
Overview
The Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management course from University of Stirling 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 communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice, experience and phenomena.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the necessary skills to work at managerial level in public relations. You’ll be able to analyse environments, issues, organisational cultures and relationships – as well as set objectives, and design and implement public relations and communication strategies.
We’re continually updating this well-established course in line with new advances in theory and practice, including how communication campaigns may successfully integrate digital media. Field trips and guest lectures offer opportunities to discuss strategic communication issues with leading practitioners. These also give you networking opportunities and an understanding of current best practice.
This course was established in 1988 and was the first degree in public relations in the UK and one of the first in Europe. Several prominent public relations academics and practitioners have completed their education at Stirling.
Careers in public relations (PR)
Our Masters in Strategic Communication and Public Relations is for those who want managerial careers in PR, organisational communication, corporate communications, strategic communication or related areas.
Our alumni are found around the globe in public, private and voluntary sectors. Many graduates work in PR consultancy roles, in-house communication departments in various organisations, NGO advocacy and communication, or have started their own businesses. Others stay in academia, going on to gain PhDs and then work as lecturers, teaching and researching in universities.
Our graduates typically occupy positions such as:
- Communications Officer/Manager
- Public Relations Officer/Manager
- Media Officer
- Social Media Officer/Manager
- Internal Communications Officer/Manager
- Corporate Affairs Officer/Manager
- Public Affairs Officer/Manager
Organisations our graduates work for include:
- Pfizer
- Nike
- UK Government
- Office Depot
- Police Scotland
- The National Museum of Wales
Others have stayed in academia, going on to gain PhDs and then work as lecturers, teaching and researching in universities.
Accreditation
The course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:
- Public Relations and Public Communications Theories
- Research Methods
- Strategic Public Relations Planning
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation Research
- Advanced Social Media Marketing
- Transitional Justice and Human Rights
Check out the full curriculum
Visit official programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
- Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
International applicants requiring a student visa are advised to apply at least eight weeks in advance of the start date.
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Management, Organisation & Leadership Corporate Communication Public Relations View 1902 other Masters in Management, Organisation & Leadership in United KingdomExplore more key information
Visit official programme websiteAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A minimum of a Second Class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) in a relevant subject or equivalent is required. If you don’t have these formal qualifications, but have significant relevant work and life experience, we still encourage you to apply.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit official programme websiteTuition Fee
-
International
19145 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 19145 GBP for the full programme during 12 months. -
National
8200 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 8200 GBP for the full programme during 12 months.
Living costs for Stirling
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.