Program Overview

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Communication Management and Public Relations - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Developing knowledge and skills in Public Relations and Communication.

Summary

The Communication Management and Public Relations degree provides an understanding of the Communication industries in general, and the Public Relations industry in particular. The course helps you to develop knowledge and skills in areas such as interpersonal, group and organisational communication, as well as studying public relations strategies in different situations, for example political and media contexts.

About this course

About

The Communication Management and Public Relations degree will give you the opportunity to study both Internal Communication which will focus on our relationships with others in for example personal and work contexts, and External Communication which will focus on the theory and practice of Public Relations, including media and political contexts. New and emergent digital technologies relevant to these fields are explored throughout the curriculum. A key aim of the course is to give you a deeper understanding of different theory & ideas and how these relate to the professional and working environment.

The opportunity to plan and undertake research in the field of Communication and Public Relations is key aspect of the degree particularly in the final year, thus giving you the opportunity to work independently and learn effective time management skills.

Attendance

As a part time student you can take from between 5 and 9 years to complete your degree. More specifically, within one year you can take one or up to four modules (a full-time student will study 6 modules in a year, that is, three per semester). One module equates to approximately 3 hours class time per week, over a 12 week semester. However, it must be stressed that this can vary with individual modules. You will also be expected to engage in group and team work in some of your modules and so may need to have further meetings outside of class time, so it is worth taking all of this into consideration before making your decision. Please contact the Course Director to discuss the various possibilities for study.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Modules on the programme feature a strong link between learning, teaching and employment. A broad range of methods are used including, but not limited to, face to face teaching, peer review, reflective on your own practice and skills, integration of theory and practice, real-life' strategy and evaluation projects, research projects/reports & placement. Content of modules and their assessment activities (including traditional essays, presentations, practical projects and groupwork) focus you, as the student, on key theories and ideas. The broad range of skills that are taught and assessed are transferable across the subject areas and most importantly into the professional context and future employment. In the classroom you will be encouraged to present and debate ideas, helping you to be socially and intellectually equipped for both your present and future in the work and professional context as well as the wider community. You will also have the opportunity to learn from industry and professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and key employers and public relations practitioners in Northern Ireland and further afield, through guest lectures and other events.

Modules

Year one

• Social Psychology of Communication
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • This module is designed to introduce students to key Social Psychology theories and concepts directly related to the study of Interpersonal Communication. It explores social behaviour and interaction in a variety of social contexts, and is concerned with both how we as individuals understand ourselves, and how our social environment shapes us. Students are introduced to the fields of social psychology and communication, exploring key aspects of the interactive process and encouraging students to apply this knowledge base to everyday situations.
• Interpersonal Communication: Skills and Strategies
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • This module introduces the students to the concept of interpersonal communication as skill and strategy It introduces the idea of different approaches to communication performance and the importance of context in selecting an appropriate or effective approach. It presents and discusses a series of core communication skills used in interpersonal interaction. The emphasis throughout is on the application of theory to practice and on developing skills of behaviour discrimination, self-awareness, critical analysis and skill enhancement.
• Language, Media and Society
  • Year: 1
  • Status: C
  • The module considers:
    • How language and communication are used differently by different people
    • How language and communication are used differently to and about different people
    • How all of this is related to aspects of people's identity like gender and ethnicity
    • How all of this is affected, reinforced and constructed by the media
    • How all of this is related to power

