COURSE CURRICULUM

The Public Relations and Media Strategies MA at Brunel University London provides students with a comprehensive understanding of PR theory, practice, and its relationship with media and culture. The course explores the historical roots of public relations in propaganda and examines how organisations, including corporations and state actors, shape public opinion through strategic communication. Students critically engage with key theories, including cultural studies, brand theory, semiotic analysis, and the political economy of PR, while considering the impact of social media, globalisation, and contemporary media trends. Practical skills are developed through modules focused on building PR campaigns, including lobbying, press releases, campaign planning, and content creation, with a particular emphasis on the film and television industries. The curriculum addresses crisis communications, promotional culture, celebrity influence, and the interplay between marketing and public relations. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on the evolving nature of PR, its expansion across social and media institutions, and its ethical implications in shaping public perception. Optional dissertation modules allow students to undertake substantial research projects, applying the knowledge and skills acquired in taught modules to explore areas of specific interest within media and public relations. The program combines theoretical insight with practical experience, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in public relations, media strategy, and communications.