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University of Stirling: Public Relations and Strategic Communication
| Institution | University of Stirling View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Communication, Media and Culture |
| Web | www.stir.ac.uk |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Driven by tech innovation and rise of digital media, the PR market is forecast to reach £103.04 billion ($133.82 billion) by 2027 (Bluetree Digital, July 2025). Our online MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications puts you at the heart of this dynamic, fast-growing industry.\ Develop PR, strategic communication and digital skills\ This online Masters in PR and Strategic Communication is a flexible way to fully understand modern public relations. You’ll:
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cover core topics like public relations and communications theories, strategic PR planning, media relations and production, and research methods;
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design and evaluate a strategic public relations plan;
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have the opportunity to work with PR practitioners on real-life cases;
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gain an applied understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods for media and audience research;
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attend and present your work online at the annual Postgraduate Public Relations Conference;
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focus on how digital media is used in communication campaigns.
Professional accreditation and recognition\ The course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. CIPR is Europe’s largest and globally influential professional body for public relations. We're also members of the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA) and European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA).\ These memberships provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development to help you advance in your career and contribute to the field.\ Flexible learning with optional field experiences\ While most learning happens online, you can supplement your studies with optional field trips to:
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Brussels for public affairs seminars at the European institutions.
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Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
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A residential week including lectures and seminars at Stirling.
These trips are optional and designed to accommodate distance learners. \ Research placements\ As an online student, you can choose our strategic communications research placement module. This gives you hands-on research experience working remotely with non-academic organisations on research projects. Previous projects include:
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How racial justice documentaries can be used as a public relations tool
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The role of public relations and media in legitimising accounts of sexual violation
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Building the Nation: Analysing the Scottish Government’s Public Diplomacy Campaign Scotland is Now in the Context of Brexit
How you study online\ This flexible Masters degree in PR and Communications is delivered virtually. We use Microsoft Teams and our virtual learning environment Canvas for classes. You will have access to interactive content, discussion forums, and virtual workshops.\ Award-winning students\ Our online Masters in PR and strategic communication students have been nominated and won EUPRERA Thesis Awards in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. \ Comprehensive employability and skills programme\ Our employability and skills programme to helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
| postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 466655 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
Summary
The global PR market is rapidly growing, driven by evolving technology and increased digital media consumption. It's projected to reach £103.04 billion ($133.82 billion) by 2027 (Bluetree Digital July 2025). Be at the forefront of this growth by being equipped for a dynamic career in PR with our MSc Public Relations and Strategic Communications.\ Gain practical PR, strategic communication and digital skills\ On this PR and Strategic Communications MSc you’ll:
-
get hands-on experience in creating, executing, and assessing PR and communication campaigns using both classic and digital tools;
-
focus on how digital media is used in communication campaigns;
-
have the opportunity to work with PR practitioners on real-life cases;
-
build your skills in analysis, management and communication;
-
study PR and communications theory;
-
have an option to take modules where you can plan and produce video or interactive digital content. You’ll use industry standard equipment and software such as Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and AVID editing software;
-
graduate with a portfolio of creative work to showcase to potential employers.
Connect with industry leaders\ You’ll meet top professionals and expand your communications and PR knowledge through field trips. These include Brussels for public affairs seminars at European institutions and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Make valuable contacts and learn about the latest PR and strategic communication trends and best practices.\ Professional recognition\ This Masters in Public Relations and Strategic Communication is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. CIPR is Europe’s largest and globally influential professional body for public relations. We're also members of the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA) and European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA).\ These memberships provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development to help you advance in your career and contribute to the field.\ Do a research placement\ You can opt to do our research placement to work with real organisations. Complete a semester-long project either online or in-person. Previous projects include:
-
How racial justice documentaries can be used as a public relations tool.
-
Building the Nation: Analysing the Scottish Government’s public diplomacy campaign “Scotland is Now” in the context of Brexit.
