Software & systems

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist courses run by a professional body

University

You can get into public relations (PR) with a degree in most subjects.

You could also do a degree or postgraduate course related to public relations. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations has a list of recognised university courses.

Courses include:

• public relations
• public relations and media
• marketing and PR
• PR and corporate communications

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course, which might give you an advantage when looking for a trainee public relations role.

Courses include:

• English
• marketing
• creative and digital media - social media option

Apprenticeship

You could work towards this role by doing a Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of one year to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

You'll find it useful to get paid or unpaid experience of working in public relations. You could:

• contact PR departments and consultancies for work experience
• volunteer to promote local charities
• write for student magazines, blogs and social media
• work on student or volunteer radio services

Other routes

You could study for professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

These can be done online or at a training centre. Courses include:

• Foundation Certificate for beginners
• Professional PR Certificate, if you're a graduate or have at least 2 years of PR experience

Further information

You can find out more about a career in public relations from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

More information

View all vacancies in this region

With experience you could:become a PR manager, social media manager or head of communications; work freelance as a consultant; move into advertising, marketing or journalism

If you work for an agency, you could become a senior account executive or account manager with responsibility for a number of clients.

You could join the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations and Communications Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

You can find out more about becoming a public relations officer from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations and Communications Association.