A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Public Relations and Strategic Communication offers
a comprehensive education in the field of communication, focusing on building and
maintaining relationships between organizations and their stakeholders. Pursuing this
degree at GOU provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the
dynamic and fast-paced world of public relations. Let us explore the key aspects of
pursuing this program at GOU, including program overview, choosing the right
program, determining if it is the best fit for you, skill development, career prospects,
and future trends.

The BSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communication program at GOU is
designed to equip students with a deep understanding of communication theories,
strategic planning, media relations, crisis communication, and digital media. The
program emphasizes the development of effective communication strategies to
enhance the reputation and image of organizations, both in the public and private
sectors. Through coursework, practical projects, and internships, students gain hands-
on experience crafting messages, managing media relations, and implementing
communication campaigns. By the end of the program, students are well-prepared for
careers in public relations agencies, corporate communications departments, non-
profit organizations, government agencies, and related fields.

Before pursuing a BSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communication, it is
important to consider if it aligns with your interests, strengths, and career goals. Ask
yourself:
 Are you interested in how organizations communicate with their stakeholders?
 Do you have strong interpersonal and communication skills?
 Are you a strategic thinker who can analyze complex situations and develop
effective communication plans?
 Are you creative and able to craft compelling messages for different
audiences?
 Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment?
 Are you interested in staying up-to-date with new communication
technologies and trends?
If you answered "yes" to these questions and have a genuine interest in
communication, relationship building, and strategic planning, the BSc in Public
Relations and Strategic Communication program could be an excellent fit for you. It
is important to have a passion for understanding how organizations communicate,
developing effective communication strategies, and building strong relationships with
various stakeholders.

Choosing the right program is crucial to ensure that the BSc in Public Relations and
Strategic Communication program at GOU aligns with your interests, strengths, and
career goals. Research the program and its curriculum to better understand the courses
offered, the emphasis on practical training, access to communication labs and
technology, faculty expertise in public relations, and opportunities for internships or
industry partnerships.

A BSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communication equips students with a
diverse range of skills required in the field. Students develop expertise in the
following areas:
 Communication Strategies:
o Understanding of communication theories and principles.
o Strategic thinking and planning to achieve organizational objectives.
o Message development and audience analysis.
o Crisis communication and reputation management.
o Persuasive communication techniques.
 Media Relations:
o Building relationships with journalists and media outlets.
o Writing press releases, media pitches, and other media materials.
o Conducting media interviews and managing media inquiries.
o Monitoring and analyzing media coverage.
 Digital Communication:
o Proficiency in digital media platforms and tools.
o Social media management and content creation.
o Online reputation management.
o Data analytics and measurement of communication efforts.
 Stakeholder Engagement:
o Identifying and understanding key stakeholders.
o Developing strategies for effective stakeholder engagement.
o Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
o Managing public opinion and addressing public concerns.

The program at GOU emphasizes practical learning, allowing students to gain hands-
on experience through internships, case studies, and real-world projects. This practical
training helps students develop a strong portfolio of work and build professional
networks within the industry.

The career prospects for graduates of a BSc in Public Relations and Strategic
Communication are diverse, with opportunities in public relations agencies, corporate
communications departments, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and
more. Some potential career paths include:

1. Public Relations Specialist:
o Description: Public relations specialists work to create and maintain a
positive public image for organizations. They develop communication
strategies, write press releases, manage media relations, and handle
crisis communication.
o Skill Requirements:
 Strong communication and interpersonal skills
 Strategic thinking and planning abilities
 Writing and editing proficiency
 Relationship-building and networking skills

2. Communications Manager:
o Description: Communications managers oversee the communication
efforts of an organization. They develop and implement
communication strategies, manage internal and external
communication, coordinate media relations, and ensure consistent
messaging.
o Skill Requirements:
 Strategic communication planning and execution
 Leadership and team management skills
 Strong writing and editing abilities
 Crisis management skills

3. Digital Media Specialist:
o Description: Digital media specialists focus on managing an
organization's online presence and digital communication channels.
They create and implement digital communication strategies, manage
social media platforms, curate content, and analyze digital analytics.
o Skill Requirements:
 Proficiency in social media management
 Knowledge of digital marketing strategies
 Content creation and curation skills
 Data analysis and interpretation abilities

4. Public Affairs Officer:
o Description: Public affairs officers work in government agencies or
non-profit organizations to manage communication with the public and
stakeholders. They handle public relations, develop public awareness
campaigns, and engage with the community on policy issues.
o Skill Requirements:
 Knowledge of government processes and policies
 Public relations and communication skills
 Community engagement and relationship-building abilities
 Strategic planning and execution

5. Event Coordinator:

o Description: Event coordinators specialize in planning and executing
events for organizations. They manage all aspects of event logistics,
coordinate with vendors and stakeholders, and handle communication
to promote the event.
o Skill Requirements:
 Strong organizational and multitasking skills
 Attention to detail
 Communication and negotiation abilities
 Budgeting and resource management skills

These are just a few examples of the career paths available to graduates of a BSc in
Public Relations and Strategic Communication. The field offers diverse opportunities,
allowing you to choose a path that aligns with your interests and strengths.

