Public Relations BA
Study of how organisations communicate with the public, combining creativity, strategy, and communication skills to prepare you for roles in PR, media, branding, and corporate communication.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy communication and media
Like managing brand image and reputation
Are interested in marketing and PR
Want a people-focused career
Are confident and organised
Popular Career Fields
Public Relations
Advertising & Marketing
Government & Public Sector
Charity & NGO Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Relationship builder
Advertising & Marketing
Crisis-calm
Persuasive communicator
What is it?
What Is a Public Relations Degree?
Public Relations focuses on managing an organisation’s reputation and building positive relationships with audiences. You will learn how to create messages, plan campaigns, write for media, work with journalists, and respond to public events or crises.
Why Study Public Relations?
If you enjoy communication, creativity, problem solving, and working with people, this degree offers a modern and versatile route into the media and communications industry. It suits students who like writing, planning, and understanding public opinion.
Course Summary
Study of how organisations communicate with the public, combining creativity, strategy, and communication skills to prepare you for roles in PR, media, branding, and corporate communication.
What you'll study
Most Public Relations degrees cover:
PR theory and practice
Media relations and press writing
Crisis communication
Strategic communication planning
Social media and digital communication
Branding and reputation management
Event management and campaign design
You may specialise in areas such as corporate communications, political PR, influencer marketing, global media, or digital content creation.
Skills You'll Gain
A Public Relations degree helps you build creative, strategic, and communication skills, including:
Strategic Communication – crafting clear, persuasive messages for target audiences.
Media Relations – working with journalists, writing press releases, and managing media coverage.
Reputation Management – handling public image, crisis communication, and stakeholder expectations.
Content Creation – producing engaging copy, social media posts, and campaign materials.
Campaign Planning – designing and evaluating PR strategies to support brand or organisational goals.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
After graduation, you can work in:
Public relations and communications
Marketing and brand management
Social media and content creation
Corporate or political communication
Event management or media consultancy
Work Experiences & Placements
Many courses include placements or industry projects with:
PR agencies
Corporate communications teams
Charities and non-profit organisations
Media and marketing companies
Event management firms
These opportunities help you build your portfolio and professional networks.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. English, Media Studies, Business, Marketing, Psychology, or Sociology are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Explain why you enjoy communication, media, or public speaking
Mention any writing, social media, volunteering, or event roles
Highlight teamwork, creativity, and problem solving
Show an awareness of how PR influences reputation and public opinion
You may be invited to an interview, but not all universities require one.
What to do Next
Build experience by running social media for a club or project
Volunteer at events or community organisations
Start a blog, write articles, or practise press release writing
Attend open days to find courses with strong industry links
Wider Reading
The Public Relations Handbook — Alison Theaker
Practical overview of PR functions, planning, and ethics.Spin Sucks — Gini Dietrich
Contemporary perspective on reputation and communication.The New Rules of Marketing & PR — David Meerman Scott
Connects traditional PR with digital and social media.Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics — Wilcox & Cameron
Widely used academic intro covering PR planning and media relations.This is PR: The Realities of Public Relations — Newsom, Turk & Kruckeberg
Practical insights into PR careers, practice, and planning.