University of Cape Town
Public Relations (PR)
Transform into a proficient communications professional well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era.
Start date
27 March 2025
Course duration
10 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The estimated global value of the public relations market by 2022.
MarketWatch (Aug, 2019).
The percentage of African businesses who believe PR consultants must increasingly prove their direct contribution to meeting business goals.
AMEC (2019).
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
The emergence of social and digital media platforms has resulted in a noticeable transformation in our consumption of traditional media. This ongoing evolution of communication channels has compelled businesses and brands to seek the expertise of public relations (PR) professionals to manage their public perception and ultimately drive positive business outcomes.
If you aspire to become a strategic and proactive PR manager, consider enrolling in the Public Relations online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT). This course provides an excellent opportunity to elevate your career in PR by equipping you with the latest tools and tactics for effective PR in the digital age. Throughout the 10-week course, you'll acquire the skills to develop your PR plan and gain the confidence to foster strong public relationships and communication strategies.
Is this course for you?
This course is a valuable resource for those seeking to develop their skills and advance their career as a PR professional. Whether you are a newcomer to the field or looking to expand your knowledge, the course provides insights to help you achieve your goals. Furthermore, it serves as a foundational course for those interested in starting a career in PR, providing practical skills and a certificate of completion from one of Africa’s top universities.1
1 QS Top Universities (2024).Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
The emergence of social and digital media platforms has resulted in a noticeable transformation in our consumption of traditional media. This ongoing evolution of communication channels has compelled businesses and brands to seek the expertise of public relations (PR) professionals to manage their public perception and ultimately drive positive business outcomes.
If you aspire to become a strategic and proactive PR manager, consider enrolling in the Public Relations online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT). This course provides an excellent opportunity to elevate your career in PR by equipping you with the latest tools and tactics for effective PR in the digital age. Throughout the 10-week course, you'll acquire the skills to develop your PR plan and gain the confidence to foster strong public relationships and communication strategies.
Is this course for you?
This course is a valuable resource for those seeking to develop their skills and advance their career as a PR professional. Whether you are a newcomer to the field or looking to expand your knowledge, the course provides insights to help you achieve your goals. Furthermore, it serves as a foundational course for those interested in starting a career in PR, providing practical skills and a certificate of completion from one of Africa’s top universities.1
1 QS Top Universities (2024).What will set you apart
The confidence to build strong public relationships and strategic communication plans.
The ability to tactically manage a brand, business, or individual’s reputation among key stakeholders.
An understanding of customer expectations and how to plan for crisis management.
The tools to create messages that resonate across channels to control audience perception and drive influence. 
A road map for building influential relationships with stakeholders and the media.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to public relations
Module 2
Managing relationships with stakeholders
Module 3
Content creation and management
Module 4
Building valuable relationships
Module 5
Online public relations (Web PR)
Module 6
Public relations and social media
Module 7
Public relations activities and events
Module 8
Crisis and reputation management
Module 9
Measuring, tracking, and evaluating public relations activities
Module 10
Creating a public relations plan (PR plan)
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Course Convenor
Dr Nqobile Bundwini
Senior Lecturer in Marketing, School of Management Studies, UCT
About the certificate
Acquire the knowledge and techniques to establish robust public relationships and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
