Communications, Advertising and Public Relations BA
3-4 years
BA Communications, Advertising and Public Relations explores how organisations and brands engage audiences in today’s media landscape. You will develop skills in communication strategy, audience insight, content creation and campaign planning through a blend of theory and practice. Taught by research-active experts, the course prepares you for careers in advertising, public relations, marketing and digital media.
Course information
Typical offer BBB
UCAS code P3N5
Institute code L34
Taught by Arts, Media, and Communication
Students enrolling on this course get the opportunity to take ALBERT accredited module(s) that enable additional industry qualifications as part of the course.
7th in the UK for research quality in Communication and Media Studies (Complete University Guide 2026)
12th in the UK for Communication and Media Studies (The Times UK University Rankings 2026)
Course description
Course description
BA Communications, Advertising and Public Relations explores how organisations, brands and institutions connect with audiences in an increasingly complex media landscape. Combining academic study with practical application, the course examines the role of communication in shaping opinions, building relationships and influencing behaviour across local, national and global contexts.
Throughout your studies, you will engage with contemporary issues in media, communication, advertising and public relations, developing an understanding of how effective campaigns are conceived, planned and evaluated. You will learn to apply research, insight and strategic thinking to communication challenges, while exploring the ethical responsibilities of professional practice in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Through creative projects, campaign development and industry-focused learning, you will gain experience of audience analysis, content creation, brand communication and integrated campaign planning. The course encourages both independent and collaborative working, helping you build confidence, professionalism and the ability to adapt to different communication contexts.
You’ll learn from lecturers whose work shapes national and international understandings of media and communication – our research is ranked 7th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and 95% of our research was judged to be ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF21). This cutting-edge research underpins everything we teach, ensuring your learning is both relevant and impactful.
You will graduate with a range of work that demonstrates your creativity, critical thinking and practical expertise, alongside a strong understanding of the industries in which communication professionals operate. These skills will prepare you for a wide range of careers in advertising, public relations, marketing, digital media and related communication fields.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A/AS-levels: BBB. All subjects accepted. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-Level
- GCSE: No specific requirements
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass relevant diploma with some credits at distinction
- European Baccalaureate: Pass with 77% overall
- International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 32 points
- Cambridge Pre-U: D3/M2/M2 in Principal Subjects
- Leicestershire Progression Accord: BBB plus full Accord Credits
- BTEC Nationals: Full Diploma with DDM
Foundation Year available
If you don’t quite meet the above entry requirements, why not consider our Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Foundation Year?
English Language Requirements
IELTS: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in 2026
- £9,790 in your first year.
- For the 2027/28 academic year, the Home UK tuition fee is expected to be £10,050. Further increases are anticipated to be implemented automatically through government legislation, therefore it is likely that your tuition fees will rise for each subsequent year of your studies.
Find out more about tuition fees, including year abroad, placement years, scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in 2026
- £20,200 per year
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about tuition fees, including year abroad, placement years, scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
The course is designed to enhance your employability by integrating academic knowledge with practical, industry-relevant skills and career-focused learning throughout. Employability is built into your degree from the very start - every undergraduate has 100 hours of real, employer‑informed work‑related learning, built directly into your course.
In your first year, Digital Storytelling is an albert-accredited module that develops professional content creation and media production skills valued by employers. AI and Professional Communication Skills prepares you for graduate careers by developing effective communication and professional practice skills.
Filmmaking is an industry-informed module that gives you hands-on experience of professional media production. Working from a live brief provided by University or community partners, you’ll develop skills in camera operation, directing, sound recording, lighting and editing while collaborating as part of a film crew. Using professional filming equipment and industry-standard software, including Adobe Premiere Pro, you’ll create a documentary from concept to completion.
PR in Focus (Public Affairs and Lobbying) will give you an opportunity to develop campaign materials and hone your strategic thinking, whilst optional modules such as Writing for PR help you develop specialist communication skills, including speechwriting for a range of professional audiences. In Client-Led Media Production, you will work in small teams to deliver a real-world communication project for external clients, gaining valuable industry experience with organisations such as the NHS.
Media and Communication Research in Practice introduces you to the methods and approaches used to investigate media and communication issues. Through hands-on research activities, you'll develop the skills to evaluate evidence, analyse data and design your own research projects. The module builds critical thinking and academic confidence, providing a strong foundation for your final-year dissertation and future professional research challenges.
You’ll also get a student membership of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA). As a PRCA student member, you'll connect with communications professionals, explore career opportunities and build your industry network from day one.
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical experience to succeed in a wide range of roles, including advertising, brand and communications, marketing manager, content design, creative production, public relations and sales promotion.
