MSc Public Relations and Strategic Communication

University of Stirling

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.; The taught elements of the course are carried out across two semesters, which run from September until mid-December and from January until mid-April. Masters students are then expected to spend the summer carrying out a research project and submit a 12,000-word dissertation.