This Masters in Strategic Public Relations will help you to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary society, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills that are tested through practical exercises and theoretical knowledge.
The course is delivered online via Canvas, the University of Stirling’s online learning environment.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have mastered the skills needed to work at a managerial level in the public relations industry. You’ll be able to:
analyse environments, issues, organisational cultures and relationships relevant to an organisation’s reputation
set objectives and design and implement public relations programmes
carry out research and evaluation
commission market research
apply mass communication, media and psychological theories in a variety of contexts
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Communications, Media and Culture at the University of Stirling had 70 percent of its research rated as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Due to disruption in English Language testing caused by COVID-19, we are accepting alternative English Language tests (including online English Language Tests).
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
IELTS Indicator 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 176 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 169 in each sub-skill
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill
IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking
TOEFL ITP Plus for China minimum 543 overall, 54 in listening, 53 in structure and written expression, 56 in reading and B2 in speaking
Trinity ISE II Pass overall and Merit in all sub-skills, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
Duolingo 105 overall with a minimum of 95 in each sub-skill
LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 8 June 2020
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
The course includes four compulsory modules, two optional modules and a dissertation. The taught elements of the course run over two academic years. Masters students will then carry out a research project, starting in October and ending in May, and will submit a 12,000-word dissertation.
Modules
The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery in the next academic intake of this course. These may be subject to change as the University regularly revises and refreshes the curriculum of our taught programmes.
All course material is delivered via Canvas, the University of Stirling’s online learning environment.
Each module is divided into a number of topics. All the topics for a module will usually be available at the start of each module. As well as core materials, module contents include reading lists with additional sources of information you can use to supplement your studying.
You must also attend at least one three-day residential school during the course of your studies. This is on the University of Stirling campus.
This course is only offered on a part-time basis. The total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate it was set in your year of entry. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our .
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
Our Masters will suit those who want to develop managerial careers in public relations, organisational communication, corporate communications or communication management.
Our alumni are found around the globe in public, private and voluntary sectors. Many graduates work in PR consultancy roles for companies around the world, or have started their own businesses. Others stay in academia, going on to gain PhDs and then work as lecturers, teaching and researching in universities.
As somebody whose method of study was through online learning, I did not get the benefit of being on campus over the last three years and availing of the many facilitiesthat Stirling has. However, thanks to the wonders of technology the distance between me and Stirling was rarely felt as I had access to a lot of what I neededthrough my laptop and tablet. The fact that theUniversityhas embraced the power of technology and is offering online courses is fantastic and has givenpeoplelike myself a chance to avail of theStirling experience whichotherwise would not be possible.
Gerard McDermott, MSc Strategic Public Relations (Online), 2017
We offer a comprehensive employability and skills programme to help you maximise your time and develop the graduate attributes required by employers. We have a dedicated Faculty Employability and Skills Officer and a Careers and Employability Service who work in partnership with academic staff to ensure you get the best out of your University experience and are given the right opportunities to make you ready for the world of work.
