PR degree gets prestigious CIPR award

Edge Hill University's popular Public Relations degree has received official recognition from the prestigious Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

It is a real coup for the University to be given this status by the largest Public Relations organisation in Europe and the crème-de-la-crème of this profession.

The programme at Edge Hill was given the CIPR accreditation for meeting all five of the CIPR's strict criteria they use for a fully recognised course.

As the degree already has an enviable reputation for its heavy emphasis on practical work and industry links combined with excellent theory and good quality leadership, it is likely to become even more popular with prospective students.

Paula Keaveney, Course Leader and Lecturer in Public Relations at the University, said: "I'm delighted that our course has received recognition from the CIPR because it is what we have always aspired to as it is such a well established organisation within the PR world. To be given the award is testimony to the blend of theory and practice we offer here and our unique approach in that our students from all three years combine into an ‘agency' to run a real campaign for a real client. That means that those graduating will have at least three pieces of real experience and will have worked as leaders as well as learners. Our clear focus on preparing students for the workplace and in developing the sorts of skills that employers in PR tell us they want, combined with the new CIPR accreditation puts us as one of the best places to study for those who want to develop a career in PR.

The course is taught by the University's media department and since it started in 2005 it has gone from strength to strength with graduates going on to work in high-demand press offices, advocacy, business development work and social marketing.

Dawn Chapman, Head of Professional Policy at the CIPR, sad: "The CIPR awards recognition to university programmes that provide essential skills and knowledge in Public Relations and related specialist disciplines. Once a course is recognised, the teaching staff become part of a supportive network who are committed to improving and developing standards in PR education by sharing knowledge, keeping their course content fresh and relevant and providing evidence each year of the roles their gradates go on to secure post study.

"The BA (Hons) Public Relations programme at Edge Hill University met all five of our criteria for a fully recognised course, and we believe that the content offers challenging study for undergraduate students looking to develop knowledge and skills, and hopefully pursue a career in PR."

For further information about the degree, email Paula at keavenep@edgehill.ac.uk or visit the website www.edgehill.ac.uk.