Marketing & Public Relations BA

Sabrina O'Neil
Oct 22
4 min read

Marketing and Public Relations (PR) focuses on how organisations communicate, build relationships, and promote their brands to the public. It combines creativity, communication, and strategy to manage reputation, shape public perception, and influence consumer behaviour across digital and traditional platforms.

A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Public Relations equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan campaigns, manage media relations, and create engaging brand communications. It bridges the gap between business strategy and creative storytelling in the modern communication landscape.

Why Study Marketing and Public Relations?

There are many reasons why students choose to study Marketing and Public Relations:
A passion for communication, branding, and media engagement.
The opportunity to learn both creative and strategic aspects of promotion.
Hands-on experience managing campaigns and building brand identities.
The chance to study media relations, crisis management, and consumer psychology.
Growing demand for marketing and PR professionals in all industries.
Clear career routes in marketing, communications, and digital media.

This degree suits students who are outgoing, persuasive, and analytical, with an interest in how messages influence audiences and behaviour.

Course Duration and Structure

In the UK, a BA or BSc in Marketing and Public Relations typically takes three years of full-time study, or four years with a placement year, foundation year, or study abroad option.

A typical course structure includes:

Year 1: Introduction to marketing principles, communication theory, and media practice. Students explore brand identity, consumer behaviour, and public relations fundamentals.

Year 2: Intermediate modules in digital marketing, PR campaigns, and media strategy. Students plan and manage real or simulated campaigns.

Year 3: Advanced study in corporate communication, brand management, and global marketing. The final year includes a dissertation or applied project in marketing and PR strategy.

Many universities offer industry placements with PR agencies, marketing firms, or corporate communication departments.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary between universities but typically include one of the following:

A Levels: In Business, Media Studies, English, or Sociology.
BTEC: A relevant Extended Diploma in Business, Marketing, or Creative Media.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Including Business or Humanities subjects.
Other qualifications: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business, Media, or Marketing.
English language proficiency: Required for applicants whose first language is not English.
Applicants with work or volunteer experience in media, communications, or event promotion are encouraged to highlight it in their application.

Teaching and Assessment

Marketing and Public Relations degrees combine theoretical study with practical and creative learning. Students learn through:

Lectures and seminars
Workshops and campaign simulations
Group projects and media planning exercises
Case studies and live client briefs
Independent research and written assignments

Assessment methods typically include:

Coursework and essays
PR and marketing campaign projects
Group presentations and reports
Portfolios and reflective journals
Examinations and a final dissertation or applied project

Many universities provide access to professional marketing tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Skills You Will Develop

A degree in Marketing and Public Relations develops a strong mix of creative, analytical, and professional skills, including:

Marketing strategy and campaign management

Public relations and crisis communication
Branding and audience engagement
Writing for media and press releases
Digital and social media marketing
Research and data analysis
Presentation and persuasion
Teamwork and project management

These skills are valuable in industries such as business, media, marketing, and communications.

Career Prospects

Graduates of Marketing and Public Relations degrees can pursue diverse roles in business, media, and communications.

Typical career paths include:

Marketing executive or manager
Public relations officer or communications executive
Brand manager or strategist
Media relations specialist
Social media manager or content creator
Digital marketing specialist
Advertising account executive
Further study in marketing, media, or business management
Employers include PR and marketing agencies, corporate communication departments, charities, and public sector organisations.

Tips for Prospective Students

Keep up to date with marketing and PR trends in social media, branding, and digital communication.
Build a portfolio showcasing campaign ideas or creative work.
Develop writing, presentation, and analytical skills.
Gain experience through internships or volunteering with PR or marketing teams.
Join professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) or Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Learn to use digital tools for analytics, design, and campaign management.

Course Variations

Universities offer several related and specialist degrees, including:

Marketing and Communications: Emphasising creative and digital brand engagement.
Public Relations and Media: Exploring media relations and reputation management.
Digital Marketing and PR: Focusing on online strategy and digital communications.
Advertising and Marketing Communications: Combining creative campaigns and marketing strategy.
Business and Marketing: Broader study of marketing within organisational management.