PLEASE NOTE!
This course will be open for new applications in September. If you would like to be notified when applications are open, please fill out the form. We’ll send you an email once applications are open again.
The Press Release and Media Writing Course
The Press Release and Media Writing Course
Learn to Write Compelling and Polished Press Releases
Deliver print and
online-ready media content
The Press Release and Media Writing Course will teach you to write and deliver media releases that work for busy journalists.
You’ll also find out how to:
repurpose your release for national and local pitches
handle photocalls and issue photocall notices
establish a professional reputation in the vibrant field of PR
This course is perfect for people who want to work as a freelance PR writer or in-house for a company. It’s also relevant to business owners who need more media exposure, or for those who work in a communications role.
Get insider tips and tricks from a communications expert with over 20 years of senior level experience.
The Press Release and Media Writing Course Gives You...
No Automated Marking
We use traditional methods of assessing work, as editors at publishing houses would. No generic feedback!
A Flexible Schedule
Work wherever and whenever you want. You can easily fit our courses around work and other commitments.
Relevant, Usable Content
Easy-to-digest course notes that capture a lifetime of writing experience, ready for you to apply to your own writing.
Ongoing Assessment
Your writing is assessed continuously as your course progresses.
Expert, Individual Feedback
Get prompt, honest, detailed feedback on every assignment from an award-winning writer. We focus on your unique writing strengths.
No Peer Reviews!
You will only be assessed by your tutor, a leader in their field. No more guessing and wondering how to write; you'll be guided line by line.
Master the Skill of Writing Stand-out Press Releases
Discover the power of positive PR
Every organisation, large and small, needs positive public relations. Developed by a PR expert, this course teaches you how to structure press releases and photocall invitations, identify target media and avoid common mistakes.
Over six modules, you will get the chance to deliver two full media releases on a topic of your choice, with personalised feedback from an expert tutor. You can either write on suggested topics or use copy drawn from your workplace or interests.
Master the Skill of Writing Stand-out Press Releases
Discover the power of positive PR
Every organisation, large and small, needs positive public relations. Developed by a PR expert, this course teaches you how to structure press releases and photocall invitations, identify target media and avoid common mistakes.
Over six modules, you will get the chance to deliver two full media releases on a topic of your choice, with personalised feedback from an expert tutor. You can either write on suggested topics or use copy drawn from your workplace or interests.
'Honestly, I'm not sure there's a way to describe my experience on this course. Wow! That's all I can say. My tutor, Fiona Walsh, was great. It's been an incredible experience and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.'
Gregory Seebregts, Press Release and Media Writing Course
Course Overview
COURSE FEE
$ 1 095
Price includes GST
NUMBER OF ASSIGNMENTS
5
The assignments vary in length.
NUMBER OF MODULES
6
These modules include around 200 pages of course notes.
COURSE DURATION
6
Work at your own pace – up to a maximum of six months.
START DATE: ANYTIME
Working with an individual tutor means you can start the course at any time.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Basic writing skills are essential.
- Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required.
- No previous tertiary qualification required.
Tutor for this Course
Fiona Walsh
Fiona Walsh has an MA in Communications from City University, London and over 20 years’ experience working in PR and comms, including as publicity manager for the English National Ballet, head of press for the Royal National Theatre and director of press and marketing for Bermuda Shorts Film, all based in London. She currently works freelance for clients including SundanceTV, NBCUniversal, the National Theatre Live and the Joburg Ballet. As well as teaching online, she has lectured in public relations at Boston Media House, Johannesburg.
She returned to the National Theatre in London for a year in 2012 as communications manager, responsible for managing all comms around the NT’s involvement in the 2012 Cultural Olympiad during the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. She has also worked as an account director for Total Exposure PR, managing the team that looks after six BBC TV channels.
Course Curriculum
Module 1
- Overview of the publicity field
- What is a press release?
- Whom are you writing for?
- What’s the angle?
- Exercise 1: Identify target media and a news angle for a press release (for feedback and assessment).
Module 2
- Finding the right style
- The Inverted Pyramid
- The opening paragraph
- Five W’s (and an H)
- Exercises 2 and 3: Use the Five W’s (and an H) model to draft an introductory paragraph (for feedback and assessment).
