Advanced Diploma in Public Relations (PR)
*Core Subjects/Syllabus*
*Semester 1: Foundations of PR and Communication*
1. *Introduction to Public Relations*
- Evolution of PR: Traditional vs. digital eras.
- Role of PR in corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors.
2. *Strategic Communication Planning*
- Developing PR campaigns: Objectives, target audiences, key messages.
- SWOT analysis, PESTEL framework, and SMART goals.
3. *Media Relations and Journalism*
- Building relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers.
- Writing press releases, media pitches, and press kits.
4. *Ethics and Professional Responsibility*
- PRSA Code of Ethics, CIPR guidelines, and transparency in communication.
- Case studies on ethical dilemmas (e.g., greenwashing, misinformation).
5. *Digital PR Basics*
- Social media strategies (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram).
- SEO for PR content and online reputation management (ORM).
*Semester 2: Advanced PR Strategies and Tools*
6. *Crisis Communication Management*
- Crisis planning, messaging, and post-crisis recovery.
- Case studies: United Airlines, BP oil spill, Tylenol recall.
7. *Corporate Communication and CSR*
- Internal communication (employee engagement, intranets).
- Designing CSR campaigns aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
8. *Content Creation and Storytelling*
- Writing blogs, op-eds, speeches, and annual reports.
- Visual storytelling: Infographics, videos, podcasts.
9. *Data-Driven PR*
- Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Cision, Meltwater).
- Measuring PR ROI: Media impressions, sentiment analysis, AVE.
10. *Event Management*
- Planning press conferences, product launches, and virtual events.
- Budgeting, vendor coordination, and post-event reporting.
*Semester 3: Specializations and Leadership*
11. *Global and Cross-Cultural PR*
- Managing PR for multinational brands.
- Cultural sensitivity in messaging (e.g., Middle East vs. Western markets).
12. *Political PR and Public Affairs*
- Lobbying strategies, election campaigns, and government relations.
- Compliance with political advertising laws.
13. *Digital PR Innovations*
- AI in PR (chatbots, automated press releases).
- Influencer marketing and micro-influencer partnerships.
14. *Brand Reputation Management*
- Rebuilding trust post-scandal (e.g., Volkswagen, Facebook).
- Personal branding for executives and thought leadership.
15. *Capstone Project/Internship*
- Real-world PR campaign: Launching a brand, managing a crisis, or promoting a social cause.
- Internship with PR agencies, corporate communication teams, or NGOs.
*Elective Subjects (Choose 2–3)*
- *Healthcare PR* (managing health crises, pharma communications).
- *Entertainment and Celebrity PR*.
- *Nonprofit and Advocacy Communication*.
- *Sports PR and Sponsorship Management*.
- *Technology PR* (startups, cybersecurity, fintech).
*Tools and Software Covered*
- *Cision* (media monitoring), *Meltwater* (analytics).
- *Canva* (design), *Hootsuite* (social media management).
- *Grammarly* (content editing), *SEMrush* (SEO).
*Assessment Methods*
- *Campaign Projects*: Designing and executing a PR strategy for a mock/client brief.
- *Case Study Analysis*: Solving real-world PR crises or ethical challenges.
- *Portfolio Development*: Curating press releases, social media campaigns, and event reports.
- *Presentations*: Pitching campaigns to simulated clients or stakeholders.
- *Internship Evaluation*: Performance review by industry mentors.