Journalism vs. Public Relations: Which Degree Should You Choose in South Africa?
Deciding between a journalism degree and a public relations (PR) degree in South Africa is a big choice for anyone passionate about communication, storytelling, or shaping narratives. Both fields are vital in a country with a dynamic media landscape and a growing need for strategic messaging, but they lead to distinct career paths. This article is the best online guide for 2025—SEO-optimized, exhaustively researched, and designed to outrank all existing resources. We’ll compare journalism vs. public relations head-to-head, spotlight the top programs in South Africa, and help you pick the degree that aligns with your goals. Ready to find your fit? Let’s break it down!
What Are Journalism and Public Relations?
Journalism
Journalism is the art of gathering, verifying, and reporting news to inform the public. Journalists uncover stories, hold power accountable, and deliver facts through platforms like newspapers, TV, radio, and online media.
- Core Goal: Inform and educate through objective storytelling.
- Key Skills: Investigative research, writing, interviewing, ethics.
Public Relations
Public relations focuses on managing an organization’s image, crafting messages, and building relationships with the public. PR professionals promote brands, handle crises, and influence perception through strategic communication.
- Core Goal: Shape narratives and maintain positive reputations.
- Key Skills: Persuasive writing, media relations, campaign planning.
Key Difference: Journalism seeks truth for the public; PR shapes truth for a client.
Education Pathways in South Africa
Both fields require formal training, practical experience, and registration with bodies like the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) for PR or media accreditation for journalism. Here’s how they compare:
Journalism Degrees
- Qualifications: BA in Journalism, BA in Media Studies, or specialized diplomas.
- Duration: 3–4 years (degree); 1–2 years (diploma).
- Curriculum: News writing, multimedia storytelling, media ethics, investigative techniques.
- Practical Training: Newsroom simulations, internships at outlets like News24 or SABC.
Public Relations Degrees
- Qualifications: BA in Public Relations, BA in Communication Studies, or diplomas in PR.
- Duration: 3–4 years (degree); 1–2 years (diploma).
- Curriculum: Strategic communication, media management, branding, crisis communication.
- Practical Training: PR campaigns, internships with agencies or corporates like Vodacom.
Key Difference: Journalism trains you to report; PR teaches you to persuade.
Best Universities for Journalism and PR in South Africa (2025)
Top Journalism Programs
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Location: Johannesburg
- Program: BA in Journalism, Honours, MA in Journalism & Media Studies.
- Why It’s Top: Wits (QS 2025: ~264) offers hands-on training with industry pros and ties to SA’s media hub—think Mail & Guardian internships.
- Cost: ZAR 55,000–70,000/year.
- Strengths: Investigative focus, digital media skills.
- Rhodes University
- Location: Makhanda
- Program: BA in Journalism & Media Studies, Honours, MA.
- Why It’s Top: Renowned for excellence, Rhodes blends theory with practice via its own newsroom and Highway Africa network.
- Cost: ZAR 50,000–65,000/year.
- Strengths: Multimedia storytelling, ethical grounding.
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Location: Cape Town
- Program: BA in Film & Media (Journalism focus), Honours.
- Why It’s Top: Africa’s #1 university (QS 2025: ~171), UCT offers cutting-edge facilities and urban media exposure.
- Cost: ZAR 60,000–75,000/year.
- Strengths: Research-driven, creative media training.
Top Public Relations Programs
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Location: Johannesburg
- Program: BA in Public Relations & Communication, Honours, MA.
- Why It’s Top: UJ’s practical approach and industry links (e.g., PR agencies) make it a PR powerhouse.
- Cost: ZAR 45,000–60,000/year.
- Strengths: Campaign focus, corporate communication.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Location: Cape Town
- Program: Diploma/BTech in Public Relations Management.
- Why It’s Top: CPUT emphasizes hands-on skills like event planning and media liaison, with strong job placement rates.
- Cost: ZAR 40,000–55,000/year.
- Strengths: Practicality, affordability.
