Public Relations – (M.A.)

Bournemouth University is one of the pioneers of public relations studies and research in the UK and continues to lead in this field.

The MA Public Relations is right up-to-date for future public relations advisers who are seeking to make their mark in the world and is taught by an academic team with a strong industry and research record.

It addresses the needs of students and their future employers by fostering knowledge and skills in public relations, communication and analysis. There is a strong emphasis on developing a strategic perspective of organisational and corporate communications.

The MA Public Relations develops advanced level knowledge and capabilities in written and oral communication, corporate public relations, interactive media strategies, research methods and campaign planning.

This qualification, recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, is aimed at new entrants and early stage professionals.

Students who gain the MA Public Relations are candidates for employment in all sectors of public relations – consultancy, governmental and not-for-profit whether for in-house or consultancy operations. Many graduates move straight into public relations posts after they finish at BU.

The MA Public Relations continues to be shaped by staff whose research is recognised nationally and internationally. They were part of the Media School research team whose output was rated as 50% world or international level in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. This was the second-strongest research performance at Bournemouth University.

Among the teaching staff are:

* Hilary Stepien from Canada is the programme leader and researches health communications
* John Brissenden, whose career was in corporate and marketing public relations in the broadcasting industry, and whose main interests include digital public relations
* Pawel Surowiec from Poland, who focuses on public diplomacy and nation branding
* Dr Tom Watson is a leading researcher on measurement and evaluation of public relations programmes and has written extensively on reputation, corporate communications and issues management. He organised the First International History of Public relations Conference held at BU in July 2011
* Dr Carrie Hodges who researches in communication and culture, and specialises in Latin America

The academic team maintain strong links with the public relations industry which results in guest lectures from experts, live briefs to develop strategic and creative skills, master classes and employment opportunities.

They are members of the main public relations professional and academic bodies including the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, International Public Relations Association, Euprera and the Institute for Public Relations. Dr Tom Watson is the European academic member of the US-based Commission for Public Relations Measurement and Evaluation.

Students from all over the world come to Bournemouth to study on MA Public Relations. In addition to Britons, the degree has attracted students from countries including France, Germany, China, Taiwan, Bulgaria, Hungary, India, Venezuela, Slovenia, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Uganda, Mauritius, Indonesia, Russia, Romania, Turkey, Pakistan, and the United States.