PgCert Strategic Communication and Public Relations

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

This flexible PgCert will enable you to develop your communications and public relations knowledge and skills without the commitment of full-time study, making it ideal for those with existing work commitments.

On this course you will develop the specialist skills needed to communicate effectively across a range of media and digital platforms. It’s important to understand the bigger picture, and you will study within a framework that emphasises strategic thinking and a critical stance, enabling you to make an effective, ethical and responsible contribution to your organisation.

About QMU

• Develop the modern strategic communication skills that employers are looking for.
• Earn an internationally respected postgraduate qualification on a course that is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Public Relations and Communications Association.
• Tailor your learning to your future career, developing knowledge, skills and learning in a rich and diverse environment from tutors who are
• internationally published researchers and practitioners with years of professional experience.
• Flexible block-study means you can combine study with your existing work and life commitments.

Course overview

The course is delivered in blocks of attendance with further online learning. It is ideal for those who wish to study at master’s level when in employment.

The course is suitable if you want to start a career in communication and PR. We’ll support you in developing industry-relevant knowledge and skills, help you to produce a professional portfolio, and provide you with opportunities to meet, work alongside and network with current practitioners; or already work in a communication or PR role and want professional development. You can study part-time and tailor your learning to your own development needs.

Structure

To obtain a specific postgraduate award at QMU you must complete a number of credit-bearing modules. This page highlights the PgCert, where students complete three 20-credit modules, but on completion there is the option to progress your studies to a PgDip or MSc.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Students learn from an academic team that includes internationally published researchers and practitioners with years of professional experience. In many modules, students learn alongside and network with practitioners working in communication and public relations roles.

Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Teaching involves face-to-face and directed learning as well as your own self-directed activity. Face-to-face teaching is delivered on campus. Core module assessments may include case studies, essays, projects, blogs, proposals, campaign materials and briefing documents of between 1,000 and 5,000 words.

Careers

Where this course takes you is up to you. Our graduates have an impressive track record in achieving their career aspirations, going on to take key communication roles in a wide range of organisations across the globe. The course has also provided professional development for those already working in consultancy and in-house roles and is a pathway to an academic career in the subject area.

Exit awards

PgCert (60 credits)