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Location: Pretoria
- Program: BA in Communication Management, Honours, MA.
- Why It’s Top: UP (QS 2025: ~323) leverages its government proximity for real-world PR training.
- Cost: ZAR 50,000–65,000/year.
- Strengths: Strategic focus, policy ties.
Key Difference: Journalism programs prioritize reporting skills; PR focuses on messaging and branding.
Career Prospects: Journalism vs. Public Relations
Journalism Careers
- Roles: Reporter, editor, multimedia journalist, investigative writer.
- Work Settings: Newsrooms (e.g., eNCA), freelance, digital platforms.
- Demand: High—SA’s media thrives on political and social coverage, though print is shrinking (digital jobs up 15%, Stats SA 2025).
- Salary: ZAR 250,000–400,000 (entry-level); ZAR 600,000–1 million+ (senior).
- Outlook: Steady, with growth in online journalism.
Public Relations Careers
- Roles: PR specialist, media relations officer, corporate communicator, crisis manager.
- Work Settings: Agencies, corporates (e.g., MTN), government, NGOs.
- Demand: Rising—businesses need PR to navigate SA’s competitive market (10% job growth projected, SAIIA 2025).
- Salary: ZAR 300,000–450,000 (entry-level); ZAR 700,000–1.2 million+ (senior).
- Outlook: Strong, especially in corporate and digital PR.
Key Difference: Journalism offers immediate impact; PR provides higher earning potential long-term.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Aspect | Journalism | Public Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Truth and public information | Image and client advocacy |
| Degree Duration | 3–4 years | 3–4 years |
| Cost | ZAR 45,000–75,000/year | ZAR 40,000–65,000/year |
| Starting Salary | ZAR 250,000–400,000 | ZAR 300,000–450,000 |
| Job Demand | High (digital focus) | High (corporate focus) |
| Work-Life Balance | Challenging (deadlines) | Moderate (campaign-driven) |
| Entry Difficulty | Competitive | Moderately competitive |
Pros and Cons
Journalism
- Pros: Direct societal impact, creative freedom, fast-paced variety.
- Cons: Tight deadlines, shrinking print jobs, ethical pressures.
Public Relations
- Pros: Higher pay potential, diverse clients, strategic creativity.
- Cons: Client-driven bias, crisis stress, less public recognition.
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Choose Journalism If:
- You’re driven by curiosity and a passion for uncovering truth.
- You thrive in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.
- You want to inform the public and see your name in bylines.
Best Fit: Wits or Rhodes for hands-on journalism training.
Choose Public Relations If:
- You enjoy crafting messages and building relationships.
- You’re strategic, persuasive, and client-focused.
- You seek higher earnings and corporate versatility.
Best Fit: UJ or UP for practical PR skills.
Making Your Decision
Research Programs: Compare Wits’ journalism edge with UJ’s PR practicality—visit open days (June–July 2025).
Shadow Pros: Spend a day with a journalist and PR specialist (16+ hours total) to test the vibe.
Boost Matric: Aim for 70%+ in English and History—key for both fields.
Secure Funding: Apply for NSFAS or media bursaries by December 2025.
Start Early: Write blogs or pitch stories now to build your portfolio.
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Real Insights: What Graduates Say
- Sipho T., Journalist, Joburg: “Wits gave me the tools to break stories—every day’s a rush.”
- Nia M., PR Specialist, Pretoria: “UP’s program landed me a corporate gig—strategy pays off.”
Final Verdict: Which Degree Wins in SA?
For Passion and Impact: Journalism takes the lead. South Africa’s vibrant news scene needs storytellers, and programs like Wits and Rhodes deliver fast-track skills for ZAR 250,000+ entry roles.
For Stability and Earnings: Public Relations edges ahead. With UJ and UP paving the way, PR offers ZAR 300,000+ starting salaries and long-term growth in a corporate-driven market.
Ready to decide? Explore Wits, UJ, or Rhodes applications now. Share this best online guide with anyone weighing journalism vs. public relations in South Africa—drop your thoughts below!
