Public Relations (N4 – N6)
COURSE BACKGROUND
Course Overview: Public Relations (N4 – N6)
Are you looking to pursue a career in Public Relations (N4 – N6)? If you have strong communication skills and enjoy working with diverse people, this qualification can help you achieve your goals. The Public Relations (N4 – N6) qualification provides comprehensive training to manage and coordinate communication at technical, managerial, and strategic levels.
Public Relations is a vital part of any organization’s communication efforts. This course prepares students to handle various PR functions, including media relations, public perception management, and strategy development. By learning how to develop PR strategies and handle related aspects such as office practice, information processing, and entrepreneurship, you will be equipped to excel in the field.
Furthermore, the Public Relations (N4 – N6) qualification opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. PR specialists play a key role in generating publicity, managing reputation, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
What You Will Learn in Public Relations (N4 – N6)
Communication Skills: A Public Relations Officer must be able to communicate effectively with clients, the press, and the public. Excellent communication skills are essential to maintaining a brand’s value and reputation.
Office Practice: Learn office procedures and best practices to ensure that your work environment operates smoothly and efficiently. This module will prepare you for roles such as secretary and management assistant.
Public Relations: This module focuses on the core functions of PR, such as managing company information and shaping public perception. You will also learn about the role of marketing in PR, which is crucial for maintaining a positive public image.
Year 1: First Semester (N4)
Core Modules:
Office Practice: Develop the necessary secretarial skills to manage office tasks confidently. This module will teach you how to handle administrative responsibilities with precision.
Information Processing: Learn how to capture and process data efficiently. This module also focuses on improving your computer skills, which are crucial in today’s digital office environments.
Communication: Gain essential knowledge of verbal and non-verbal communication. You will learn how to communicate effectively in both professional and personal settings.
Entrepreneurship and Business Management: Learn how to start and manage a business, including creating business plans. This module will introduce you to the key aspects of running a successful business.
Year 1: Second Semester (N5)
Core Modules:
Office Practice: Continue developing your office management skills, focusing on advanced secretarial techniques. The aim is to build confidence in performing essential administrative functions.
Information Processing: Further enhance your skills in information processing and data management. This will help you perform office tasks with increased speed and accuracy.
Communication: Improve your communication skills, focusing on both theory and practical applications. Learn how to interact effectively in a professional environment.
Public Relations: Study how Public Relations (N4 – N6) professionals manage and control information to influence public perception. Learn how to handle media relations and create strategies that positively impact an organization’s image.
Year 2: First Semester (N6)
Core Modules:
Public Relations: Deepen your understanding of Public Relations (N4 – N6) strategies. This module emphasizes the importance of managing communication between an organization and its stakeholders to influence public perception.
Information Processing: Refine your data management skills, focusing on speed and accuracy. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficient office operations.
Entrepreneurship and Business Management: Gain advanced knowledge of entrepreneurship, including the process of developing detailed business plans. This module will teach you how to apply business management principles effectively.
Marketing Management: Study key aspects of marketing, including consumer behavior, the marketing mix, and international marketing strategies. This knowledge will complement your Public Relations (N4 – N6) expertise.
Career Opportunities in Public Relations (N4 – N6)
Graduates of the Public Relations (N4 – N6) qualification can pursue various career opportunities, such as Public Relations Officer, Media Liaison, Brand Manager, or Marketing Strategist. PR specialists work in both the private and public sectors, handling tasks like managing media relations, creating publicity campaigns, and building positive relationships with stakeholders.
- Qualifying students are employable in various corporate, parastatal, governmental, public relations consultancies and conferencing venues, within a range of industries, as junior public relations practitioners and coordinators.
- This qualification will provide the required communication skills and knowledge that modern businesses now demand for new employees entering the workplace, by combining public relations skills with business practice.
- The specific selection of subjects in this course aims to prepare the student to take up a position in any modern business or office, which requires a high level of communication competence to serve the needs of a communication driven organisation.
- Public Relations Coordinator
- Public Relations Officer
- Events Coordinator
- PR Account Manager
- PR Account Supervisor
- Communications Assistant
- Media Coordinator
- Community Engagement Officer
A National Senior Certificate with Diploma admission – A minimum of 30% for English coupled with a minimum of 40% for four (4) x 20 credit subjects; OR
A NC(V) with Diploma admission – A minimum of 50% in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level AND Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy AND Life Orientation – a minimum of 60% in the three (3) compulsory vocational subjects is required; OR
A SC (without endorsement) or equivalent – A minimum of five (5) subjects must be passed; OR
A Higher Certificate, an Advanced Certificate in a cognate field; OR
Mature Age Exemption:
• Candidates must have attempted Matric/Grade 12, reached the age of 23 before or during the first year of registration with three years’ work experience and a proven ability relating to the proposed programme as well as adequate communicative skills; OR
• Candidates must have reached the age of 45 before or during the first year of registration.
Upon completion, certification will be issued from the Department of Higher Education & Training [DHET].
mgt_b 2.jpg The National Diploma in Public Relations is made up of the following courses which are done over a period of 18 months.
National Certificate (N4): Public Administration, Communication, Information Processing, Office Practice. Electives: Economics, Entrepreneurship & Business Management, Computer Practice, Marketing Management. Financial Accounting.
National Certificate (N5-N6): Communication, Public Relations, Information Processing, Office Practice. Electives: Public Administration, Labour Relations, Municipal Administration, Legal Practice.
| N4 | 60 Credits |
| N5 | 60 Credits |
| N6 | 60 Credits |
| Total | 180 Credits |
| Duration | 18 Months |
| Registration Fee | R350.00 |
| Deposit Fee | R950.00 |
| Monthly Fee | R850.00 (18 Months) |
| Course Fee | R16600.00 |
NB: Deposit And Registration Fees Are Non-Refundable.
