Public Relations

Become a skilled communicator – defining objectives, developing and executing strategic plans, and achieving results.

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Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year
Credential:
Advanced Diploma
Delivery:
Full-time

Locations

+Locations & Full-time Program Availability

Program Overview

This intense program blends public relations theory with practical experience to meet the growing demand for public relations professionals. A public relations practitioner uses the power of communication to manage perception and affect measurable change. Because of the skills they possess, public relations (PR) professionals play key leadership roles within their organizations, and are valuable contributors to strategy development.

Develop the skills needed to understand a client's objectives, develop strategic plans to reach them, implement action, and evaluate the results. Businesses and organizations need skilled communicators who are equally adept at speaking to their employee base, their shareholders, the media, and the public at large and managing social media. Some client needs are smaller, and simply require clear, concise writing skills that inform others of their message. This program will challenge and perfect your research, planning, writing, speaking, and strategic-thinking skills—all of which are required by the successful PR practitioner.

Student Comments

  1. Project Work"You get to create a PSA for a company of your choice."
  2. Why Take It"A great program that really connects the students to the real world."
  3. Cool Activity"Plenty of guest speakers join the class and share really valuable information."

Admission Requirements

  • College diploma or undergraduate degree from a related area, or equivalent education and work experience. Related areas include: business, arts or journalism.
  • Applicants are required to submit an original 300-word essay on why they would like to pursue a career and education in public relations.
  • Applicants must also submit 4 writing samples (including the original essay). These will be used to assess your writing and research skills. Writing samples should reflect your experience in a variety of styles is of particular interest, and could include business writing, academic papers, journalistic writing, or any public relations or promotional pieces you may have written.

Choose NSCC

  • NSCC's unique mentorship program matches you with a practising PR professional throughout the year. Your mentor will evaluate your work from a real-world perspective and act as a sounding board for your thinking. Networking is crucial to this industry; your mentor will be your first important connection.
  • Meet guest facilitators throughout the year – These guests are chosen for their range of experience and high level of professionalism. Find out what it is like to write speeches for high-ranking government officials, manage crisis communications, and more.
  • This is a very practical, hands-on program, designed to mirror the processes you find in any public relations or communications agency.
  • Work Experience – At the end of the program, you complete a 6-week work term. Through your experiences you are well prepared for your first employment position within the public relations field.

Employment Opportunities

As a graduate, you're qualified to work in a wide variety of public relations roles including positions in full-service PR agencies, government and charitable organizations, corporate PR departments, and freelance communications.

Other Info

  • Important Abilities & Skills – Students are expected to have basic Microsoft Office computer skills (create and edit documents in Word, create presentations in PowerPoint and work with Excel spreadsheets) and be adept at research and comfortable navigating social media. You must also be motivated, energetic, flexible, detail-oriented and work well on teams.

Courses May Include

Course descriptions
Code Course
PREL 1500   Photography for PR
PREL 2600   Interactive Media Arts for Public Relations
PREL 3600   Desktop Publishing I
PREL 4600   Desktop Publishing II
PREL 5005   Foundations of Public Relations
PREL 5006   Media Literacy I
PREL 5010   Presentation Skills/Speech Writing I
PREL 5015   Public Relations Practice I
PREL 5030   Writing for Internal Audiences
PREL 5050   Portfolio Development I
PREL 5625   Integrated Marketing Communication
PREL 6005   Public Relations Practice II
PREL 6006   Media Literacy II
PREL 6010   Presentation Skills/Speech Writing II
PREL 6030   Writing for External Audiences
PREL 6050   Portfolio Development II
PREL 6995   Work Experience
SAFE 1000   Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
SAFE 1001   Introduction to NS OH&S Act

Additional Graduation Requirements

Milestone
Portfolio Development

Next Steps

  1. Application Process

    Who Can ApplyHow to Apply
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