Public Relations

Description

PR is about reputation. It’s about telling people what an organisation or business, a charity or a rock band, a sports club or a fashion brand, does – and why it does it.

It involves much more than arranging celebrity events, glitzy campaigns and dealing with the media. It also involves journalism, business and marketing, social networking and communication theory.

The course provides a mix of academic rigour and practical skills. You will go on industry placements in both your second and final years. In your final year, you will work on producing two PR campaigns of your own.

Some examples of where our graduates are now working:

• Sunderland AFC – Media & Communications Officer
• MTV – Publicity Manager, UK & Ireland
• Next Retail – Communications Officer
• British Transport Police – Press Officer
• Nissan – Communications Officer

Facilities at our David Puttnam Media Centre are excellent and around 9 out of 10 of our students say that they have been able to access specialised equipment when they needed to, according to the National Student Survey.

There is a lot of support from tutors and technicians, with extra input from guest industry professionals. We also provide help in arranging placements and ensuring you are well prepared for jobs in PR agencies and in-house PR departments.

Sunderland is the only university in the North East to run courses that are recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 8500 Year (EEA)
• GBP 9500 Year (International)

• English

Course Content

Year 1 (national level 4)

• Introduction to PR Theory & Practice 1 (20 Credits)
• Introduction to PR Theory & Practice 2 (20 Credits)
• Writing & Research for Journalism & PR (20 Credits)
• Introduction to News, Magazine and Sports Journalism (20 Credits)
• Critical Issues in Journalism & PR (20 Credits)

Year 2 (national level 5)

• PR Practice (30 Credits)
• PR & Marketing Communications (10 Credits)
• PR Strategy & Contexts (30 Credits)
• PR Placement (10 Credits)
• Journalism & PR Studies (20 Credits)

Final Year (national level 6)

• Advanced PR (20 Credits)
• PR: Crisis Management (10 Credits)
• PR Practical Project (40 Credits)
• PR Placement 2 (10 Credits)
• Media Ethics (20 Credits)

A further 20 Credits is required each year, to be made up from optional modules:

• PR for Non-Commercial Organisations
• Media Photography
• Magazine Writing
• Fashion Journalism
• Arts, Entertainment & Games Journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Broadcast Journalism
• TV/Radio Production
• Foreign Languages
• Media Theory

If you study this course on a part-time basis you will typically complete 40-80 credits in a year, rather than the 120 credits of full-time students. All modules are taught during the day time and you will be studying alongside full-time students.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Our typical offer will be in the region of 260 points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (for example 1 x AVCE double award).

We accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

Other acceptable qualifications;

BTEC National: 260 points from a BTEC Certificate or Diploma.

Access Courses: We would require successful completion of an Access to Higher Education course that is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency. We would also require a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or the equivalent as part of your course.

Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Sunderland.

Funding

Scholarships on offer include cash bursaries, reduced tuition fees, free accommodation and free public transport.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.