Program Overview

Communication Management and Public Relations - BSc (Hons)

Overview

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

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 theories & ideas and how these relate to the professional and working environment.

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 2026

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
• Interpersonal Communication: Skills and Strategies
• Language, Media and Society

Year two

• Principles of Marketing
• Principles of Public Relations
• Professional Communication for Employability
• Communication in Groups & Teams
• Political Communication

Year three

• Advanced Interpersonal Communication
• Research Methods
• Professional Copywriting
• Digital Communication

Year four

• Organisational Communication
• Professional Public Relations
• Political Lobbying
• Research Practice
• Rethinking Communication (optional)
• Communication & Social Justice (optional)
• Reading the Brand (optional)

Standard entry conditions

• A level: Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE English Language grades A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent); and 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 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 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 Provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation by the University, of learning you have gained through work or other experience.
• 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.

Careers & opportunities

• 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.

Fees and funding

• 2026/27 Fees: Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.
• 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.