BA/BA (Hons) Public Relations and Media

Public relations is the discipline which looks after reputation, with the aim of earning understanding and support and influencing opinion and behaviour. It is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organisation and its publics. The media plays a vital role in setting the agenda in today’s society and therefore is a key stakeholder for an organisation.

This course focuses on the expanding role of PR within the corporate, public and voluntary sectors, with particular emphasis on the way in which media and PR are interlinked as institutions and practices. 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. You will study a range of modules which look at the history of PR as well as engaging with contemporary practice, particularly how PR works with traditional and new media. This knowledge informs the development of professional skills.

Modules in Year Two extend the knowledge of professional practices in public relations and build on media production skills. Within PR, we consider how organisations communicate with their employees and external stakeholders through the media.

This relationship between media and public relations is examined further in the context of the role the media play in democratic society and popular culture.

Year Three offers an opportunity to develop public relations knowledge using concepts of strategy and persuasion. Research skills are strengthened and preparation begins for conducting an extensive research project such as that which is undertaken in the final year dissertation.

In Year Four, you are encouraged to work more independently, develop critical skills and follow your own area of interest. This will happen by working on the dissertation research project, choosing public relations and media options. Invaluable practical experience is gained through a PR work placement.
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, as outlined below, each year and a dissertation in Year Four.

• QMU is the only Scottish Institution to offer Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
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  (CIPR) recognised accredited 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.
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• QMU PR academics are recognised nationally and internationally for their excellence in research.
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  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.