Best PR Courses in Ireland 2025

PR courses in Ireland: PR or Public Relations (PR) is about managing and promoting a positive image for an organization through effective communication. The goal of PR is to build and maintain good relationships with the public, customers, stakeholders, clients, investors, employees, and other important groups. In Ireland, PR stands out as a successful field in the country's booming economy and is recognized as having one of the fastest-moving job markets in the EU. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public relations specialists had a median salary of $66,750 in May 2023, while PR managers earned $130,480. Ireland is also home to prestigious business schools that draw major international companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook. This generates outstanding employment opportunities for graduates.

For those interested in a career in the communications sector, public relations is one of the most exciting and varied career options. More graduates are going into public relations (PR), as the field is full of exciting opportunities and challenges. More professionals like journalists are also switching to PR. If you are a student who wants to know about various PR Courses in Ireland, this article provides you with everything you need to know.

Why should International students study Public Relations in Ireland?

International students should study public relations in Ireland as it equips them with essential skills such as communication, writing, analysis, public speaking, strategic thinking, marketing, and an understanding of media relations and multimedia. The faculty at Ireland's business schools focuses on these abilities and gives students both theoretical and practical training, opening up countless opportunities for them. By gaining the essential skills, students can work on event planning, media outreach, crisis management, and reputation management in a company and also help on building community relations.

Ireland is one of the safest countries, ranking 3rd out of 163 nations in the Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). This makes it an ideal place for international students to pursue their higher education. Additionally, Ireland hosts some of the world's top business schools and colleges providing a top-notch education and driving up demand and opportunities for the public relations sector.

Top 6 PR courses in Ireland

The top 6 popular PR Courses offered In Ireland by top universities are given below.

S No	University	Courses offered	Duration of the course	Average Tuition Fees Per Year
1	Dublin City University	MS in Public Relations and Strategic Communications	1 year	14,77,814 INR
2	University of Galway	Masters in Public Advocacy and Activism MA in Global Media and Communication	1 year 1 Year	16,56,943 INR 17,91,289 INR
3	Technological University Dublin	MA in Public Relations	1 Year	12,09,120 INR
4	Munster Technological University	MA in Public Relations with New Media	2 years	12,09,120 INR
5	Dundalk Institute of Technology	BA in Digital Marketing and Public Relations	3 years	9,80,731 INR
6	South East Technological University	BA in Public Relations and Media	3 years	12,09,120 INR

Online PR Courses in Ireland

Institutes in Ireland provide a variety of online Public Relations (PR) courses for students. The trainers, lecturers, and tutors at these academies are esteemed professionals. The online PR courses offered by Ireland Universities are:

• Certificate in Public Relations (Online)
• Certificate in Journalism (Online)
• Certificate in Online Marketing & PR
• Online Diploma in Event Management & PR
• Online Diploma in Television Presenters Course, Dublin

Diploma PR Courses in Ireland

Ireland Universities offer Diploma courses in Public Relations that help to get into PR agencies as freshers. Diploma courses are usually of duration 1 year and any graduate student can enroll in this course. Some of the diploma courses offered by top universities are:

• Diploma in Marketing, Advertising, Sales & PR
• PRII Diploma in Public Relations
• Professional Diploma in Public Relations
• PG Diploma in Conflict and Dispute Resolution Studies

Top Public Relations Universities in Ireland

Students considering studying in Ireland should familiarize themselves with the country's top universities. Below is a detailed list of some of the leading universities in Ireland that offer Public Relations courses.

Dublin City University (DCU)

Dublin City University (DCU) ranks first in Ireland for graduate employment rate in the QS Graduate Employment Rate 2022. 96% of its graduates are employed or pursuing further education six months after graduation. Annual program fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at DCU range from 13,000 EUR to 19,000 EUR, equivalent to approximately 11 to 16 lakh INR for Indian students. Some of the top recruiters of DCU graduates include KPMG, Accenture, PwC, Intel, Vodafone, MSD, Dell, HSE, Irish Water, SK Biotech, Irish Aviation Authority, and Bristol Myers Squibb.

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), Ireland, established in 1973 and located in Bishopstown, offers comprehensive campus learning and accommodation facilities for international students. The institute provides master's, diploma, and online programs in public relations. CIT is renowned for securing placements for its students in prestigious companies such as McDonald's, KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, and Apple. The annual fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CIT are approximately 12,000 EUR (around 10.20 lakh INR).

