Public Relations and Communications, BA Hons

This CIPR accredited programme in public relations (PR) has been developed by experienced academic and PR professionals in consultation with industry and has been designed specifically for people who are aspiring to a PR career. It is aimed at individuals who wish to become skilled, knowledgeable and experienced professionals in PR practice.

The programme aims to prepare students for their early careers in PR and communications by developing them into confident communication specialists, with both the vocational and professional knowledge to approach employment in PR with confidence and to devise and implement PR strategies. It also offers students the opportunity to understand how PR fits strategically within organisations, develop a broad range of communications skills, relate to the behaviour of stakeholders, reflect on contemporary issues in practice, and consider how PR can be used across different sectors and disciplines. It provides the opportunity for students to explore different areas of PR specialism, whether that be, for example, corporate communications, financial PR, politics and public affairs or third sector PR. Students develop a critical theoretical grounding and strong communication skills that can inform their own developing PR practice. There is a strong emphasis on social media and media relations.

The programme involves guest speakers from all parts of the industry, who enhance the learning experience. It also offers a wide-ranging representation of this professional discipline and helps put PR in context of current business practice. Students are offered the opportunity for studying dual qualifications: both a degree in PR and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Advanced Certificate in PR.

UCAS code

P210 G BA/PR

School

Business

Location

Greenwich Campus

Attendance

3 years full-time
4-6 years part-time

Entry requirements

Applicants should have:

280 UCAS points or above.

PLUS at least three GCSEs at grade C or above (including English and mathematics) or equivalent qualifications.

– Applications from mature students are welcome.

Assessment

Students are assessed through written assignments, presentations, portfolios and exams.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). Students can also study to gain dual qualifications from this programme: the Institute's Advanced Certificate in Public Relations qualification has been embedded within the degree.

Career options

The public relations profession is experiencing rapid growth and is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Young, aspiring PR professionals need to equip themselves with the necessary practical skills and industry insight to enter and thrive in the PR profession. Opportunities exist to work in many different areas, such as the utilities, the public sector, charities, health, leisure and consumer industries. The profession also offers many consultancy-based or in-house roles.

Please note

This programme is not available to international students.

Year 1

Communications for PR (30 credits)
Personal and Professional Development 1 (30 credits)
Introduction to Advertising (15 credits)
Financial Aspects of Marketing (15 credits)
Theory and Professional Practice (30 credits)

Year 2

Understanding Stakeholders (15 credits)
Business Research Tools (15 credits)
Applied Professional Practice (30 credits)
Media Relations and Social Media (30 credits)
PR Planning and Research (30 credits)

Year 3

Contemporary Issues in PR (30 credits)
Delivering Professional Practice (30 credits)
Dissertation OR Research Project (30 credits)
Two options from a range including: Business and Financial PR; Product/Consumer/Celebrity PR; Third Sector PR; Public Affairs and Political PR (30 credits)

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:

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Public Relations

Employability is a key factor in the development of our programmes and our students benefit from a range of guest speakers who offer first-hand perspectives on the world of PR.

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Public Relations, BA Hons - Download the brochure in PDF format

"The high calibre internship opportunities offered to me by both the university's guidance and employability team and my individual tutors has been fantastic. They were constantly on hand to help me successfully apply and prepare for a number of top quality work placements."

Ralph Dickenson
PR Account Executive, Pinstone Communications

"I feel privileged to have graduated from the University of Greenwich because, not only is it set within the business centre of the capital, but because the lecturers all have practical experience within their respective sectors. Particularly with studying a public relations degree, the assistance and guidance they can provide becomes invaluable."

Katie Swain
Account Executive at Bell-Pottinger

"I have Greenwich to thank for the boost in my self-confidence and presentation skills, both through the course and university employment. The course also allowed me to develop knowledge of how the media and social media works for PR; a skill that many companies look for in new PR recruits. Finally, the degree at Greenwich gave me contacts in the industry - many of which would have been difficult to obtain independently."

Bryony Chinnery
Account Executive at Kaizo PR