Module 3
- The second paragraph
- Using titles
- Incorporating quotes
- Exercises 4 and 5: Draft a second paragraph and incorporate quotes into your release (for feedback and assessment).
Module 4
- The closing paragraph
- Headlines and footnotes
- Layout
- Less is more – edit, edit and edit again
- The importance of credibility
- Proofreading and fact-checking
- Press Release 1: Use the key building blocks to draft a press release (for feedback and assessment).
Module 5
- Issuing your press release
- Adapting your press release
- What happens next? Be prepared.
- Press Release 2: Adapt your press release to suit a variety of different media (for feedback and assessment).
- Introductory Letter: Draft a brief letter or email to accompany your release (for feedback and assessment).
Module 6
- Images versus photocalls
- Building up a strong portfolio
- Looking for work
- Freelance versus in-house PR
- Charging for work
- Photocall Notice: Draft a photocall notice for picture desks (for feedback and assessment).
What Our Students Say
Get These Additional Benefits
Lifetime Course Access
Benefit from free lifetime access to future course updates and access to our writing resources.
Work at Your Own Pace
Our courses work around you. You can pace your course around your busy life.
500+ Bonus Articles on Our Blog
A superb, constantly updated resource with articles on writing and interviews with writers.
Work Opportunities
Top students are invited to join our writers and editors for hire service.
Be the First to Know About Writing Competitions
We'll help you keep up to date with the latest competition announcements
Join a Community of Writers
You will have access to our friendly Facebook community, daily writing tips and writing inspiration.
Risk-Free 100% Money-Back Guarantee
We are so confident that you will love your course that if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our training, simply ask for a refund within 30 days.
Complete the Application Form to Enrol on the Press Release and Media Writing Course
You will receive an approval email and invoice within one working day.
Should your form not submit, please let admin know at admin@nzwriterscollege.co.nz
Questions?
We've Got Answers
Detailed course notes covering the content of each module will be emailed to you.
At the end of each module, you will be required to complete one or two writing exercises. In total, the course includes five writing assignments, one introductory letter, one photocall notice and two press releases, all of which counts towards your final mark.
Once a writing assignment has been completed and emailed to your tutor, you will receive an assessment, and the module will be considered complete. You can also participate in ongoing online discussions by posting comments about the course or other issues pertaining to writing on The Writers College blog.
Absolutely. You have direct communication with your tutor for the duration of the course. The more questions you ask, the more you will get out of the course.
You will get lifetime access to the course. You will also benefit from future updates and improvements to the course.
For the majority of our courses, only your tutor will see your work. It will remain completely private unless you get it published. The journalism courses might see your work published in the public domain, but you do have the final say as to whether or not this happens.
You will receive a Writers College Certificate upon successful completion of the course, provided you meet the following conditions:
- You must have completed all writing assignments.
- The course must be completed within 6 months of registration.
- A minimum average of 50% must be achieved.
- Basic writing skills are essential.
- Basic computer skills, as well as email and Internet access are required.
- No previous tertiary qualification is required.
Because you will work with an individual tutor, you can start your course as soon as your application has been approved. There are no specific start dates as would be the case with a traditional college.
An application is usually approved within one working day. Once we receive proof of payment, your can start your course.
You could be starting your course today!
- Reading Time: 15 hours
- Writing Time: Up to 30 hours
Once your application has been approved, you will receive notification of approval and an invoice via email. As soon as we receive proof of payment, the first module as well as your tutor’s email address and your login details will be sent to you. Your tutor will also be in touch to welcome you.
Any work created on our courses is owned by you. We will never make a claim to anything you produce. We follow the rule that copyright subsists with the creator (you).
'I enjoyed learning how to write a press release with Fiona Walsh. I found her to be professional, talented and accurate with her assessment of my work. It was one of the best courses I have ever done, and I wished I had done it years ago.'
Ruth Masani, Write a Press Release and Media Writing Course
Got More Questions?
We would love to help you choose the best course for you. Tell us what style of writing you want to develop and we'll give you some options.
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