University of Stirling
MSc Public Relations and Strategic Communication
Stirling, United Kingdom
DURATION
12 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Our Public Relations and Strategic Communication course gives you the chance to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary societies, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills you'll need for a successful career in communications and public relations. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory behind public relations and strategic communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for Marketing and Public Relations (Guardian University Guide 2023)
#2 2nd in Scotland, top 5 in the UK for Communications and Media (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
#3 There’s an excellent guest speaker programme, field-trips and research placements, and an opportunity to work for clients
Curriculum
The course includes six modules, comprising three compulsory and three optional modules, and a dissertation. Modules include:
Core modules
- public relations and public communications theories
- strategic public relations planning
- research methods
Optional modules
Optional modules may include, but are not limited to (subject to availability):
- public affairs and advocacy
- media relations and production
- communication and democracy
- tourism and strategic communication
- digital media and video production
- human information behaviour
- advertising
- policy analysis and evaluation research
- transitional justice and human rights
- research placement
The taught elements of the course are carried out across two semesters, which run from September until mid-December and from January until mid-April. Masters students are then expected to spend the summer carrying out a research project and submit a 12,000-word dissertation.
You’ll be taught by lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips and visiting speaker presentations.
Guest lectures from public relations and communications professionals and alumni provide networking opportunities and introduce students to current practice in the industry. We work closely with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and you can attend CIPR Scotland events, allowing you to meet practitioners working in the field and to extend your network of contacts.