PR Major gains international recognition
The undergraduate public relations major in AUT’s Bachelor of Communication Studies has been awarded the Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a globally recognised mark of excellence.
The certification highlights AUT’s strength in delivering industry-aligned education and preparing students for succeeding in professional public relations careers in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
Head of School Professor Dan Laufer says the feedback from the PRSA certification team demonstrated the quality of an AUT education in public relations. “The PRSA certification is a rigorous process that provides a ringing endorsement of the quality of public relations education provided by the Public Relations teaching team in AUT’s Bachelor of Communication Studies. It confirms what we have always known – that our programme is of international calibre”
AUT’s PR major was assessed by PRSA’s Education Affairs Committee following an onsite visit by PRSA Fellow Gerard Corbett (APR), chair and chief executive officer at Redphlag, and Alexander Laskin (Ph.D.), professor at Quinnipiac University.
The assessors also interviewed students, alumni, internship and work-integrated learning providers, employers, and external academic and professional peers of the AUT PR major’s faculty. They commended the PR faculty for exceptional teaching and research, a strong curriculum, world-class facilities and technology, and outstanding professional opportunities, industry partnerships, and community engagement.
The accreditation process was led by Director of External Engagement, Associate Professor Petra Theunissen and Head of Department - Brand, Digital and Public Relations, Dr Deepti Bhargava, with support from the PR and wider communications faculty.
Dr Bhargava says AUT’s public relations students are well-supported and equipped to be industry-ready for successful careers both at home and abroad.
“Students develop critical, real-world skills through case studies and live projects, including persuasive and strategic communication for a range of organisations and causes, reputation and crisis management, digital storytelling, and campaign delivery for real non-profits through AUT’s student PR agency Outside the Square.
“Ethics, diversity and global perspectives are embedded across the programme, and our alumni are already making an impact here and overseas. PRSA certification adds further value for both domestic and international students seeking to stand out in a dynamic, global industry.”
The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) works closely with AUT to connect students with industry. “PRSA certification supports graduates to build international careers and strengthens the communications profession through global connections,” says PRINZ chief executive Susanne Martin.
One alum who is forging a career in the USA is Ben Fitchett, who works as an Account Manager at SBS Comms in Los Angeles. When Ben was a teenager, he loved watching the Met Gala and dreamt of one day walking that staircase himself. Little did he know that less than a decade later he would find himself working as a public relations professional in LA, with high-profile events now his daily bread.
Alumna Breanna Kelly says AUT immediately felt like the right fit. “The vibrant community and energy at AUT made me believe I could achieve amazing things with the University's support behind me. I found joy in my tutorials, cherished the opportunity to assist with open days and had an amazing time working with Outside the Square, our student-run PR consultancy that offers pro-bono support to not-for-profit organisations.”
“I am looking forward to seeing the way the world of PR and communications unfolds for our graduates with the added endorsement of the PRSA certification,” says Professor Laufer.
PRSA is the United States of America’s leading professional organisation for the public relations and communications community, with an international network of more than 400 professional and student chapters.
The rigorous assessment process took place at the end of 2025 and the certification is in place until 2032.
Useful links
- Study public relations at AUT
- For more information about CEPR PRSA Accreditation, visit -PR Program Certification for Academic Institutions | PRSSA | PRSA
- Find out more information about the Public Relations programme in the Bachelor of Communication Studies