Overview

The first year of the BSc Communication Management and Public Relations programme introduces students to the core concepts, theories, and professional practices that underpin effective communication in organisational, social, and media contexts. It establishes a strong foundation in communication scholarship while beginning to develop the practical, interpersonal, and professional skills required for careers in public relations and communication management.

Students explore how communication is shaped by social and psychological processes, gaining insight into perception, influence, identity, attitudes, and group behaviour. This understanding supports the study of interpersonal communication, where students learn to apply communication strategies, develop self-awareness, and adapt their communication style across personal and professional settings. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theory to real-world situations.

The programme also introduces students to the principles of marketing, providing an overview of how organisations understand audiences, communicate value, and operate within competitive environments. This knowledge is complemented by the study of public relations, where students examine how organisations build, manage, and protect relationships with stakeholders through strategic communication, reputation management, and ethical practice.

Through the study of language, media, and society, students develop an understanding of how meaning is constructed and communicated within contemporary media cultures. They analyse the relationship between language, power, ideology, and representation, gaining critical insight into how media influences public opinion and social discourse.

Alongside theoretical study, students are supported in developing professional communication skills essential for employability. They learn to communicate effectively in written, oral, and digital formats, reflect on their personal development, and begin to build confidence, professionalism, and workplace readiness.

By the end of Year 1, students will have developed a broad and integrated understanding of communication theory and practice, strengthened their analytical and interpersonal skills, and established a solid academic and professional foundation for progression into the more applied and strategic study of communication management and public relations in subsequent years.

 Overview

In the second year of study, students build upon the theoretical foundations established in Year 1 and develop more advanced analytical, professional, and strategic communication skills. The focus shifts towards applying communication theory in organisational, political, and digital contexts, while strengthening research capability and professional practice in preparation for the final year.

Students are introduced to research methods, developing the ability to design, conduct, and evaluate both qualitative and quantitative research projects. This module equips students with essential analytical and methodological skills that support evidence-based decision-making and prepare them for independent research in the final year of the programme.

Professional communication skills are further developed through professional copywriting, where students learn to produce clear, persuasive, and ethically responsible written content across a range of formats and communication contexts. Emphasis is placed on audience awareness, message framing, and creative problem-solving.

The study of political communication enables students to analyse how communication operates within political institutions, campaigns, media systems, and public discourse. Students examine the relationship between communication, power, persuasion, and public opinion, developing critical insight into contemporary political communication strategies.

Through advanced interpersonal communication, students refine their ability to adapt communication strategies to complex professional environments. The module strengthens self-awareness, behavioural analysis, and reflective practice, enabling effective communication in leadership, negotiation, and sensitive interpersonal situations.

The digital communication module addresses the rapidly evolving role of digital media in organisational and public communication. Students explore online platforms, content strategies, audience engagement, and performance measurement, gaining practical skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating digital communication initiatives.

Finally, communication in groups and teams focuses on collaborative communication processes within organisational settings. Students examine group dynamics, leadership styles, conflict management, and teamwork effectiveness, developing skills essential for professional practice within organisations and public relations environments.

By the end of Year 2, students will have enhanced their research competence, professional communication abilities, and contextual understanding of communication practice. They will be well prepared for advanced strategic study, independent research, and professional application in the final year of the degree.

 Overview

In the final year of the programme, students consolidate and extend the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies developed in Years 1 and 2, demonstrating independence, critical judgement, and strategic thinking. The emphasis is on advanced communication practice, professional readiness, and applied research, preparing students for graduate employment or further academic study.

Students engage with organisational communication, examining how communication operates strategically within complex organisational environments. They explore leadership communication, organisational culture, change management, conflict, and crisis communication, developing the ability to evaluate and design communication strategies that support organisational effectiveness and reputation.

The study of professional public relations enables students to examine contemporary PR practice in depth, focusing on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, ethical decision-making, and reputation management. Students critically evaluate professional standards and practices, gaining insight into how public relations functions within broader communication ecosystems.

Through political lobbying, students analyse the role of communication in influencing policy, decision-making, and public debate. The module explores lobbying practices, advocacy strategies, power relations, and regulatory frameworks, providing a sophisticated understanding of persuasive communication within political and institutional contexts.

The research practice component represents a central element of the final year. Students undertake an independent research project that allows them to apply theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to a topic relevant to communication management and public relations. This process strengthens their ability to design, conduct, analyse, and present research, demonstrating intellectual independence, critical analysis, and academic rigour.

In reading the brand, students critically examine branding from a cultural, symbolic, and communicative perspective. Using semiotic and media analysis, they explore how brands construct meaning, communicate identity, and influence consumer behaviour within social and cultural contexts. This module deepens students’ understanding of branding as a powerful communication process embedded within contemporary media and marketplace dynamics.

By the end of Year 3, students will have demonstrated an advanced and integrated understanding of communication management and public relations. They will graduate as confident, reflective, and ethical communicators, equipped with the strategic insight, research capability, and professional skills required to operate effectively in organisational, political, and public communication roles in a global context.