Award-winning PR students\ Our students have won EUPRERA Master Thesis Awards in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The accolade honours students who make a significant contribution to the field of public relations in Europe.\ Comprehensive employability and skills programme\ Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
| postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 466655 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Location | Stirling Campus University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
The global PR market is rapidly growing, driven by evolving technology and increased digital media consumption. It's projected to reach £103.04 billion ($133.82 billion) by 2027 (Bluetree Digital July 2025). Be at the forefront of this growth by being equipped for a dynamic career in PR with our MSc Public Relations and Strategic Communications.\ Gain practical PR, strategic communication and digital skills\ On this PR and Strategic Communications MSc you’ll:
-
get hands-on experience in creating, executing, and assessing PR and communication campaigns using both classic and digital tools;
-
focus on how digital media is used in communication campaigns;
-
have the opportunity to work with PR practitioners on real-life cases;
-
build your skills in analysis, management and communication;
-
study PR and communications theory;
-
have an option to take modules where you can plan and produce video or interactive digital content. You’ll use industry standard equipment and software such as Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and AVID editing software;
-
graduate with a portfolio of creative work to showcase to potential employers.
Connect with industry leaders\ You’ll meet top professionals and expand your communications and PR knowledge through field trips. These include Brussels for public affairs seminars at European institutions and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Make valuable contacts and learn about the latest PR and strategic communication trends and best practices.\ Professional recognition\ This Masters in Public Relations and Strategic Communication is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. CIPR is Europe’s largest and globally influential professional body for public relations. We're also members of the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA) and European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA).\ These memberships provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development to help you advance in your career and contribute to the field.\ Do a research placement\ You can opt to do our research placement to work with real organisations. Complete a semester-long project either online or in-person. Previous projects include:
-
How racial justice documentaries can be used as a public relations tool.
-
Building the Nation: Analysing the Scottish Government’s public diplomacy campaign “Scotland is Now” in the context of Brexit.
Award-winning PR students\ Our students have won EUPRERA Master Thesis Awards in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The accolade honours students who make a significant contribution to the field of public relations in Europe.\ Comprehensive employability and skills programme\ Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
| postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 466655 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Location | Stirling Campus University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
Our Public Relations and Strategic Communication course gives you the chance to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary societies, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills you'll need for a successful career in communications and public relations. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory behind public relations and strategic communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the necessary skills to work at managerial level in public relations. You’ll be able to analyse environments, issues, organisational cultures and relationships – as well as set objectives, and design and implement public relations and communication strategies.
We’re continually updating this well-established course in line with new advances in theory and practice, including how communication campaigns may successfully integrate digital media. Field trips and guest lectures offer opportunities to discuss strategic communication issues with leading practitioners and scholars. These also give you networking opportunities and an understanding of current best practice.
This course was established in 1988 and was the first degree in public relations in the UK and one of the first in Europe. Several prominent public relations academics and practitioners have completed their education at Stirling.
Our PR graduates have been nominated and won EUPRERA Master Thesis Awards for Excellence in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
| graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467046 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a Second Class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) in a relevant subject or equivalent is required. If you don’t have these formal qualifications, but have significant relevant work and life experience, we still encourage you to apply. |
| Location | Main Site Grange Road Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
This online Masters in Public Relations and Strategic Communication will help you to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary societies, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory behind public relations and communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice.
The course is delivered online via MS Teams and Canvas, the University of Stirling’s online learning environment. You will also have an opportunity to attend on-campus sessions and field trips, including our Public Relations Residential School and the annual public affairs field trip to Brussels.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the necessary skills to work at a managerial level in public relations. You’ll be able to analyse environments, issues, organisational cultures and relationships – as well as set objectives, carry out research and evaluation, and design and implement public relations strategies.
We’re continually updating this well-established course in line with new advances in theory and practice, including how communication campaigns may successfully integrate digital media. Guest lectures offer opportunities to discuss strategic communication issues with leading practitioners and scholars. These also give you networking opportunities and an understanding of current best practice.
This course was established in 1988 and was the first degree in public relations in the UK and one of the first in Europe. Several prominent public relations academics and practitioners have completed their education at Stirling.
