The benefits of studying an MA in Public Relations at BU were featured in an article in The Guardian.
The article, which featured in the newspaper’s postgraduate study supplement, looked at how Public Relations courses were adapting to the changing landscape, with social media and viral campaigns becoming increasingly important.
Journalist Carrie Dunn spoke with Hilary Stepien, programme coordinator for MA Public Relations at BU, about how the course ensures its graduates are fully up-to-date with the latest techniques and technology PR professionals are expected to master.
Hilary said: “We do equip students with a lot of the practical skills they’ll need to work in PR, from developing social media campaigns to pitching to clients to media relations skills, so we do all that as well, but it’s also heavily theoretical.”
She added that students often have a range of previous experience and come from lots of different backgrounds – including journalism, international relations and science.
The article also featured 2010 BU graduate Vanessa Procter, who now works as a project manager for PRIME research in the automotive industry.
She said that the course’s strong links with industry and networking opportunities helped with her smooth transition into work.
“The lessons learned, techniques applied and research conducted during my study enabled my career step straight into a demanding, fast-paced and exciting role with a global leader in strategic communications.
“All in all, the MA programme had a door opening effect for me, unleashing an exciting career path.”