What degree do I need to become a public relations manager?

A Bachelor of Communication majoring in Public Relations is the clearest route at Waikato.

Is Waikato's public relations training recognised internationally?

Yes. Waikato's public relations papers are certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), making it one of only five universities outside the United States to hold this certification.

Can I specialise further with postgraduate study?

Yes. A Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations , or a Master of Management Studies specialising in Public Relations , both let you build deeper expertise for more senior management roles.

Do I need management experience before becoming a public relations manager?

Yes, generally. This is a senior role, so most people build several years of experience in public relations, communications, or media roles first.

Will I gain practical, real-world experience during my degree?

Yes. The qualification relies heavily on putting theory into practice, giving you hands-on experience with the kind of work PR practitioners do day to day.

Public relations manager career

Kaiwhakahaere whanaungatanga tūmatanui

Public relations managers plan and coordinate activities that create or maintain the public image and awareness of an organisation or client. They may manage staff.

$61,000 – $192,000 per year

External relations manager, public affairs manager, communications manager, external communications manager, chief communications adviser, community relations manager

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Public relations manager?

Public relations managers

usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours and weekends
usually work in offices and may travel locally to events
need to be creative, organised and communicate well

Tasks

manage press releases
fit communication plans with company purpose
build and develop public image
communicate across digital and print media
help with company relationships and build trust
provide trusted advice about public relations
do research to support communication plans
follow ethical rules to represent an organisation
provide organisational leadership and guidance
train and manage staff

How can you become a Public relations manager?

You need experience to become a public relations manager and a qualification may be useful.

You need

experience in similar work

You may need

a relevant tertiary qualification in sales and marketing, communication and media or similar area

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Study a Public Relations major in our Bachelor of Communication. Our degree is certified by the Public Relations Society of America, the only one in New Zealand and Australasia with this recognition. Like all our undergraduate degrees, it includes work-integrated learning, and you'll build a portfolio of work to show future employers.

Once you've gained experience, you can build your expertise with our Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations or Master of Management Studies.

Bachelor of Communication

3 years Hamilton

PGDip

Postgraduate Diploma

1 year Hamilton

Where a Public Relations degree can take you

Public relations work sits at the intersection of communication, media, and organisational strategy, managing how an organisation is seen and understood by the public. Waikato's Public Relations papers are certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), one of only five universities outside the United States to hold this certification.

Common areas Waikato graduates in this space work in:

Corporate communications
Media and press relations
Government and public sector communications
Non-profit and community organisations
Marketing and brand management

Public relations manager FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

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Waikato Management School Accreditations

Waikato Management School holds Triple Crown accreditation, the highest recognition available in business education. We are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Only around 1% of business schools worldwide have met the rigorous standards of all three bodies.

AACSB accredited

Recognises Waikato Business School’s faculty expertise, research quality, and commitment to high academic standards.

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AMBA accredited

Recognises the quality of Waikato Management School’s MBA and Master’s programmes, including cohort experience, curriculum, and career outcomes.

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EQUIS accredited

Recognises Waikato Management School’s international reach, industry engagement, and commitment to diversity.

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Public relations manager career