Film, Media & Journalism
Public Relations
Starting in the academic year 2009-2010 the following programmes are available in the field of strategic public relations and communication management.
Full-time
MSc in Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management
MSc in Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management (MARPE variant)
Online - part-time over two and a half years
MSc/Diploma programmes in the field of public relations and communication manement have been attracting students from all over the world to Stirling since the first UK postgraduate course in the field was established here in 1988. For 21 years our graduates have forged diverse careers in private and public sectors. Graduates of our programmes are well equipped to be self-starters who can contribute to debate, and contribute to the success of their organizations through ethical stakeholder relations.
Public relations has emerged as an essential function for organisations of all sizes and in all sectors helping them to communicate with their stakeholders and to manage relationships and emerging issues on the public agenda. It encompasses a range of professional roles such as corporate affairs, corporate communications, public affairs, communication management, reputation and issues management. Here at Stirling, we take a strategic approach to the field encompassing a variety of perspectives.
The programme is interdisciplinary and emphasises managerial rather than training expertise. The degree aims to help students develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary society as well as key analytical, management, communication and team-working skills. It offers a rigorous foundation for a career in the public relations industry.
Public relations takes places at points of political, economic, socio-cultural and technological change when organizations need to explain their policies, debate issues and respond to comment and criticism. Our programme explores stakeholder relations and management in all sectors in the context of globalization. Our degree offers a range of opportunities to explore the role of public relations taking into account theories drawn from social psychology and persuasion, communications, cultural and media studies, marketing, management and organizational behaviour. In addition to core modules on Public Relations there are specialized optional modules on Sports Public Relations, Tourism Public Relations, Public Relations and Digital Media, Health Public Relations and Marketing Communications.
MARPE (Masters in European Public Relations) variant
This variant of our MSc in Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management programme, which will be offered for the first time during the academic year 2010-2011, is delivered jointly with our partner Lund University. The programme is the English language line of the MARPE (Masters in European Public Relations) programme. Students taking this programme will spend their first semester here in Stirling, go to Lund for a second semester and then do their dissertation research at either Stirling or Lund.
Professional Recognition
The MSc/Diploma in Strategic Public Relations and Communications Management and the MSc/Diploma in Public Relations (online) are recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and are reviewed by that body on a regular basis.
Bursaries available for UK/EU and Overseas Students
The Department is offering tuition fees bursaries for students studying on full-time MSc programmes. There are twelve bursaries available, worth £1,000 each for the academic year 2010-11. They are open to anyone who has been accepted, or who holds a conditional offer, for a place on one of our full-time MSc programmes. Full details of these bursaries can be found here and applications must be made using the appropriate form before 30th July, 2010.
PhD in Public Relations (full-time, part-time, at a distance).
The first PhD in Public Relations was awarded in 1989, since when there have been a number of students pursuing higher level research in the field. PhD research may be conducted full-time or part-time and it is common for students to carry out reserch in their own countries, travellling to Stirling once or twice a year for supervision. Supeprvisors are experienced academics specialising in public relations.
Previous and existing subjects of doctoral research include: political communication, corporate social responsibility and community relations, stakeholder relations, transparency, professionalism, body language in presentations, legal public relations, corporate communications, history and sociology, technology.
Further information
MSc in Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management
Contact
Jacquie L'Etang <j.y.letang@stir.ac.uk>: MSc in Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management (full-time), Mlitt in Public Relations Theory & Education. PhD Research in Public Relations.
Derek Hodge <derek.hodge@stir.ac.uk >:MSc/Dip in Public Relations (online)
