Course details

Summary

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded by the University for research carried out under the supervision of at least two staff members. A PhD can also be presented as a PhD with Publication or a PhD with a Creative Practice Component. The research, which must be the candidate's own work, is written up as a thesis, and may include papers published or intended to be published. The thesis is required to present the case for the research, outline the research undertaken and the findings and conclusions of that research. There is no course work for this degree.

Public relations (PR) is the art of using two-way communication to maintain good relationships between an organisation and its stakeholders. A range of strategic communications are practised within public relations; such as crisis and issues management, event management, sponsorship and fundraising, employee relations, government relations and public affairs. Public relations professionals work with the media, provide the communication support, and act as a crucial link between organisations and their publics.

Career opportunities

• Event manager
• Internal communication manager
• Media adviser
• Professional fundraiser
• Public affairs manager
• Public relations consultant

Potential employers

• Corporations and small businesses
• Government
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Public affairs agencies
• Public relations firms

Entry criteria

A bachelors with honours or masters degree with a research component of at least 30 points and have achieved at least Second Class Honours (First Division) or Distinction.

English Language Requirements

an IELTS Overall score of at least 6.5 overall (including at least 6.0 or better in the Writing band), or an iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) score of 90 with a Writing score of 22, or a B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English, or an overall score of C (with at least a C in the Writing band) in the Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes, or a PTE Academic overall score of 65 with no less than 58 for each communicative skill.