Year two

• Principles of Marketing
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • This module provides students with an appreciation of the nature, scope and breadth of the principles of marketing. It represents a key underpinning to subsequent marketing related modules within degree programmes.
• Principles of Public Relations
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • The module introduces students to students to the study public relations. Students will examine theoretical concepts and examples of public relations practice to approach the subject, allowing students to experience and reflect on examples of public relations. With the module grounded in the wider study of the media and communication, it is intended that the student will gain a core understanding of how public relations operates within the wider media industries. Assessment is by two pieces of coursework, a class test (40%) and an essay (60%).
• Professional Communication for Employability
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • The module introduces the knowledge and skills required to navigate understanding of the Communication Industries, and prepare for work within them.
• Communication in Groups & Teams
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • The purpose of this module is to examine and understand how communication processes are reflected in our everyday experiences of groups, teams and group life. It is designed to give students an appreciation of the many aspects of task and social groups and how they impact upon our daily lives, in terms of our membership (or not), in them; their influence on our attitudes and behaviour, and their effect on our ability to perform and make decisions.
• Political Communication
  • Year: 2
  • Status: C
  • The module introduces students to the role of political communication in the political process, and its impact on democracy. Students will examine various aspects of government communication and party-political communication, and address the relationship between politics, the media and the public. The module is structured around theories of democracy, the public sphere, public opinion, spin, celebrity politics and the normative category of deliberative democracy. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking. Assessment is by a coursework assignment (essay) and a two-hour exam.

Year three

• Advanced Interpersonal Communication
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • This module extends the study of interpersonal communication by examining advanced interpersonal skills relevant to specific professional contexts. It offers the opportunity to explore underlying theories and concepts, which in turn provides knowledge and understanding of situationally specific communication processes. Behaviour analysis, critical reflection and skill enhancement are the heart of the module. A special feature is the use of CCTV laboratories in the Communication Skills Centre of the University.
• Research Methods
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • This module has been designed to enable students to develop their research skills, including critiquing research literature, developing research questions, aim and objectives, and designing, analysing and writing up quantitative and qualitative data from research projects. It provides an important foundation for the final year Project.
• Professional Copywriting
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • Copywriting is a vital part of being an effective communication professional. The module, by integrating theory and analysis with practical skills development, enables students to develop the skills to write in a range of genres with technical accuracy, creativity and responsibility.
• Digital Communication
  • Year: 3
  • Status: C
  • This module offers a theoretical and practical insight into the dynamic area of online digital communication and explores some of the key questions and issues facing academics and practitioners. Students undertaking the module will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to support the implementation of digital communication objectives in support of business goals including customer acquisition, sales and revenue growth, loyalty and community building. Students will be able to critically evaluate the characteristics of individual online digital media, and select appropriate tools from the range available to execute digital communication in support of organisational objectives. Students will build on their creative skills to develop content marketing plans in support of objective achievement and acquire the knowledge to manage and track success of digital campaigns using relevant metrics and control measures.

Year four

• Organisational Communication
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • This module offers a theoretical and practical insight into traditional, relational, cultural and network communication strategies used by organisations to address current challenges and achieve organisational goals. Such understanding forms the basis for an appreciation of a range of issues including challenges of leadership, organisational uncertainty and conflict, change and crisis management. Students undertaking the module will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the effectiveness of strategies adopted by organisations and to offer proposals for improved communication, innovation and performance
• Professional Public Relations
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • This module provides students with a professional and theoretical grounding in key debates surrounding public relations and its role in contemporary society and an insight into specialised areas of public relations practice. These areas include media relations, crisis communication, sponsorship, digital media, community relations and internal communications. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical and strategic thinking. Assessment is by 2 pieces of individual coursework - a personal/career development plan, and a PR strategy for a real-world client.
• Political Lobbying
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • This module offers a theoretical and practical insight into the rapidly developing field of Public Affairs and Lobbying. It provides an opportunity to explore some of the key questions and issues facing academics and practitioners in the field and to examine how pressure/interest groups can strategically develop and manage their relationships with governmental stakeholders in order to successfully influence public policy.
• Research Practice
  • Year: 4
  • Status: C
  • This module allows students to develop and apply their research skills in professional contexts of work and inquiry. It reviews social science research methods, as well as specialised industry-based research approaches, within the Communication, Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising sectors. Students will gain experience of reading and synthesising different information sources; designing, planning and defending research projects; conducting structured data analysis; interpreting and reflecting upon findings for professional purposes; and engaging with ethical and sustainable principles in research practice. The module will be delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Assessment will be by written assignment (50%) and written examination (50%)
• Rethinking Communication
  • Status: O
  • Year: 4
  • This module is optional
  • Rethinking Communication considers the theoretical and conceptual trends that have shaped, and are shaping, the study of communication. The module builds upon students' experience of communication concepts and pop-culture by drawing on a range of communication, media and cultural theory. This enables them to engage with historical and contemporary disputes and debates relating to the field, and to critically evaluate methods of and developments in communication. Assessment is by two pieces of coursework.
• Communication & Social Justice
  • Status: O
  • Year: 4
  • This module is optional
  • Communication & Social Justice aims to advance knowledge and understanding of self, social identity and the effects of group membership, and the subsequent influence on relationships with, and treatment of, others. It aims to increase and enhance understanding of what social justice means, and in doing so explore Racism, Sexism, Ageism, Ableism & Homophobia in more detail. It will explore the history and contemporary examples of social movements & social change/action as well as awareness raising campaigns, related to these concepts.
• Reading the Brand
  • Status: O
  • Year: 4
  • This module is optional
  • The module considers how we 'read' the messages communicated by commodities, how we use those commodities to communicate our own messages and construct our identities, and how the media discourses surrounding commodities reinforce or challenge those messages. The schedule falls into three parts which each build on the last. It begins by using semiotics to analyse brands and adverts in detail, moves on to bring wider theoretical considerations to bear on the marketplace in general in order to see the 'bigger picture', and culminates in student-facilitated seminars that use the material from the first two parts to examine any aspect of the marketplace that interests the facilitating group.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Applicants should satisfy the University General Requirements e.g.

1. Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE English Language grades A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent); and
2. Provide evidence of passes in five subjects, two of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and three at GCSE level* (grades A-C/4-9); or
3. Provide evidence of passes in four subjects, three of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and one at GCSE level* (grades A- C/4-9); or
4. Provide evidence of an approved qualification at an equivalent level such as a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualification or equivalent; or
5. Provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation by the University, of learning you have gained through work or other experience.

• GCSE English Language (grades A-C/4-9) may be used as part of the GCSE requirement.

GCSE

You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language grade C or above (or equivalent).

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The Communication Management and Public Relations degree has been designed to help prepare you for a career in a variety of contexts, e.g. integrated communications, public relations, public affairs, management and consultancy. Its broad and varied modules are appropriate for careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors, both local and international.

Work placement / study abroad

Part-time students are not eligible for placement.

Fees and funding

Module Pricing

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

Fees Credit Points| NI/ROI Cost| GB Cost| International Cost*
---|---|---|---
120| £4,860| £9.535.20| £17,010
60| £2,430| £4,767.20| £8,505
30| £1,215| £2,383.80| £4,252.50
20| £810| £1,589.20| £2,835

*Please note our on campus part-time undergraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

The School of Communication and Media award prizes at the end of each year at a special ceremony. Many of these are awarded to CMPR students and are sponsored by a number of key industry employers in Northern Ireland.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Terms and Conditions

1. We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described. Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons:

• to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;
• to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;
• to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and/or student outcomes; and/or
• to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners’ feedback.

2. If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to .
3. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
4. We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.
5. The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.
6. At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible. The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.
7. The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.
8. If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University. In order to do so, you should notify us in writing by emailing (and update UCAS if applicable). We will, on request, recommend alternative courses that you could study with us, or suggest a suitable course at an alternative higher education provider.
9. If you do not agree that the changes are fair, you can seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedures.
10. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and take the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected.
11. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
12. Further information can be found in our terms and conditions.

Testimonials

Praise for the Course Director and Course Team:

"I just wanted to thank you immensely for all of your continued help and support. Without it, I genuinely wouldn't have even made it to the end of first year, and now I can't believe I've finished, 4 years later.... a lot of my work is a credit to your teaching and guidance"

"...I’ve had a great experience on the course and at Ulster in general! ...I’ll definitely be recommending CMPR to prospective students in the future!"

"I just want to thank you as well for everything you done over the last three years for our class. I really enjoyed the learning experience"

"...you have been an asset to us as students over the last few years ...supporting students through their time at university. It has been a pleasure to be taught by you over the course of this degree"

"...thank you for everything over the past 4 years, none of us could have done it without the support of you and all our other lecturers"