BA/BA (Hons) Public Relations and Media

• QMU is the only Scottish Institution to offer CIPR recognised undergraduate and postgraduate courses and to teach the CIPR Professional Public Relations Diploma, CIPR Specialist Diploma (Internal Communications) and CIPR Specialist Diploma (Public Affairs).
• QMU is one of 12 universities in the UK working in partnership with the PRCA.

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. Students also learn to take an integrated approach to communications bringing areas of PR, marketing and events management together in practice in a module where they plan, promote, deliver and evaluate an event for a client.

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 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.

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.

The information on teaching, learning and assessment for entry in 2019 is not yet available, but will be accessible from here. 
The information below is for entry in 2018 and will give you an idea of what to expect. 

>>Click for more information on 'Learning, Teaching and Assessment'

Year One modules

• Introduction to PR
• Media Relations
• Online PR: Platforms and Practices
• Media Production
• Introduction to Media Studies
• Media Industries

Year Two modules

• Media Campaigning
• Employee Communication and Dealing with Change
• Critical Thinking and Rhetoric
• Media Production
• Media and Democracy
• Event Management and Evaluation

Year Three modules

• Public Relations Theory and Strategy
• Persuasive Communication
• PR Research
• Media, Culture and Society
• plus options

Year Four modules

• Professional Communication Placement
• Dissertation
• plus options including: PR and Activism or International PR

The modules listed here are correct at time of print (Feb 2018). This course is likely to undergo revalidation in 2018 which will result in some changes to the content. Please check the website for any updates.

You will complete a four-week placement in Year Four. Students are responsible for sourcing a placement host organisation and this can be in the UK or abroad. To help with the process, we hold a speed interview event on campus to match hosts offering placements with students. The placement is unpaid although many hosts cover travel and subsistence.

In Year Three you have the opportunity to study for one semester at a university overseas. For more information, see www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/exchanges-and-study-abroad/

*Subject to availability

Graduates have found employment in a wide range of corporate, public and voluntary organisations and are working as: PR executives; press or information officers; communication managers; digital strategists; publicity and promotions executives; events managers; management trainees; communication consultants; and marketing assistants.

Scottish Higher: BBBB

A Level: BCC

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate: 28 points

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5.

Required subjects:  English, Media Studies, preferred at Higher/A level or equivalent. Maths and English at S/Int2/ N5/GCSE level are preferred.

Mature/Access: See related Access courses. We welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications and /or experience.

Direct Entry:

Year Two

• HNC/HND: HNC/ HND in a related subject with B/CB in the graded unit
• Scottish Higher: BC at Advanced Higher in relevant subjects plus BB at Higher
• A Level: BBB in relevant subjects

Year Three

• HND in a related subject with CB in the graded units

For details of related HNC and HND courses, see www.qmu.ac.uk/college-qualifications.

You can study this course as an associate student completing the first year at West Lothian College. For more information, see www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/access-to-higher-education/associate-student-scheme/

You can register as a student member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and a student member of the Public Relations Consultants Association. (PRCA).

For more information, please see ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

QMU. For more information, please see ‘External Review’ section on the ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’ page.