the mode of study. Here is a comprehensive guide for choosing the Public Relations course after Class 12 based on the mode of study and credentials imparted after the course. Candidates should check the eligibility before they select the course to pursue. Public Relations courses are of the following types. 

Full Time Public Relations Courses: This is a classroom-based undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree course that has a three-year or two-year course duration respectively. Apart from these, candidates can also pursue various Diploma or PG diploma courses in Public Relations. 

Online/Distance Learning Public Relations Courses: There are many platforms offering online Public Relations courses. These are better options for those candidates who are short of time. These online courses are of both long and short duration. Many distance education universities also offer UG and PG distance learning courses in Public Relations. 

Public Relations Certificate Courses: These courses are usually offered by Mass Communication colleges as short-term courses. These courses are of three to nine months duration. These courses introduce the candidates to the key aspects of Public Relations and Advertising and Management.

Popular Public Relations Courses - UG & PG

The popular UG and PG level Public Relations courses are given below: ,

UG Courses PG Courses
BJMC MJMC
BA (Hons) in Advertising and Public Relations PG Diploma in Public Relations
BA in Journalism and Mass Communication MA in Public Relations and Advertising
BMS in Event Management and PR Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations
Diploma in Event Management and PR MBA in Communication Management

Public Relations Degree Courses – UG

UG courses in Public Relations can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details of the UG Public Relations courses below:

Duration of the course

3 years

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 from a recognised board with minimum aggregate marks in any stream

Admission Process

Entrance Exams/Merit-based

Course Fee

INR 50,000- INR 4 L

Entrance Exams

There are many exams being conducted for Public Relations courses. Some of them are:

What after Undergraduate Course

Candidates can pursue PG courses in Public Relations or can work in the industry as a Communications specialist, Public Relations Manager, Customer Service Manager, Events Executive etc.

The undergraduate courses in Public Relations are given below:

  • BJMC
  • BMM
  • BA Public Relations
  • BBA in Advertising Management and Public Relations
  • B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication (Digital) Social Media and Search Engine Optimisation
  • BBA in Events, Public Relations and Corporate Communications (Media Management, Marketing Campaign
  • BBA in Events, Public Relations and Corporate Communications (Social Media, Marketing and Analytics)
  • Diploma in Public Relation and Event
  • BBA in Event Management and Public Relations
  • BA (Hons) in Advertising and Public Relations
  • BMS in Event Management and Public Relations

Distance Learning Courses in Public Relations

Several distance education universities also offer UG distance learning courses in Public Relations. Candidates can enroll in distance learning courses after completing 10+2 in any stream. Universities offering distance learning courses in Public Relations are:

Courses University
Masters of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) The Delhi School of Communication
Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising Netaji Subhas Open University
Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations (PGDA&PR) Directorate of Distance Education
Advanced Certificate in Public Relationship Management Xaviers Institute of Business Management Studies
Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations All India Institute of Management Studies
Post Graduate Diploma in Information and Public relations Nalanda Open University
Post Graduation Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations Amazon Institute of Hotel Tourism and Management
Diploma in Public Relations Imperial Institute of Management
Advance Certification in Public Relations Kazian School of Management

Public Relations Diploma Courses-UG

UG diploma courses in Public Relations are also the popular choice among the candidates after degree courses. The Diploma courses are usually of one year. The eligibility criteria for Diploma courses is 10+2 passed in any stream. Usually there is no entrance test conducted for admission to diploma courses. The Diploma courses in Public Relations are given below:

  • Diploma in Event Management and PR (DEM)
  • Diploma in Public Relation and Event
  • Under Graduate Diploma in Event Management and Public Relations
  • Professional Diploma in Event Management, Public Relations and Wedding Planning
  • Diploma in Public Relations, Media and Event Management
  • Diploma in Public Relation, Advertising and Marketing
  • Diploma in Corporate Communications and Advance PR
  • Diploma in Event Management and Public Relation
  • Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations

Public Relations Certificate Courses-UG

Candidates who wishes to pursue a short term or a certificate course can opt for below mentioned courses after completing class 12 in any stream:

Course Duration
Certificate Program in Advertising and Public Relations 1-6 months
Advance Certificate in Public Relations 6 months
Certificate in Event management and Public Relations 3-6 months
Certificate in Public Relations 1 month
Online Advanced Certificate Program in Advertising Management and Public Relations 11 months
Online Advance Certificate in Public Relations and Communication 3 months
Certificate In Advertising and Public Relations (CAP) 6 months
Certificate in Advertising, Public Relations and Event Management 6 months
Advanced Certificate in Public Relationship Management 6 months
Professional Certification in Event Management and Public Relation 3 months
Professional Certificate of Excellence in Event Management and Public Relation 6 months

Public Relations Online Courses

These courses are generally offered by MOOC platforms in collaboration with global leading universities. Some universities in India also offer online Public Relations courses.Some of the online courses are mentioned below:

Course Online Platform
The Ultimate Public Relations Masterclass Udemy
Introduction to Public Relations Alison Courses
Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and more Coursera
Public Library Marketing and Public Relations Edx

Public Relations Degree Courses – PG

PG courses in Public Relations can be pursued after completion of a UG course in any stream. The details are tabulated below:

Duration of the course

2 Years

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate degree or diploma in any subject from a recognised university with minimum aggregate marks

Admission Process

Entrance Exams/Merit-based

Course Fee

INR 50,000- INR 5L

Entrance Exams

What after Postgraduate Course

Candidates can work in the industry as Customer Service Manager, Research Analyst, Guest Relations officer, Public Relations Officer, Media Relations Officer etc.