Our PR graduates have been nominated and won EUPRERA (European Public Relations Research and Education Association) Master Thesis Awards for Excellence in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
| admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467044 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2nd 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. IELTS score of 6.5. with 6.0 in all bands. |
| Location | Online University of Stirling Cottrell Building Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
Our Public Relations and Strategic Communication course gives you the chance to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary societies, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills you'll need for a successful career in communications and public relations. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory behind public relations and strategic communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the necessary skills to work at managerial level in public relations. You’ll be able to analyse environments, issues, organisational cultures and relationships – as well as set objectives, and design and implement public relations and communication strategies.
We’re continually updating this well-established course in line with new advances in theory and practice, including how communication campaigns may successfully integrate digital media. Field trips and guest lectures offer opportunities to discuss strategic communication issues with leading practitioners and scholars. These also give you networking opportunities and an understanding of current best practice.
This course was established in 1988 and was the first degree in public relations in the UK and one of the first in Europe. Several prominent public relations academics and practitioners have completed their education at Stirling.
Our PR graduates have been nominated and won EUPRERA Master Thesis Awards for Excellence in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
| graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467046 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a Second Class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) in a relevant subject or equivalent is required. If you don’t have these formal qualifications, but have significant relevant work and life experience, we still encourage you to apply. |
| Location | Main Site Grange Road Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
Our Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management course gives you the chance to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary societies, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills you'll need for a successful career in communications and public relations. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory behind public relations and communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice, experience and phenomena.
| admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467044 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2nd 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. IELTS score of 6.5. with 6.0 in all bands. |
| Location | Stirling Campus University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
Our Public Relations and Strategic Communication course gives you the chance to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary societies, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills you'll need for a successful career in communications and public relations. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory behind public relations and strategic communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the necessary skills to work at managerial level in public relations. You’ll be able to analyse environments, issues, organisational cultures and relationships – as well as set objectives, and design and implement public relations and communication strategies.
We’re continually updating this well-established course in line with new advances in theory and practice, including how communication campaigns may successfully integrate digital media. Field trips and guest lectures offer opportunities to discuss strategic communication issues with leading practitioners and scholars. These also give you networking opportunities and an understanding of current best practice.
This course was established in 1988 and was the first degree in public relations in the UK and one of the first in Europe. Several prominent public relations academics and practitioners have completed their education at Stirling.
Our PR graduates have been nominated and won EUPRERA Master Thesis Awards for Excellence in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
| graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467046 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a Second Class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) in a relevant subject or equivalent is required. If you don’t have these formal qualifications, but have significant relevant work and life experience, we still encourage you to apply. |
| Location | Main Site Grange Road Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
Our Public Relations and Strategic Communication course gives you the chance to develop a critical appreciation of the role of public relations in contemporary societies, as well as key analytical, management and communication skills you'll need for a successful career in communications and public relations. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the theory behind public relations and strategic communications, and have many opportunities to apply this theory to everyday communications and public relations practice.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the necessary skills to work at managerial level in public relations. You’ll be able to analyse environments, issues, organisational cultures and relationships – as well as set objectives, and design and implement public relations and communication strategies.
We’re continually updating this well-established course in line with new advances in theory and practice, including how communication campaigns may successfully integrate digital media. Field trips and guest lectures offer opportunities to discuss strategic communication issues with leading practitioners and scholars. These also give you networking opportunities and an understanding of current best practice.
This course was established in 1988 and was the first degree in public relations in the UK and one of the first in Europe. Several prominent public relations academics and practitioners have completed their education at Stirling.
Our PR graduates have been nominated and won EUPRERA Master Thesis Awards for Excellence in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
| graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467046 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a Second Class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) in a relevant subject or equivalent is required. If you don’t have these formal qualifications, but have significant relevant work and life experience, we still encourage you to apply. |
| Location | Main Site Grange Road Stirling FK9 4LA |
The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students Be the Difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS Stars University Ratings 2024).
That’s just part of the reason Stirling was shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024, rated top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024) and number one in the UK for campus environment (The International Student Barometer …
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