MP5010 - Public Relations

You will learn through workshops, lectures and seminars and independent learning. Each workshop deals with an aspect of modern public relations, including working online. The module is a good preparation for students wishing to complete work placement in a PR firm in their third year and also engenders knowledge useful for career aspirations within this sector of the industry. However, transferrable skills taught in the module are appropriate for a variety of career paths. You will be assessed via the delivery of a public relations campaign.

You will be supported in a variety of manners: the module tutor is available to discuss issues both during and outside scheduled teaching. Tutors can discuss issues during pre-determined Office Hours each week, and also via email. Additionally, information, teaching materials and other support is available through the Electronic Learning Portal system.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
KU1: The development of skills in writing effectively for the Public Relations profession
KU2:The ability to create relevant content in a Public Relations setting
KU3: To demonstrable understanding of how PR works in a variety of situations
KU4: The ability to match a PR message to the demands of a client and their audience.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA1: Demonstrate ability to work in a professional communication setting
IPSA2: Draw upon transferable skills (methods, approaches and communicative skills) to formulate solutions for contemporary communication issues

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1: The themes covered during the module will encourage reflection on the role of promotional industries in contemporary society and the importance of ethical behaviour and responsibilities

You will be formatively assessed in terms of feedback during workshops.

For the summative assessment,

1.As a group you will deliver a pitch and plan for a public relations campaign addressing specific client issues. The outline plan must include a news release. Each individual in the group to produce one additional piece of content to support the plan (60%)

2.As an individual write a series of 3 short (500 words) articles on 3 different public relations topics. Each topic must use one theory and explore it in relation to a contemporary public relations example (40%)

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In ‘Public Relations’ you will be introduced to the study and practise of PR theory and practice. You will be instructed in the workings of modern public relations and PR’s interaction with other disciplines including advertising, media and digital marketing. You will also research and deliver your own original PR campaign following instruction and feedback given during workshops. While this module gives you the opportunity to hone a variety of skills which are transferrable across a range of career paths it is particularly valuable for students wishing to gain future employment within the PR field.