The postgraduate courses in Public Relations are tabulated below:

  • MBA in Communication Management
  • MJMC
  • MA in Public Relations and Advertising
  • MA in Advertising and PR
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Communication Management
  • MA in PR and Event Management
  • MBA in Advertising and Public Relations

Public Relations Diploma Courses – PG

PG diploma courses in Public Relations are the most popular choice among the candidates after the degree courses. The eligibility criteria is the same as PG degree courses. The admissions to such courses are mostly on merit basis. Though some institutes may conduct the entrance exam. Some of the PG Diploma courses in Public Relations are:

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations
  • PG Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communication
  • Advanced Diploma in Mass Media - Journalism and Public Relations
  • PG Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing
  • Postgraduate Programme in Public Relations and Corporate Communications

FAQs on Public Relations Courses

Q. What is the course duration and eligibility criteria for a certificate course in Public Relations?

A. Usually the duration of certificate courses in Public Relations ranges from three months to one year. The students willing to take admission in a certificate course must pass 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board.

Q. In which fields can I apply for job after doing certificate course in Public Relations?

A. You can work in media sector, corporate companies and government organizations.

Q. What is the average salary one can get after pursuing certificate courses in Public Sector?

A. Usually the average salary one can receive after pursuing certificate courses ranges between INR 1-3 Lakhs. However, with experience in the field, the salary also increases.

Q. Which are the popular courses in Public Relations?

A. Candidates can pursue courses like BA (Hons) in Advertising and Public Relations, PG Diploma in Public Relations, MA in Public Relations and Advertising, Diploma in Event Management and PR etc.

Q. Are there any specific subjects required to pursue a postgraduate degree or diploma course?

A. No, candidates from any stream can pursue a PG degree or diploma course in Public Relations.

Q. What is the difference between Public Relations and Advertising?

A. Public Relations is different than Advertising as the latter deals with paid promotion, while a PR’s job is to promote the brand through various mediums.

Q. What are the main responsibilities of a PR Specialist?

A. From writing and distributing press releases, to writing the speeches of renowned people, to analyzing and interpreting the public opinion on the brand and how the mass can be influenced and dealing with various public groups and other organisations in regard to the set policies etc are the main job responsibilities of a Public Relations Specialist.

Q. Do distance learning courses have scope in Public Relations?

A. Yes, many candidates pursue Public Relations courses in distance mode as they are more flexible and time saving. Public Relations is a field where the communication skills and commitment to work matters.

Q. Which topics are taught in a Public Relations course?

A. The broad topics of a Public Relations course includes Theory and Practice of Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Electronic Public Relations, Print & Design, Political Economy of Public Communication etc. 

Q. What is Public Relations?

A. Public Relations (PR) is a practice of creating and maintaining a positive reputation of an organization through strategic communication to build mutually beneficial relationships with the public, clients and customers. 

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for online Public Relations courses?

A. Candidates willing to enroll in various online courses provided by MOOC platforms must clear class 12 in any stream from a recognised board.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Public Relations. Students interested in pursuing a career on Public Relations, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Feb '25 - Mar '25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Applications Open

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Application Correction Win...

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Mar '25

IIMC Entrance Exam 2025

TENTATIVE

2 Jan ' 25 - 8 Jan ' 25

CUET-PG/IIMC Entrance Exam Registration Dates 2025

Popular Public Relations Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Public Relations Colleges in India. Learn more about these Public Relations colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
1.23 L
4.7

#1 India Today

1 Course
13 L
3.5

#3 India Today

2.91 L
5.0

#2 Outlook

2.75 L
3.0

#14 India Today

5.4 L
3.3

#8 Outlook

Public Relations Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
51.15 K - 1.02 L

#9 The Week

Popular Private Public Relations Colleges in India

5.4 L
3.3

#8 Outlook

Public Relations Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
6.98 L
4.5 LPA

Public Relations Applications open. Apply Now

9.21 L - 18.8 L
3.8

Public Relations Applications open. Apply Now

30 K - 5.45 L
4.5
5.51 LPA

#31 India Today

Public Relations Applications open. Apply Now

6.98 L - 10.61 L

Public Relations Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Public Relations Specializations

Following are the most popular Public Relations Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Public Relations UG Courses

Following are the most popular Public Relations UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Public Relations PG Courses

Following are the most popular Public Relations PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered a week ago

As per the latest report, the starting salary offered to PG Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communications during SCoRe Mumbai placements in 2024 stood at INR 4.8 LPA. The top recruiters of School of Communications and Reputation placements in 2024 included Adfactors PR, Edelman, Fuzion PR

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Shoaib Mehdi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

SCoRe Mumbai haa a good record of placements for its PG Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communications. As per the latest report, the participating recruiters placed 100% of the PGDM batch 2024 in new-age job roles. The starting salary offered during the School of Communications and Reputa

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39519231
Shoaib Mehdi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

There are around 30 colleges in India that provide MA in Advertising & Public Relations courses. Among them, around 17 colleges are private and 7 are government. The course fee structure of these colleges is based on their rating, faculty, course curriculum, placement record, etc. However, the avera

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Sreetama Shrivastava

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, there's no age limit to pursue MA in Advertising & Public Relations course in India. However, you'll need to fulfil the eligibility criteria set by the institutions. Though it can vary depending on individual colleges' requirements, the basic condition is to have a bachelor's degree in a relevan

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Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Here are some important documents you should carry during MA in Advertising & Public Relations to avoid any delays:

  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
  • A valid ID Proof (Adhaar, PAN Card, Passport, etc.).
  • Migration Certificate.

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Lalit Rastogi

Beginner-Level 5

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