Public Relations Major - Bachelor of Communication Studies

Study public relations at AUT and embark on an exciting career where every day promises to be different.

A PR career could be organising top-level celebrities to promote an exotic resort, working with an international health organisation to communicate disease prevention in a developing country, briefing business leaders on a company merger, or lobbying the government to change regulations on behalf of a charity.

Our lecturers have industry and academic expertise with a national and global outlook. Their strong industry connections mean that as a public relations student you have the opportunity to go on industry field trips and gain paid PR experience during your degree.


This is part of the Bachelor of Communication Studies.

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You’ll explore topics like reputation management, relationship management, strategic communication, communication in a business environment, sponsorship and promotion, internal communication, persuasion and negotiation, social media strategies and moral philosophy.

Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. Students must complete 120 points each year (360 points for the entire degree).

Year 1

You study the following papers:

Year 2

You study the following papers:

You also complete papers from your second major and your chosen minor(s).

Year 3

You study the following papers:

You also complete papers from your second major and your chosen minor(s).

Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers

Graduate internships

The lecturers have developed graduate internships with organisations like:

  • Fonterra
  • Auckland Council
  • Ports of Auckland
  • PR consultancies like Porter Novelli, Acumen, Botica Butler Raudon, Baldwin Boyle, Undertow Media and Drum

PRINZ networking events

We have a longstanding relationship with the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) and we encourage students to attend PRINZ industry networking events.

Majoring in public relations will prepare you for a wide range of roles, including:

  • Corporate communications executive
  • Public relations consultant
  • Marketing communications executive
  • Government communicator
  • Internal communications advisor
  • Community relations manager
  • Cultural mediator
  • Media relations manager
  • Influencer campaign manager
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Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Public Relations Careers

Key features
  • Supported by the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) and leading PR consultancies
  • Participate in live campaigns and industry field trips
  • Work for a real client in AUT’s student-run PR consultancy, Outside the Square
See yourself as
  • A collaborative colleague
  • A strategic thinker
  • A builder of reputations and relationships
  • A good writer, speaker and organiser
John Nottage
Jono Buxeda
Simon Hebden
Christian Baledrokadroka
Suzanne Suisuiki
John Nottage
Great graduatesJohn NottageSenior Communications Advisor for Alliances, Auckland TransportBachelor of Communication StudiesHe loves being able to show Aucklanders what’s happening in transport, says John Nottage who is now a senior communications advisor for Auckland Transport.He loves being able to show Aucklanders what’s happening in transport and how exciting the future is, says John Nottage who is now a senior communications advisor for Auckland Transport. The Bachelor of Communication Studies was an obvious choice for John as he wanted to work with people and help organisations get their messaging out to the wider public.
Jono Buxeda
Great graduatesJono BuxedaPublic Relations Intern, Cognito Asia, SingaporeBachelor of Communication StudiesSingapore has always held appeal to him, says AUT communication studies alumnus Jono Buxeda who is currently interning at Cognito Asia in Singapore.Singapore has always held appeal to him, says AUT communication studies alumnus Jono Buxeda who is currently interning at Cognito Asia in Singapore. He would highly recommend studying at AUT to other students, says Jono who managed to balance his studies with representing New Zealand in karting at the world grand finals in Portugal and Brazil, where he competed against the best motorsport athletes in the world.
Simon Hebden
Great graduatesSimon HebdenPR & Content Marketer, TimeZoneOne, ChicagoBachelor of Communication StudiesWorking for creative communications agency TimeZoneOne in Chicago is a rush, says Simon Hebden who completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies at AUT.Working for creative communications agency TimeZoneOne in Chicago is a rush, says Simon Hebden who completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations. The interactive and engaging learning environment was one of the highlights of his time at AUT, Simon says. He also appreciated the resources made available to him throughout his studies.
Christian Baledrokadroka
Great graduatesChristian BaledrokadrokaBachelor of Communication Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Communication StudiesShe has always had a passion for connecting with people, says Christian Baledrokadroka who is studying a Postgraduate Certificate in Communication Studies.She has always had a passion for connecting with people, says Christian Baledrokadroka who is currently studying a Postgraduate Certificate in Communication Studies. She has been impressed by the sense of community at AUT and plans to continue giving back to her Pacific community, says Christian who received the Geraldine Lopdell Award for Diversity in Communication.
Suzanne Suisuiki
Great graduatesSuzanne SuisuikiMarketing and Communications Manager, Pacific Cooperation FoundationBachelor of Communication StudiesThe connections she made while studying at AUT were what stood out most about her time at university, says communication studies alumna Suzanne Suisuiki.The connections she made while studying at AUT were what stood out most about her time at university, says Suzanne Suisuiki who completed her Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations in 2015. Now working as the marketing and communications manager for the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, Suzanne enjoys the variety of her role.

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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