Griffith College, Ireland

Established in 1974, Griffith College is Ireland’s largest independent third-level institution, with over 7,000 students across its campuses in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. Over the past 40 years, Griffith College has earned a stellar reputation for producing successful, prize-winning students who have pursued prominent careers both nationally and internationally. Tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs range from 12,000 to 15,000 EUR. The college boasts a 74% employment rate, with top recruiters including Unilever, Nestle, Walmart, Amazon, IBM, GSK, Cadbury, and McKinsey & Company.

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s leading university, is ranked 98th in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Located in a prime area, the city provides students with the chance to experience diverse cultures and numerous professional opportunities. The average tuition fee for undergraduate programs ranges from €18,860 to €39,370, while postgraduate program fees range from €8,500 to €17,200. Trinity College Dublin has an employment rate of 92%, with top employers including Amazon, Google, Facebook, McKinsey & Company, and CORA Consulting Engineers.

University of Limerick

The University of Limerick, a public research university in Limerick, Ireland, boasts a diverse student body, with nearly 20% of its students coming from over 100 countries. The university has partnerships with more than 471 universities in 68 countries worldwide. It is one of Ireland’s most popular universities among Irish students, with an 85% satisfaction rate. The employment rate immediately after graduation is 75%. The average tuition fee for undergraduate programs ranges from €15,000 to €19,000, while postgraduate program fees range from €17,500 to €25,000.

Technological University Dublin

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is Ireland’s first technological university, established in 2019. Despite its recent rebranding, the university has a long history of excellence in technological education, tracing its roots back to 1887 as the oldest technical school in Ireland. Located on Belton Street, Dublin City, TU Dublin is known for its strong industry connections, with top recruiters including Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Deloitte, and IBM. Students looking to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programs at TU Dublin should budget between 23,000 and 30,000 EUR annually for tuition fees and living costs.

Eligibility requirement for PR courses in Ireland

To pursue a masters in PR, the applicant should have completed a bachelor's degree of 4 years. On top of that, a decent grade should be achieved to pursue a master's in the university of your choice. Interviews will also be conducted by the university to successfully provide admission. Below are the universities and their eligibility criteria for PR courses in Ireland.

University	QS World Ranking	Courses	Entry Requirement CGPA or Percentage Required
Dublin City University	436	MS in Public Relations and Strategic Communications	60/6.0 CGPA
Cork Institute of Technology	NA	MA Public Relations with New Media	60/6.0 CGPA
Griffith College	#243	MA Journalism and Public Relations	57/5.7 CGPA
Technology University Dublin	851	MA in Public Relations	60/6.0 CGPA
Munster Tech University	367	MA in Public Relations with New Media	60/6.0 CGPA

English Language Requirement to Study Public Relations in Ireland

As part of the European Union, Ireland requires all international students to demonstrate English proficiency, regardless of their native language. These exams assess students' comprehension, verbal fluency, understanding of American and European accents, and ability to thrive in an English-speaking environment. Meeting the minimum English requirements is essential to pursue Public Relations in Ireland. The below table gives the minimum score required to score in English proficiency tests.

University	IELTS	TOEFL	PTE
Dublin City University	6.0	90	63
Cork Institute of Technology	6.0	90	63
Griffith College	6.0	71	50
Technology University Dublin	6.5	92	63
Munster Tech University	7.5	105	80

Documents Required to apply for Student visa in Ireland

Students planning to pursue their education in Ireland need to apply for a student visa. Below is a list of required documents for the application process, all of which must be provided in English:

• Filled out and signed the application form
• Application letter
• Two recent colored passport-size photographs (not older than 6 months)
• Current passport and copies of previous passports
• Evidence of enrollment in a university
• Proof of fee payment
• Proof of educational history
• Letter of acceptance from the college
• English proficiency test scores
• Birth certificate
• Consent verification from parents or guardians if under eighteen
• Proof of finances

Cost of Studying Public Relations Course in Ireland

Students planning to study in Ireland should be aware of the costs associated with studying and living. Here are the major expenses for a single person:

For a bachelor's degree in public relations, the tuition fee ranges from €10,000 to €14,000 per annum. For a postgraduate course in public relations, the cost is approximately €11,500 to €15,000 per year.

In addition to tuition fees, students need to manage living costs, which vary based on their chosen location. On-campus accommodation costs around €566 per month, while off-campus accommodation ranges from €1,000 to €2,000 per month. Transportation expenses are approximately €135 per month and food costs around €90 per month for a single person.

Scholarships for Public Relations in Ireland

There are various Irish Government and private organizations offering fully funded and partially funded scholarships to students. Students who want financial aid can apply for these scholarships. Below is the list of scholarships offered by universities and the amount offered.

