Best Universities in Malaysia for Public Relations (PR) or Marketing Communications Degree

Top Public Relations or Marketing Communications (Marcomm) Degree Courses in Malaysia

Public relations is the professional management of external and internal communications to build the reputation of a company or cause. Today’s PR Specialists work on developing beneficial relationships in cities, governments, corporations, consumers, media, charities and communities to manage the relationships and communication channels.

Public relations (PR) is the way organisations, companies and individuals communicate with the public and media. A PR specialist communicates with the target audience directly or indirectly through media with an aim to create and maintain a positive image and create a strong relationship with the audience.

A degree in Public Relations or related course like Mass Communication or Event Management will prepare students to acquire the skills to work as a Public Relations (PR) or Marketing Communications (Marcomm) professional in Malaysia. Language and communications skills are important factors in this career therefore students should consider private universities with an English-speaking student environment.

You may also be interested to read:

• List of the Best Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Top Public Relations (PR) Degree Courses
• Best Colleges & Universities for Mass Communication in Malaysia
• Top Private Universities in Malaysia for Mass Communication, Public Relations, Media & Advertising
• What will You Study in a Top Mass Communication Degree Courses in Malaysia?
• Best Universities in Malaysia to Study Diploma & Degree in Mass Communication
• Choosing to Study at a Top Private College or University in Malaysia for Mass Communication

Top Private Universities in Malaysia for the Public Relations Degree Programme

Premier private universities offering degree programmes in Public Relations (PR) or Marketing Communications (Marcomm) are:

1. UOWM KDU
2. Taylor’s University
3. HELP University

In order to work in Public Relations or Marketing Communications, students could also go for degree programmes in Mass Communication, Advertising or Media. First rate private universities  in Malaysia to study a degree leading to a career in Public Relations or Marketing Communications are:

1. Taylor’s University
2. UOW Malaysia KDU
3. HELP University
4. Asia Pacific University (APU)
5. UOWM KDU Penang
6. Multimedia University (MMU)

What is Public Relations?

Public relations is the process of providing information to the public in order to present a specific view of a product or organization. Public relations differs from advertising in that it is less obtrusive, and aimed at providing a more comprehensive opinion to a large audience in order to shape public opinion. Unlike advertising, public relations professionals only have control until the message is related to media gatekeepers who decide where to pass the information on to the audience

Public relations is the professional management of external and internal communications to build the reputation of a company or cause. Today’s PR Specialists work on developing beneficial relationships in cities, governments, corporations, consumers, media, charities and communities to manage the relationships and communication channels.

Public relations (PR) is the way organisations, companies and individuals communicate with the public and media. A PR specialist communicates with the target audience directly or indirectly through media with an aim to create and maintain a positive image and create a strong relationship with the audience.

The PR Specialist uses a wide variety of communication tools and techniques such as the press releases, newsletters, public events, conventions, newspapers, billboards, blogs, social media, websites, TV, radio, etc.

The business world is very competitive and in order to win new customers and keep the existing ones, companies have to set themselves apart from the competition. But they also need to create and maintain a positive public image.

A PR specialist or firm helps them both create and maintain a good reputation among both the media and the customers by communicating in their behalf and presenting their products, services and the overall brand in a positive manner they will remember. A positive public image helps create a strong relationship with the customers which in turn increases the sales.

Studying Public Relations at Leading Private Universities in Malaysia

Students will take about 30 subjects in the 3-year Public Relations degree programme. It provides a strong PR focus and in-depth knowledge in the field of marketing communications allowing students to plan, strategise and execute their public relations campaigns. It will expose students to skills and knowledge that prepare them to become strategic public relations specialists.

In addition, the Public Relations degree programme seeks to equip students with professional skills and knowledge, including skills in professional writing techniques, crisis and issues management, media and stakeholder relations, campaign planning, strategy and research, with an emphasis on problem-solving, creativity, and project and relationship management.

Through the degree programme, students will be able to effectively conceptualise and strategise a corporate communication plan for the benefit of the organisation’s business development and also to engage in problem analysis, strategic planning, content development and tactical solutions for the organisation.

Finally, students will undergo a 10-12 week internship experience with PR firms, multinational companies or public sector organisations provides real life experience and understanding of the various job functions.

What will you Study in the Public Relations or Marketing Communications Degree?

Students should note that although the title of the degree may be the same but the subjects offered and the focus of the degree programme is different for each university. Students should look at the subjects offered to see if they meet your career goals. Below is a sample of the subjects that is offered at top private universities in Malaysia:

• Introduction to Mass Communication
• Visual Communication
• Critical & Creative Thinking
• Communication Theory
• Innovative Media
• Media Writing
• Intercultural Communication
• Communication Research Fundamentals
• Publicity & Media Relations
• Public Relations Principles
• Promotional Writing
• Media Law & Ethics
• Public Relations Consultancy
• Strategic Management
• Entrepreneurship
• International Marketing
• Public Relations Techniques
• Public Relations Foundation
• Internet Marketing
• Services Marketing
• Public Relations Consultancy
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Retail Marketing and Distribution
• Digital Communication Management
• Introduction to Public Relations Law
• Media Relations
• Financial Public Relations
• Public Relations Consultancy
• Professional Media Workshop
• Corporate Public Relations

How is the Public Relations Degree  Assessed?

Assessment for the Public Relations degree course will vary from university to university. Generally, it will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams.

The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester. The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. The assessments are subject to quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards and ensuring fair assessment.

The Public Relations degree programme provides a strong PR and event focus and in-depth knowledge in the field of marketing communication allowing students to plan, strategise and execute their marketing plans. Students will experience active engagement with the industry and provides opportunities to participate in talks, workshops, forums and practical sessions conducted by industry professionals. Some universities provide hands-on exposure to real campaigns, real clients and industry members.

In addition, students will undergo an internship experience with PR firms, multinational companies or public sector organisations provides real life experience and understanding of the various job functions.

What is the Education Pathway into a Public Relations Degree?

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 5 credits including English may go to the Best private universities & colleges in Malaysia offering the Foundation in Communication or Media Studies. Students who are sure of studying Public Relations should go for top private universities to study the Foundation in Communication. After completing the Foundation in Communication, you can continue on to the 3-year degree in Public Relations. If you want a wider option because you are not sure of taking the Public Relations degree, you can go for the Foundation in Arts, Foundation in Business or Foundation in Science.

Other Pre-University Programmes such as the A-Levels, AUSMAT, CIMP, MUFY, etc are accepted into the PR degree depending on the Entry Requirements.

Alternatively, students with at least 3 credits including English may take the Diploma in Mass Communication for 2 years and then enter into Year 2 of the Public Relations degree for another 2 years.

Choosing the right pathway depends on how sure you are about taking the PR degree, your high school results, budget, and which learning style suits you in the Pre-U Programme.

What are the Entry Requirements?

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels will need at least 5Cs including English and Passes in BM and Sejarah to enter the Foundation course. To enter the Diploma in Mass Communication, you will need at least 3Cs including English.

To enter the Public Relations degree, students will need the following:

• Foundation in Arts 
  • Pass with min. CGPA 2.00
• Foundation in Communication
  • Pass with min. CGPA 2.00
• Diploma in Communication 
  • Pass with min. CGPA 2.00
• A-Levels
  • At least 2 Principal Passes in any subject
• Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
  • Min. CGPA 2.00 in 3 subjects and min. Grade C for each subject