Courses and qualifications
The PR industry attracts people from many different types of educational background and, whether you are a recent school leaver or university graduate, your past choices need not prove a barrier to a fruitful career.
But the PR jobs market is fiercely competitive and no matter what stage of your education you are at, thinking carefully about the next step could give you a head start.
A-Levels or Higher
When deciding which subjects to take it is important to consider those that will set you on the right career path, but you should choose subjects that you enjoy and play to your strengths. If you’re considering a PR career you could think about taking the following subjects:
Business studies
Computer studies or IT
English Language
History
Media Studies
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
University
A degree is not a prerequisite for a career in public relations. But if you are considering going to university one route is a PR degree.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) approves PR courses at universities although there are many other undergraduate courses that provide a good grounding for embarking on a career in PR. These include:
Advertising
Business
Communications
Creative writing
Digital media
English
Journalism
Marketing
Media
Politics
Social sciences
Professional Qualifications
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) delivers professional qualifications for those looking to kickstart their career or undergo training while on the job. Qualifications are available for practitioners at all levels – from new starters to managers.
Qualifications are available at the following levels:
Apprenticeships
Foundation
Certificate
Graduate level
Diploma
Postgraduate level
More information on training and qualifications offered by the CIPR is available online.
Mentoring
Being mentored can help your career growth and Progress is CIPR's member mentoring scheme.
Chartership
Chartership is a badge of professionalism that your colleagues, clients and the public understand and trust. It is our mission to make Chartership the norm for public relations, just like it is for other professions.