Communication Management and Public Relations BSc (Hons)

The Communication Management and Public Relations degree will give you the opportunity to study both Internal Communication which will focus on our relationships with others in for example personal and work contexts and External Communication which will focus on the theory and practice of Public Relations, including media and political contexts. New and emergent digital technologies relevant to these fields are reflected throughout the curriculum. A key aim of the course is to foster a deeper understanding of theory and professional practice in applied, work-based settings. An optional placement year where students work in a supervised, industry based setting is also offered. There are also formalised options to study abroad as part of the degree in year 2 (usually 1 semester) and to spend a year (between 2nd and final year) studying specialised electives at a US university as an alternative to placement.

The opportunity to plan and undertake research in the field of Communication and Public Relations is key aspect of the degree particularly in the final year, thus providing students the opportunity to work independently and learn effective time management skills. In addition, critically reflective skills necessary for continuing personal development will be developed.

Students will work in close collaboration with industry and professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Public Relations Institute of Ireland, the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group, and the International Association of Business Communicators. Many staff are members of the key academic subject association in the area, the International Communication Association.

In the School of Communication & Media, we understand the importance of communication to personal and professional success. Communication is core to all of the subjects we offer, so no matter what course you choose, you will learn how to become a more effective communicator.

Employers consistently list ‘effective communication’ as the most desirable skill when recruiting. It’s therefore not surprising that many graduates from our Communication programmes enjoy senior roles in the public, private and not for profit sectors. While you may not know our graduates, you will certainly be familiar with the organisations they work for!