Journalism, Public Relations with Media

Journalism and public relations are both disciplines concerned with how information moves through society, but from different vantage points. Journalism investigates and reports events, holding power to account and informing public understanding. Public relations manages communication between organisations and their audiences, shaping reputations and building relationships.

Studied together with media, both disciplines benefit from understanding the broader media landscape within which they operate, and both develop the communication, research, and storytelling skills that are central to careers in these fields.

At Sheffield Hallam University, this part-time programme is delivered with a foundation year included, building the academic and practical foundations needed for the main degree. You will examine key theories and issues in journalism and public relations, engaging with the ethical, commercial, and technological forces that shape these professions, while also developing essential practical skills in writing, content creation, and media production. You will work with communications professionals, journalists, and content creators, gaining exposure to the realities of the industries and the variety of roles they offer.

A sandwich year and work placement opportunities are built into the programme, giving you professional experience in a live media or communications environment.

Graduates from journalism and public relations programmes work in a wide variety of roles across the media and communications landscape. Many enter journalism in print, broadcast, or digital form, while others build careers in public relations agencies, in-house communications teams, marketing, corporate communications, and content strategy. The convergence of journalism and PR skills with digital media literacy is particularly valued as these industries adapt to changing audience behaviour and technology.

Postgraduate study in journalism, PR, or communications is an option for those wishing to specialise further.