Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management

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.