This variant of our established MSc Strategic Public Relations & Communication Management course is delivered jointly with our partner Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain. This course provides students with a solid international perspective on strategic communication and provides an opportunity to study in both Stirling, UK, and Barcelona, Spain.
The MSc Strategic Communication & Public Relations is an interdisciplinary, advanced level course taught by established academics and practitioners. It offers a hands-on approach while at the same time providing you with the theoretical foundations necessary to practise public relations at a managerial level.
This course is taught completely in English and students will obtain a joint MSc degree from the University of Stirling and Pompeu Fabra University. Students spend the Semester 1 at the University of Stirling and then move to Pompeu Fabra University for Semester 2 and then decide if they would like to have their dissertation supervised by Stirling or Pompeu Fabra.
Entrance requirements
Qualifications equivalent to an upper second class undergraduate degree from a university or college recognised by the University of Stirling.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.
Funding
http://www.stir.ac.uk/postgraduate/financial-information/
Modes of study
Full-time, based at the University of Stirling, Scotland and at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain.
Course start date
September
Structure and content
Students spend Semester 1 at the University of Stirling and then go to Pompeu Fabra University for Semester 2. Students then can decide to have their dissertation supervision at the University of Stirling or Pompeu Fabra University.
The course covers a range of modules including public relations and communication management theory, strategic public relations planning, public diplomacy and strategic communication, media relations, digital media, public affairs and advocacy, and research methods.
Delivery and assessment
Delivery methods include lecture, workshops and seminars.
Methods of assessment include case studies, timed assignments, essays, presentations and reports. Students also complete a 12,000-word dissertation.
Module titles
Semester 1 at University of Stirling
- Strategic Public Relations Planning (PREP61)
- Public Relations and Public Communications: Theories and Contexts (PREP62)
- Media Relations (PREP63)
- Research for Dissertation (PREP64)
Semester 2 at Pompeu Fabra University
- Public Relations in Context
- Research & Evaluation for Practice
- Public Affairs & Advocacy
- Public Diplomacy & Strategic Communication
- Public Relations & Digital Media
Research phase: Supervised either by the University of Stirling or Pompeu Fabra University (student’s choice)
Dissertation
Course Director
Dr Julia Jahansoozi
RAE rating
Research within Communications, Media and Culture had 70 percent of its research rated as either ‘World-leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent’ in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Pompeu Fabra staff are also research active and publish internationally.
Strengths
Academic strengths
This course provides a unique multicultural and intercultural experience for students as well as an innovative and challenging curriculum that is regularly updated. Students will develop a solid theoretical foundation as well as learn practical skills necessary for working within the public relations industry.
Students benefit from the experience and expertise of the academic research active team at Stirling and Pompeu Fabra; students are able to study in both northern and southern Europe (Scotland and Spain) and will develop an international outlook.
Students are able to attend a two-day Public Affairs and Lobbying seminar series delivered in Brussels (additional cost).
Career opportunities
This course prepares students for careers in public relations and related areas in consultancies and private sector companies, (in-house positions, such as communications officer/manager, public relations officer/manager, press officer, internal communications officer/manager) NGOS, international organisations (such as the EU, UN etc.).
