PR and communications

Single Honours 

• Marketing 

• Journalism 

• Communications 

• International Relations 

Joint Honours 

• Media and Communications 

• PR and Advertising 

• Mass Communication with Public Relations 

• Advertising and Branding 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI 

Alternative options 

• Foundation years A foundation year will bring you up to speed with course content if you do not meet the entry requirements for your PR and communication course and can also be used to enhance English language proficiency. 

• Sandwich degrees Adding an extra year to your undergraduate degree is a great way to gain a bit of extra work experience before graduation or explore new cultures through a study abroad program. 

• Integrated Master’s By extending your undergraduate studies with an integrated Master's degree you can complete a postgraduate qualification for relatively little extra cost.  These courses usually add one year to your studies. 

• Degree apprenticeships Offset the cost of education by earning a wage as you learn new skills. These courses typically have a duration of three to six years, and your employer covers your tuition fees too. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

There usually aren’t any subject-specific requirements for undergraduate degrees in PR and communication, however three A-levels (or equivalent) with grades around the BBC-BCC range are typical for UK entry.

Obviously, if you can choose subjects with transferable attributes then this will stand you in good stead. Commonly related A-levels include media studies, music, business studies, psychology, sociology, English language and history. 

Specialist areas within PR and communications include media relations, crisis management, and corporate communication. Professionals may also choose to specialise in digital PR, focusing on online reputation management and social media engagement, or things like investor relations, public affairs, and brand storytelling.

Each specialisation requires a nuanced understanding of communication techniques tailored to particular audiences and goals.  Some of these specialisms include: 

• Public affairs Involves managing an organisation's relationship with stakeholders, including government entities, political groups, and the general public. It encompasses advocacy, community engagement, and policy analysis to influence decision-making and shape public perception.  

• Crisis communication Focuses on mitigating damage and maintaining trust during emergencies or public relations crises. It involves rapid response strategies and effective communication to address concerns, restore confidence, and protect the organisation's reputation. 

• Government relations and lobbying Involves cultivating relationships with policymakers to influence legislation and public policy. It includes advocacy efforts, legislative monitoring, and lobbying campaigns aimed at promoting client interests and leveraging public and private influences.  

• Corporate social responsibility Refers to the commitment to ethical, social, and (increasingly) environmental responsibility. It involves initiatives such as philanthropy, sustainability efforts, and community engagement aimed at contributing to society while balancing profit objectives and stakeholder interests.  

• Press release writing 

  • The craft of creating compelling news releases to distribute to media outlets. It involves concise and newsworthy content, clear messaging, and proper formatting to capture journalists' attention and effectively communicate key information about events, announcements, and developments. 

• Media relations 

• Crisis communication 

• Public relations strategy 

• Corporate communication 

• Social media management 

• Reputation management 

• Brand management 

• Content creation and storytelling 

• Event planning 

Studying PR and communications equips students with a diverse set of subject-specific skills essential for navigating the world of modern communication. From mastering media relations and crisis communication strategies to crafting compelling narratives and managing digital platforms, you'll develop expertise in investor engagement, brand management, and strategic storytelling.

These skills empower you to effectively build strong relationships and drive impactful communication campaigns in a diversity of organisational settings. 

Additionally, you’ll foster a range of transferrable skills which are of benefit in most workplace environments. These skills include: 

• Adaptability 

• Time management 

• Interpersonal communication 

• Presentation skills 

The UK offers several accreditation bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) that provide rigorous certification programs for professionals in the field of PR and communications.

Achieving chartered status demonstrates competency in a number of areas, and enhances credibility, career prospects, and industry recognition. 

The world of PR and communications covers a lot of areas of business, industry, commerce and governance, not to mention branding and advertising. If there’s a particular aspect of public relations which appeals to you, then you may benefit from looking into alternative degree courses which give you more of what you want. 

These can include: 

• Policymaking 

• International relations 

• Entrepreneurship  

• UX design 

• Business and management studies 

Your PR and communications degree will help you to embark on a dynamic career shaping public perception and driving strategic campaigns. You can work as a public relations specialist, crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations, or you may pursue roles in corporate communication, crisis management, and digital marketing, leveraging your expertise in storytelling and audience engagement.

With experience, you can advance to leadership positions such as PR manager or communication director, overseeing campaigns and strategies to enhance brand reputation and achieve long-term company goals. 

Possible career roles: 

• Public relations specialist 

• Communication manager 

• Corporate communications officer 

• Crisis communication specialist 

• Social media manager 

• Brand strategist 

• Event planner 

• Digital marketing coordinator 

• Content creator 

• Investor relations specialist 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in PR and communications or a related subject.