Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme blends theory and practical skills across marketing communications, public relations and related media disciplines. You will study core subjects such as consumer behaviour, marketing principles, media and society, and public relations practice, with progressive development in research, strategy and campaign planning.

• Year 1 / Foundations: introduction to marketing and PR; media and cultural contexts; basic research skills; principles of advertising and branding; digital communications basics. Assessment typically includes short essays, group briefs and practical workshops.
• Year 2 / Development: modules on campaign planning, media relations and press strategies, integrated marketing communications, social media strategy, and quantitative & qualitative research methods. You will work on industry-style briefs and build a professional portfolio.
• Sandwich/placement year (optional): many students take an optional placement year in industry to gain supervised workplace experience in agencies, in-house communications teams or related organisations.
• Final year / Specialisation: advanced modules in strategic communications, crisis and reputation management, brand strategy, creative advertising, and a substantial final project or dissertation. Assessment includes live client projects, campaign presentations, portfolios and extended research projects.

Practical learning methods include live briefs with external clients, simulated agency projects, guest lectures from industry practitioners, workshops in creative and digital tools, and opportunities for short work placements and extracurricular professional experience.

Entry requirements

• Typical entry is at level equivalent to two to three A-levels or a BTEC Level 3 Diploma; applicants with access qualifications or relevant work experience are also considered.
• GCSE English (or equivalent) at a standard pass level is normally required; other GCSEs such as maths may be requested depending on the offer.
• International applicants should hold an approved secondary school qualification; evidence of English language proficiency is required if your first language is not English.
• Mature applicants and those with relevant professional or voluntary experience are encouraged to apply; selection is based on academic potential and motivation for the subject, demonstrated in personal statements and references.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across public relations, marketing and the wider communications sector. Typical entry-level job titles include PR officer, account executive (agency), marketing assistant, social media co-ordinator, content creator and communications officer. With experience, alumni progress to senior roles such as account manager, brand manager, digital marketing manager, media relations manager or communications director.

• Work in specialist agencies (PR, advertising, digital, social media) or in-house communications teams for businesses, charities, public sector bodies and cultural organisations.
• Opportunities extend to event management, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, public affairs and freelance consultancy.
• The programme also prepares students for postgraduate study in areas such as strategic communications, marketing or media studies.

Why study at Bournemouth University

• Bournemouth University has a strong reputation for practice-led teaching in media and communication subjects and close links with the creative and communications industries.
• The programme emphasises employability: live briefs, portfolio development and an optional placement year help students gain workplace experience and build industry contacts.
• Teaching is delivered by staff with professional experience and by visiting practitioners, giving insight into current industry standards and working practices.
• Students benefit from specialist facilities for digital content creation, media production and collaborative project work, alongside careers and placement support tailored to communications and creative industries.