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BA (Hons) Marketing Communications with Public Relations

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  • BA (Hons) Marketing Communications with Public Relations
  • Institution:
    B50
  • Delivery:
    Sandwich (Thick) out of college.

This pathway is part of our BA (Hons) Marketing Communications course. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of marketing communications practice in your first year of study, followed by the option to choose one of four pathways from year two; Marketing Communications, Marketing Communications with Public Relations, Marketing Communications with Advertising, Marketing Communications with Digital Media.

Public relations is practiced in a range of sectors and industries. The focus of public relations is to build lasting relationships and positive reputations, through communication with an organisation's stakeholder groups, in order to achieve mutually beneficial gain. As a graduate of this course, you will be equipped to enter a variety of potential careers where it is vital to have knowledge and expertise in managing stakeholder relationships and reputation, and enacting the technical and strategic communication advisor roles. 

  • Develop a solid understanding of the historical roots of marketing communications, with a specific focus on public relations and the fast-paced, rapidly changing context in which it takes place globally
  • Apart from developing technical skills that will enable you to enter the profession, also hone your skills in strategic public relations management, crisis communication, influencer relations and event management, to name a few
  • Graduate with highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills
  • Get a head start in the industry from working on live briefs for unit assessments and learning from professionals in our masterclass series
  • Gain Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) professional qualifications during your studies, as well as exemptions towards a CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing after graduating
  • Study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities in Thailand, USA,  Belgium, France or Turkey
  • Put your skills to the test in The Pitch, the CIM’s nationwide competition where you'll be set a real-life marketing challenge by a leading global brand and pitch your ideas as a team in front of business professionals
  • Help organise the Mike Warne Event in your final year of study, the only student-organised event in the whole of the CIM’s national event programme, bringing together leaders in the industry
  • Complete a work placement anywhere in the world, giving you the chance to make great career contacts and bolster your blossoming resume.

All statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.

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Talbot Campus
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The Student Centre
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Students at Talbot Campus
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Bournemouth Pier

Key information

Next start date:

September 2021, September 2022

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

4 years (including a 30-week placement), full-time

Accreditations:

Chartered Institute of Public Relations

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

For September 2021 entry: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2021 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5. in all other components, or equivalent. For more information, check out our international entry requirements.

Accredited by:

Professional qualifications

CIM Strategic Partner

Bournemouth University has joined forces with the CIM and CIPR to give you the opportunity to gain professional qualifications while on this degree course.

Bournemouth University is now a Strategic Partner of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) – the world’s leading professional marketing body. The collaborative relationship ensures our students leave with the skills that employers are looking for, providing them with the best opportunity for a successful career. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the chartered body for public relations and the largest membership organisation for PR professionals in Europe.

CIM and CIPR qualifications are highly sought after by employers and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping you with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career. 

CIM Foundation Certificate

Course details

This degree has been developed to give you a solid understanding of how theory guides innovation and creativity amongst communication with stakeholders, influencers, and its role in organisational reputation. 

On this course you will usually be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

Contact hours and assessment 

Details of the assessment methods and contact hours for each unit of the course can be found in the programme specification. 

Download the programme specification (pdf 604kb)

Placements

At BU, we recognise that placements are extremely valuable and can give you a head start when it comes to your future career. That’s why we offer every new student the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their course.

You could even choose to undertake your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market.

Find out about BU students’ experiences on placements

Your application

This course will suit applicants who can demonstrate:

  • an understanding of the marketing communications industry with an emphasis on public relations
  • the potential to develop an awareness of the political, social and economic context for public relations and the wider marketing communications sector 
  • intellectual and creative abilities
  • an ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • good written and oral communication skills.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Careers

This course will give you all the skills you need to get ahead in this thriving sector and the work placement will allow you to make contacts and build relationships with those already working in the industry.

95% of our students who study Marketing courses are working or studying 6 months after graduating.

All statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.

Careers advice, resources, events and job opportunities

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer – including unlimited Academic Excellence Scholarships for UK, EU and International students.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that staff can change.

Course changes

All statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), BU institutional data and Ipsos MORI (National Student Survey) unless otherwise stated.