Layout print header[D]

BA (Honours) Public Relations

Three years full-time

UCAS code • P210

Location • City Campus

Related subjects Media, PR and journalism Media arts


By adding to My Courses you can compare courses and create a personalised prospectus.

The best and most creative public relations (PR) campaigns make a positive difference to people's lives. They can improve issues such as health awareness and public safety and be a persuasive force for the public good. More and more organisations, from charities to government and business, now use PR to get their messages across.

Every day, many of the big stories that shape the national and international news headlines are influenced by the work of skilled PR practitioners. From the car maker forced to issue a global safety recall to disgraced celebrities – they all turn to PR to help build and repair their reputations.

It is not about spin but about great writing and verbal skills, critical and creative thinking and understanding how the media works.

This course is delivered by a team which includes national award-winning PR industry specialists, with experience across TV, health, charity, public and private sectors.

If you want a career in a fast changing, exciting and expanding sector, this course equips you with the essential practical skills and knowledge you need as well as giving you a critical perspective on the role of PR in society.

Graduate careers in PR include • media relations • campaigns director • events management • international communications • lobbying • public affairs.

The course focuses on building your understanding of how PR works, from its history and development to the latest PR tools such as social media. You learn how to research, plan, implement and manage a successful PR campaign.

You gain skills including • writing for different media audiences • crisis management • event management • giving presentations • campaign planning • ethics.

You examine and evaluate different theories of PR and engage with current debates including the impact of PR on society and the media. You also study professional issues including ethics and corporate social responsibility, freedom of information and industry codes of conduct.

We have strong personal and professional links with PR practitioners from a range of organisations. You experience working for real clients to produce a portfolio of work to show prospective employers. In your final year you can apply your learning to an external project or complete a dissertation. We also offer placement opportunities for you to gain further industry experience.

During the course you build a portfolio of work which includes • press releases • press cuttings • campaign plans, leaflets and wider professional writing • photo calls. This records your development and improves your employability.

There is also a part-time version of this course.

The professional body for the UK public relations industry, the CIPR, said that this course offers 'challenging study for those aiming for careers in public relations. The course content covers the essential knowledge, skills and standards expected of today’s PR professionals'.

Find out more about BA (Honours) Public Relations

Related courses

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Fees – home and EU students

For information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding

Fees – international students

2012/13 academic year

Typically £10,320 a year

2013/14 academic year

Typically £10,320 a year

For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees

Assessment

• essays • reports • electronic assessment • oral presentations • portfolio work • project

Contact us

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk

Professional recognition

This course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

When you enrol on a course recognised by the CIPR you are eligible for CIPR Student Membership. This gives you access to many industry and personal development opportunities and to the members area of the CIPR website, where they have a dedicated student area which offers help and advice on getting into the PR industry and free online training.

This recognition also allows graduates to become full members of the CIPR without further examination.

Bookmark or share this page

| More

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK

Phone +44 (0)114 225 5555 | Fax +44 (0)114 225 4449

How we use cookies

Privacy policy

Freedom of information

Accessibility

Sitemap

Legal information