Course Alumni
What are the job opportunities offered by this course?
- Fiona Denning
- Communications Officer
"I found the course gave me a well rounded view and let me find my niche as it were. The experiences certainly gave me a lot to talk about at interviews and I how found my uni experience has served me well in my career. I can honestly say that if I hadn't have done the course I wouldn't be where I am now!" Read more about Fiona Denning >>
BA (Hons) Media and Communication (Public Relations) - UCAS code P9P2
Is it for me?
This three-year course is designed for students who want to develop a career in the fast-growing fields of public relations, marketing and advertising.
What does it involve?
You will begin by learning the skill that lies at the core of most PR: achieving media coverage. You will learn about the media, which media to approach, and how to write and prepare material so that it succeeds. In addition to your core PR work, you will have the chance to develop related skills in other media of your choice, including journalism, print and web design and photography.
In years two and three you will have the chance to learn about PR techniques and music promotion, produce promotional publications and literature, and create an interactive promotion campaign.
Complementing the practical skills, you will develop a broad base of media theory and analysis skills, looking at the public relations industry, analysing advertising campaigns, and exploring promotional culture.
The Professional Studies strand of the course will build your contacts in the PR sector, help you find placements in the industry, and improve your employability.
Will I do placements as part of the course?
You will undertake 2 industry placements during your course, at the end of the Year 1 and Year 2. Your tutors will work with you to find placements suited to your interests or specialist areas; the department's close links with industry mean that students are able to find placements with the top media employers. These placements provide an invaluable insight into working in the media, as well as contributing to your CV and improving your employability.
What will I be able to do when I've finished the course?
Upon successfully completing the degree, you will be able to plan and undertake PR campaigns, write and design effective promotional messages using a range of media (from posters to podcasts) and demonstrate skills in negotiation, creative thinking and media relations. Your skills will be based on a clear and critical understanding of communication strategy, the structure of the media industries (especially journalism and advertising) and theories on persuasion and influence on public opinion. You will have gained professional experience and contacts within the broad field of public relations, which could range from in-house to consultancy, from the corporate to the voluntary sectors and from local to global. The course is approved by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and you would be entitled to membership of this leading professional organisation for PR practitioners in the UK.
What are the entry requirements?
Academic qualifications (shown below) are only part of what we look for in an applicant. You will also need to demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the public relations industry and ideally some media-related work experience.
Normally we look for one of the following:
- 280 Tariff Points
- a BTEC ND with Distinction overall
- an International Baccalaureate with 32 points
- an equivalent qualification or experience as judged by the department: if your experience is particularly extensive, or your portfolio demonstrates advanced ability, we may accept lower qualifications.
How do I apply?
For information on applications or to apply now visit the Applications page.
