Find Out What is Public Relations (PR) & What You Will Learn in the Undergraduate Programme at the Best Universities
Public relations (PR) means managing the image an organisation portrays to its clients and the public. If you are creative and enjoy writing, giving presentations or have an interest in the media, PR may be for you. The degree will prepare you for a role as a communication or marketing communications for an in-house PR department in an organisation or to work for a PR consultancy.
Basically, the goal of the public relations programme is to help students understand how to assist individuals and businesses in connecting with the media, a particular market or the community-at-large. In general, the study of public relations covers three main disciplines – communications and media, public relations theory and application, and writing for mass communications. The Public Relations degree programme at a private university in Malaysia will expose students to skills and knowledge that prepare them to become strategic public relations specialists. It will 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.
In addition, 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.
You may also be interested to read:
- List of the Best Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Top Public Relations (PR) Degree Courses
- Study Public Relations (PR) at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia
- Best Universities in Malaysia for Public Relations (PR) or Marketing Communications Degree
- 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
Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at.
Thank you for your response. ✨
Studying Public Relations at Leading Private Universities in Malaysia

John Lai Wai Hong, Graduated in Mass Communication from KDU University College
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.
How is the Public Relations Degree Course Assessed?

Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)
The assessments for a Public Relations degree programme at private universities and colleges in Malaysia is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The degree programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a degree programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.
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.
Methods of Delivery
- Lectures
- Lab work (depends on the course)
- Tutorials
- Field visits (e.g. business organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations, government-related corporations, etc.)
- Scenario-based learning
- Guest lecture series (prominent speakers from the industry and academic institutions)
- Interactive learning
Who Should Study Public Relations?
Students interested in studying Public Relations (PR) should be good in languages, like to socialise with people, have an outgoing personality, possess strategic thinking, like to write, organise events, a creative mind, and lots of energy.
What is the Education Pathway into a Public Relations Degree?

Jacob Lean, Graduated with Mass Communication from KDU University College
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 into the Public Relations Degree?
- Foundation in Arts / Foundation in Science at least CGPA 2.00
- STPM At least 2 C’s
- A-Level At least 2 passes
- Senior Middle 3 (UEC) At Least 5 B’s (including English)
- CPU 5 passes with a minimum average of 50%
- AUSMAT/SAM/TEE Examination At least 5 passes with a university aggregate of 50%
- International Baccalaureate At least 24 points
- Matriculation/Foundation At least CGPA of 2.00
- Diploma At least CPA 2.00
- Equivalent qualification
Public Relations Degree Programme at a Private University
Those interested in careers in public relations are encouraged to start by earning a bachelor’s degree in an applicable area of study such as communications, public relations or journalism.
Completing additional coursework in subjects like English, business, writing, public affairs, advertising and public speaking are likewise advantageous. Some specific examples of coursework found in a typical public relations degree programme at a private university in Malaysia include: Principles of Advertising, Mass Media Law, Introduction to Public Relations, Communication for Business and the Professions and Advertising Research.
What are some of the Subjects that you will Study in a Public Relations Degree?

Jia Ping, Mass Communication Graduate from UOWM KDU University College
In a 3-year Public Relations degree programme at a private university students will take about 30 subjects including internship. In addition, you will need to take the Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) subjects which are compulsory.
- Public Relations Writing
- Introduction to Corporate Communication
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Media Relations
- Corporate Writing
- Communication Theories
- Public Relations Campaign Skills: Theory & Strategy
- Oral Communication
- Writing and Referencing
- Digital Public Relations
- Communication Law
- Public Relations Management
- Public Opinion and Activism
- Feature Writing and Public Relations
- Fundraising and Public Relations
- Crisis Communication and Management
- International Public Relations
- Research Methodology
- Media Planning
- Social Media and Mobile Marketing
- Journalism
Check the Courses to Ensure that they are Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Before you Enrol

Students should know the important differences between accredited and non-accredited courses in Malaysia in order to make informed decisions. Choosing a course that is not accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) may impact your future working career in a negative way.
According to the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), accreditation is a formal recognition that a certificate, diploma or degree programme has attained the quality standards and criteria set by the MQA and in compliance with the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF).
The completion of an accredited course means that students are issued with a nationally recognised qualification. Accreditation is a status or achievement as a result of quality assessment by MQA. It is a commitment by MQA to all stakeholders in higher education such as students and parents that the programme accredited by MQA is quality-assured.
In addition, a course that’s accredited provides employers with the guarantee that what the graduate has studied meets the national standards and requirements, and is able to perform the tasks as required in the job.
Is the PTPTN Loan Available for the Public Relations (PR) Degree Course?

Yee Mun, Mass Communication at UCSI University
In choosing a course or university to study, finances play an important role in your decision-making. The PTPTN Loan is one of the top choices for students because of its low interest rate.
With the PTPTN Loan, it eases your financial burden and allow you to pursue the course of study without having too much to worry about. Students who want to apply for the loan may need to take into consideration the criteria, loan amount and the application process.
Students may apply for the PTPTN Loan for Diploma or Degree programmes at private colleges and universities in Malaysia. The courses must be accredited by MQA.
Students need to have registered for the course of study before they can apply for the PTPTN Loan. In addition, students should wait for the university to brief them on the steps on how to apply for the PTPTN Loan.
What is the PTPTN Loan Amount?
| Education Level for Private Universities or IPTS | Household Income | ||
| <RM4,000MAKSIMUM(RM) | <RM8,00075%(RM) | >RM8,00050%(RM) | |
| Foundation | 6,800 | 5,100 | 3,400 |
| Diploma | 6,800 | 5,100 | 3,400 |
| Diploma (Pharmacy, Dentistry or Health Sciences) | 12,750 | 9,560 | 6,380 |
| Science Degree Programme | 14,030 | 10,520 | 7,010 |
| Arts & Humanities Degree Programme | 13,600 | 10,200 | 6,800 |
| Degree Programmes for Pharmacy, Dentistry & Health Sciences | 17,000 | 12,750 | 8,500 |
| Medical Degree or MBBS | 30,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
Will I be able to get the Full Loan Amount?
The PTPTN loan is divided into three categories – full, partial and tuition fees only. The amount of the loan is determined by the applicant’s monthly household nett income and number of dependants.
| Category of Education Funding | Monthly Household Nett Income (RM)* |
|---|---|
| Full | Not exceeding 4,000 |
| Partial | More than 4,000 but not exceeding 5,000 |
| Tuition fees only | More than 5,000 |
* The monthly household nett income will be subtracted with the number of dependents (1 dependent = RM250)