BA/BA (Hons) Public Relations and Marketing

The function of public relations is to manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholder groups including employees, community, the government, investors and the media, while marketing focuses on the relationship with the customer, identifying, anticipating and supplying goods and services. These roles complement each other and today, organisations often use integrated communication strategies that combine facets of both.

This course focuses on the core principles of marketing and PR theory and applies it to practice. You will learn about the role of marketing and PR as central activities within organisations and their role within a consumerdriven society. This professionally relevant course is continually adapted to meet the changing needs of students, employers and society.This flexible, accessible and responsive approach ensures that you will benefit from the latest research, technology and industry practices.

In Year One, key concepts within both disciplines are covered and essential practical skills developed. Modules which look at the history of PR as well as engaging with contemporary practice, particularly how PR works with traditional and new media. The dynamics affecting the role of marketing in a changing environment are considered. The development of the ‘consumer society’ and factors influencing decision-making processes are examined through consumer behaviour.

Modules in Year Two expand on professional practices in PR and marketing. The natured role of marketing research and marketing information systems are addressed from the practical needs of a market-led and customer focussed organisation. Within PR, consideration is given to how organisations communicate with their employees and external stakeholders through the media.

In Year Three, you will develop PR and marketing knowledge using concepts of strategy and persuasion. The principles of planning are covered from both a marketing and PR perspective. Your research skills will be strengthened and you will begin to prepare for
you dissertation in Year Four.

In Year Four, you will be encouraged to work more independently to develop your critical skills and follow your own area of interest. You will carry out a dissertation research project and complete PR modules. Invaluable practical experience is gained through a PR work placement and undertaking a marketing consultancy project working for a client.
Structure:You can opt to study for an Honours degree over four years or an ordinary degree over three years. You will complete a range of modules each year as outlined, and a dissertation in Year Four.

• QMU is the only Scottish Institution to offer Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) recognised undergraduate and postgraduate courses and teach the CIPR Diploma and CIPR internal communications Diploma.
• 
  
• Senior practitioners in the PR industry support the courses through guest lectures, membership of our Industrial Advisory Panel and attendance at our Networking Lunch.
• 
  
• QMU PR academics are recognised nationally and internationally for their excellence in research.
• 
  
  Placement: You will complete a four week placement in Year Four.
  Professional Registration: You can register as a student member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.