University offering scholarships	Name of the Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility
Dublin City University (DCU)	DCU International Merit Scholarships (Fullbright)	Up to €2000	Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree
Dublin City University (DCU)	Dcu Taught Masters Scholarship Award Fullbright	Up To €15,000	Applicants should have completed a four-year bachelor's degree, completed master's degree, or a full-time postgraduate diploma (if the undergraduate degree is less than four years in duration).
Dublin City University (DCU)	Dcu Merit Scholarship	Up To 25% Of Tuition Fee	Applicant must have completed 12th
Dublin City University (DCU)	Vv Giri Global Excellence Award Scholarship	50-100% Of The Tuition Fee	Applicant must have completed 12th
Trinity College Dublin	Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship	Varies	International students must have completed 12th
Trinity College Dublin	Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship	Varies	International students must have completed a UG degree
Munster Tech University	Eolas Scholarship	Up To €3000 Or 25% Of Tuition for All Years of Study	Applicable to International students
Munster Tech University	International Scholarship	15% Of the Tuition Fee	Applicable to International students
Atlantic Technological University	GMIT Non-EU Student Scholarships	30% of Tuition fee	Applicable to International students
South East Technological University	International Scholarship	€2,000	Applicable to International students
Dundalk Institute of Technology	Financial Aid Scholarship	€1,000	Applicable to International students
Dundalk Institute of Technology	Academic Merit Scholarship	€1,000	Applicable to International students

Job Opportunities for PR graduates in Ireland

The average salary for public relations professionals in Ireland is €50,000 per year or €25.64 per hour. Entry-level positions start at €35,254 per year, while the most experienced professionals can earn up to €69,284 per year. Below are the job roles and corresponding salaries offered to graduates.

Job Roles	Description	Salary per annum in EUR
Public relations manager	Planning publicity strategies and campaign	62,800
Public relations officer	Manages communication between an organization and the public	23,900
Public relations practitioner	Takes on various roles, including customer liaison, mediator, marketer, and event organizer	30,900
Public relations specialist	Develop and execute PR Strategies and analyze public opinion for the awareness of the brand and company	25,700
Relationship management officer	Manages customer relations	19,100
Media relations specialist	Promoting and protecting the reputation of the company by managing public relations	51,700
Investor relations officer	Maintain communication between the organization and investors	40,100
Head of Public Relations	Manages all PR activities within an agency	67,100
Government relations officer	Maintains communication channels within government agencies	38,300
Communications associate	Responsible for assisting in communicating strategies within the organization	21,600
Communication Specialist	Problem-solving within the organization	25,400
Communication director	Building relationships with clients and leading the team in implementing companies PR Strategy	56,700
Marketing Executive	Coordinating and implementing marketing activities and campaigns for brands	36,834

How to get PR in Ireland?

To become a Permanent Resident (PR) in Ireland, you must fulfill the eligibility criteria. Non-EU citizens seeking permanent residency in Ireland must have resided in the country for at least five years after their studies. This period includes both the course duration and their work experience in Ireland. The Irish government typically takes 6 to 8 months to process a PR visa, which is valid for 5 years. After this period, a PR visa can be renewed, or non-EU citizens can apply for citizenship.

Conclusion

With the growth of numerous businesses across Ireland, the demand for public relations expertise is rising significantly. Students can definitely consider Ireland as one of the top destinations for pursuing courses in public relations. This article has covered all aspects—top universities, leading public relations courses, scholarships, eligibility criteria, and job opportunities in detail, providing valuable information for students to advance in their studies.

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for PR course?

Students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree in Public Relations should have completed their 12th grade. Those who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in Public Relations should have completed a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

2. What course is PR?

PR is a Public Relations course that equips students with communication and interpersonal skills to manage the client, brands, and all PR Activities of the company.

3. Is PR a good course?

Yes, public relations is a good career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level PR professionals earned a median annual salary of $67,440 as of May 2022. Additionally, the BLS projects a faster-than-average job growth rate of 8% for public relations specialists between 2021 and 2031.

4. What education is needed for PR?

A degree in communications, journalism, or public relations has been considered essential for entering the field. It provides candidates with crucial knowledge in media relations, writing, and strategic communication.

5. What degree is best for PR?

Students can pursue a BA in Public Relations and Media, a Bachelor's in Mass Communication, or Journalism with a focus on public relations. For a master's degree, students can opt for an MA in Public Relations.