MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations (Joint Degree PFU Barcelona)

University of Stirling

Organisations need strategic communications to help achieve their goals. Part of that is strategic communication and public relations (PR), dealing with the relationships between an organisation and its public. It’s no wonder that global PR jobs will grow by 4.54% over the next eight years (UCAS ). Gain career-valuable PR insights from two cultures and countries by studying at both the University of Stirling and Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain. This Masters in Strategic Communication and Public Relations will really give you a unique international perspective. You’ll spend your first semester at Stirling on our breathtaking 330-acre campus nestled in the heart of Scotland. For the second semester you’ll head to the vibrant streets of Barcelona as you continue your studies at Pompeu Fabra University, right in the middle of one of Europe’s most dynamic cultural hubs. You'll complete your degree entirely in English, with the flexibility to choose where you’d like to be based for your dissertation - Stirling or Pompeu Fabra. Studying in two countries gives you a powerful edge in today’s global job market with deeper cultural awareness, enhanced confidence, and real international experience. Study a range of PR and communication topics On this Strategic Communications and PR Masters degree you’ll learn core topics like public relations theories, strategic planning and media relations. You’ll gain valuable employability skills learning about research methods, digital media production, branding, advertising and content development and promotion. You'll explore public affairs and intercultural communication, both as fields of study and as real-world career paths. Meet top communication experts at European Institutions This Masters in Strategic Communications and PR includes a public affairs field trip to Brussels. You'll visit different institutions to meet top communications experts from across Europe. Professional recognition This Masters in Strategic Communication and Pubic Relations 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. Award-winning 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.; The taught elements of the course are carried out across two semesters, which run from September until December in Stirling and from January until March in Barcelona. Masters students are then expected to spend the summer carrying out a research project and submit a 12,000-word dissertation, which they can choose to complete either at the University of Stirling or Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Semester dates for 2025/26 Autumn semester (University of Stirling): Monday 22 September - Friday 5 December 2025 Spring semester (Universitat Pompeu Fabra): Monday 12 January - Friday 20 March 2026 Dissertation period (University of Stirling and Universitat Pompeu Fabra): April - September 2026