Our graduates secure roles across a wide range of employers including:
- Amazon
- BBC
- Burson
- Edelman
- Ogilvy
- Omnicom Media Group
- Publicis Groupe
- Universal Pictures
- WPP
(Graduate Outcomes Survey)
Careers and Employability Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 5: Gender equality
- Goal 10: Reduced inequalities
- Goal 13: Climate action
Integrated AI
Integrated AI
At Leicester, you will study with full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot through our collaboration with global tech leader, Microsoft. As one of the first Microsoft Frontier Universities in the UK, we are helping to shape how AI is used in higher education and the workplace.
You will build practical, transferable skills that employers value. From analysing information and solving problems to communicating ideas and working collaboratively, you will learn to apply your knowledge in a digital world.
When you graduate, you will leave with more than a degree. You will have the skills and confidence to work with the technologies shaping your future.
100 hours work-related learning
100 hours work-related learning
Your future career starts right here, whilst you study. On all of our undergraduate courses you are guaranteed 100 hours of real, employer informed work related learning, built directly into your course.
You will gain a range of skills and grow in confidence through a mixture of activities, aligned closely to your subject. This could range from placements, clinics, laboratory work, field work and “real-world” projects such as live briefs, consultancy challenges, simulations, and virtual internships (discipline aligned and interdisciplinary).
By the time you graduate you'll be able to articulate and demonstrate to future employers you have the skills they are looking for as well as the understanding of your subject.
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
Core modules
- Introduction to Media and Communication
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Digital Storytelling
- Studying Media and Communication
- Introduction to Advertising
- AI and Professional Communication Skills
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
Core modules
- Media, Power and the Everyday
- Public Relations and the Media
- Public Relations and Society
- Media and Communication Research in Practice
- Investigating the Advertising Industry
- Filmmaking
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year Abroad or Year in Industry (optional)
Year Abroad or Year in Industry (optional)
Year Abroad
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.
Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.
For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.
Please note
- A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
- You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
- Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2.
- Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.
Year in industry
A year in industry gives you the opportunity to gain professional experience of working in a sector related to your course, whilst developing workplace skills and building a network with people in industry. It is normally a paid position and can take place in the UK.
Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with industry experience. By taking up this option, you will benefit from real-world experience in a workplace setting, enabling you to make an easier transition from studying to working after you finish your degree. It will also strengthen your CV significantly in preparation for entering the graduate market.
Benefits of a year in industry
- Develops the key skills required for the graduate market
- Expands your professional networks
- Enables you to turn classroom theory into real-world practice
- You will receive your degree with 'a Year in Industry'
What does the year in industry involve?
You will be introduced to the year in industry programme in your second year. You will find your own placement with support from the central Placements Team you in searching for suitable placement opportunities, and undertaking the recruitment and selection process.
Whilst on your year in industry you will continue to be supported by the School. This will include communication with you and your manager, and a meeting in your place of work. You will undertake written work to capture your learning from your industry experience.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Final year
Final year
Core modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Dissertation (Media and Communication)
- Advertising and the Creative Sector
- PR in Focus 1: Public Affairs and Lobbying
- PR in Focus 2: Corporate Social Responsibility/Advocacy
- Advertising Futures
Then choose one option module from:
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Benefit from Albert-accredited modules, recognised across the media, screen and creative industries.
Broaden your experience and enhance your employability with the option of a Year Abroad or Year in Industry.
As a PRCA student member, you'll connect with communications professionals, explore career opportunities and build your industry network from day one.
Study in a School with a 60-year global reputation, home to the UK’s first Centre for Mass Communication Research.
Teaching and learning
Our core and optional modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Lectures provide foundational knowledge, while workshops, seminars and tutorials offer opportunities to explore key ideas through discussion with peers and tutors.
On the BA Communications, Advertising and PR, you will be assessed through a combination of traditional methods (such as essays, presentations and research reports), as well as practical, hands-on assessments designed to help you develop the skills you'll need for your future career.
In An Introduction to Public Relations, you will be assessed through a reflective diary, encouraging you to evaluate your developing professional skills and understanding of public relations practice. In PR and the Media, you’ll write a media relations strategy proposal, giving you experience of developing communication strategies and planning engagement with journalists and media organisations. You'll undertake practical group-based assessments in Filmmaking. PR in Focus will assess your speechwriting skills, whilst in Advertising and the Creative Sector you’ll be assessed through an industry research report.
From your first year, you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive learning community. You’ll be allocated a personal tutor who provides one-to-one guidance throughout your studies, offering academic support as well as advice on wellbeing and progression. Teaching staff hold regular office hours, so you’ll always know where and when to find support when you need it.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Communications, Advertising and Public Relations | Qualification BA | Duration 3 years full-time | UCAS Code P3N5 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Communications, Advertising and Public Relations | Qualification BA | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code P3N5 | Availability How to apply |
My degree has a wide variety of module choices, which has allowed me to explore and critically analyse different media platforms and texts, from British newspapers to K-Pop.