The field of public relations and strategic communication is constantly evolving due
to advancements in technology and changes in media consumption habits. Some key
future trends to be aware of include:
 Digital Transformation: The increasing importance of digital communication
channels and the integration of technology in PR strategies.
 Social Media Influence: The continued growth of social media platforms as
key communication channels requires PR professionals to be adept at social
media management and influencer marketing.
 Data Analytics: The use of data analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of
communication campaigns and make data-driven decisions.
 Crisis Communication and Reputation Management: The need for PR
professionals to be skilled in managing crises and handling reputation issues in
real-time.
 Personalization and Customization: Tailoring communication strategies to
specific target audiences and using personalized messaging for greater impact.
Staying updated with these trends and continuously enhancing your skills through
professional development opportunities will be crucial for long-term success in the
field.

On completion of this Program at GOU, graduates will have the requisite skills,
expertise, experience, and know-how to, in addition to being well-prepared to excel in
a variety of the existing career-advancing roles in the field will also be able to
advance their careers in any combination of the following emerging 4IR-compliant
specialist job roles in the field:

1. Digital PR Specialist:
Description: Digital PR Specialists leverage digital platforms and technologies
to manage and enhance the online reputation and visibility of individuals or
organizations.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in social media management and analytics
o Knowledge of online reputation management strategies
o Strong communication and writing skills for digital platforms
o Ability to develop and execute digital PR campaigns
o Understanding of SEO and content marketing principles
2. Influencer Relations Manager:
Description: Influencer Relations Managers establish and manage
relationships with influential individuals to promote products, services, or
causes.
Skills Requirements:
o Knowledge of influencer marketing trends and best practices
o Proficiency in identifying and engaging with relevant influencers
o Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
o Ability to develop influencer marketing strategies
o Understanding of social media platforms and audience behavior
3. Brand Storyteller:
Description: Brand Storytellers create and communicate compelling narratives
that align with an organization's brand identity and resonate with target
audiences.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in storytelling techniques and narrative development
o Knowledge of brand strategy and positioning
o Strong writing and content creation skills
o Ability to conduct audience research and develop audience personas
o Understanding of visual storytelling and multimedia production
4. Crisis Communication Manager:
Description: Crisis Communication Managers develop and implement
strategies to effectively communicate and manage crises or reputation-
threatening situations.
Skills Requirements:
o Knowledge of crisis communication principles and best practices
o Proficiency in crisis monitoring and response tools
o Strong communication and problem-solving skills
o Ability to develop crisis communication plans and protocols
o Understanding of media relations and stakeholder management in
crisis situations
5. Data-driven PR Analyst:
Description: Data-driven PR Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to
measure the impact and effectiveness of public relations efforts.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools
o Knowledge of media monitoring and sentiment analysis techniques
o Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

o Ability to derive actionable insights from data
o Understanding of PR metrics and evaluation frameworks
6. Content Marketing Strategist:
Description: Content Marketing Strategists plan and execute content
marketing campaigns to attract, engage, and convert target audiences.
Skills Requirements:
o Knowledge of content marketing trends and strategies
o Proficiency in content management systems and analytics tools
o Strong understanding of audience segmentation and buyer personas
o Ability to develop content marketing plans and editorial calendars
o Understanding of SEO and content optimization techniques
7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager:
Description: CSR Managers develop and implement corporate social
responsibility initiatives to enhance an organization's reputation and social
impact.
Skills Requirements:
o Knowledge of CSR principles and sustainability frameworks
o Proficiency in stakeholder engagement and partnership building
o Strong project management and planning skills
o Ability to develop CSR strategies aligned with organizational goals
o Understanding of reporting and communication of CSR initiatives
8. Employee Engagement Specialist:
Description: Employee Engagement Specialists develop and implement
strategies to foster positive employee experiences, strengthen internal
communication, and enhance employee satisfaction.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in internal communication platforms and tools
o Knowledge of employee engagement trends and best practices
o Strong interpersonal and communication skills
o Ability to develop employee engagement programs and initiatives
o Understanding of organizational culture and change management
9. Reputation Manager:
Description: Reputation Managers proactively monitor, manage, and enhance
the reputation of individuals or organizations through strategic communication
and stakeholder engagement.
Skills Requirements:
o Knowledge of reputation management principles and strategies
o Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools
o Strong communication and crisis management skills
o Ability to develop and implement reputation management plans
o Understanding of stakeholder mapping and engagement
10. Social Impact Communicator:
Description: Social Impact Communicators develop and implement
communication strategies to raise awareness, promote behavior change, and
drive social impact initiatives.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in social impact messaging and communication tactics
o Knowledge of social marketing and behavior change theories
o Strong storytelling and content creation skills

o Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders (NGOs, government
agencies, communities)
o Understanding of cultural sensitivities and ethical considerations in
social impact communication
11. Analytics and Insights Manager:
Description: Analytics and Insights Managers collect, analyze, and interpret
data to generate actionable insights and support strategic decision-making in
public relations and communication.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in data analytics tools and techniques
o Knowledge of research methodologies and statistical analysis
o Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
o Ability to communicate data-driven insights effectively
o Understanding of PR and communication strategies
12. Visual Communication Specialist:
Description: Visual Communication Specialists create visually compelling
content, such as infographics, videos, and presentations, to effectively
communicate messages and enhance brand identity.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in graphic design and video editing software
o Knowledge of visual storytelling principles and best practices
o Strong creativity and aesthetic sense
o Ability to translate complex information into visually engaging content
o Understanding of branding and visual identity guidelines
13. Media Relations Manager:
Description: Media Relations Managers build and maintain relationships with
journalists and media outlets to manage the organization's public image and
secure positive media coverage.
Skills Requirements:
o Knowledge of media landscape and news cycles
o Proficiency in media pitching and press release writing
o Strong relationship-building and networking skills
o Ability to manage media inquiries and interview requests
o Understanding of media ethics and crisis communication
14. Digital Advertising Strategist:
Description: Digital Advertising Strategists develop and implement digital
advertising campaigns to reach target audiences, increase brand awareness,
and drive conversions.
Skills Requirements:
o Proficiency in digital advertising platforms
o Knowledge of digital advertising trends and targeting strategies
o Strong analytical and data interpretation skills

o Ability to develop and optimize digital advertising campaigns
o Understanding of ad performance metrics and ROI analysis
15. Internal Communications Manager:
Description: Internal Communications Managers develop and execute
strategies to effectively communicate with employees, align organizational
goals, and foster a positive internal culture.
Skills Requirements:
o Knowledge of internal communication tools and platforms
o Proficiency in writing for internal audiences (emails, newsletters,
intranet)
o Strong interpersonal and presentation skills
o Ability to develop internal communication plans and campaigns
o Understanding of organizational dynamics and employee engagement
strategies

As an Entrepreneurial University, all GOU programs also emphasize developing and
acquiring entrepreneurial skills and expertise. Like all GOU graduates, the graduates
of this program, in addition to acquiring requisite knowledge and competency in the
core subject areas of their field and discipline, also gain entrepreneurial skills,
expertise, and experience to enable them (if they choose) to set up their 4 th Industrial
Revolution (4IR) compliant business enterprises and corporations as media-business
entrepreneurs.
Media-business entrepreneurs combine their creativity, communication skills, and
business acumen to create and manage ventures in the media industry. They deeply
understand media platforms, content creation, audience engagement, and market
trends. Media-business entrepreneurs identify opportunities within the media
landscape, develop innovative content strategies, and leverage various mediums such
as television, film, digital platforms, or publishing to reach and captivate audiences.
To succeed in media-business entrepreneurship in the 4IR, graduates in this program
are trained to possess a combination of entrepreneurial mindset qualities and core
media-business discipline entrepreneurial subject area skills and expertise.
Entrepreneurial Mindset Qualities: Graduates on completion of this program are
equipped with the following entrepreneurial mindset qualities: visionary thinking to
anticipate future trends and disrupt industries, risk appetite to embrace uncertainty and
take calculated risks, resilience to bounce back from failures and persevere in the face
of business challenges, passion and drive to fuel their pursuit of making a positive
impact in their media-business ventures, resourcefulness to find creative solutions
using available resources, adaptability to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of
the 4IR economy, and a customer-centric approach to understand and address
customer needs in their media-business These entrepreneurial mindset qualities enable

our graduates seeking to embark on an entrepreneurial career in their field to have the
ability to thrive as media-business entrepreneurs, driving innovation and success in
the ever-evolving industry
Core Media Discipline Entrepreneurial Subject Area Skills and Expertise: In
addition to acquiring the requisite entrepreneurial mindset qualities, the program also
meets the following specific engineering discipline core subject areas skills and
expertise requirements for success in media-business entrepreneurship in the 4IR.
Graduates, upon completion of this program, are equipped with skills, expertise, and
know-how in the following:
1. Content Creation and Curation: Skills in content creation and curation,
including writing, editing, storytelling, visual design, video production, and
multimedia production. The ability to create high-quality and engaging content
across various media formats.
2. Digital Marketing Skills: Proficiency in digital marketing with expertise in
search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing,
online advertising, and analytics. Acquires skills to develop effective digital
marketing strategies to promote media offerings and reach the target audience.
3. Data Analytics Expertise: Developing expertise and skills to analyze audience
data, track engagement metrics, and derive insights to optimize content,
marketing strategies, and monetization models and acquiring data-driven
decision-making skills to enhance the effectiveness and profitability of media
ventures.
4. Financial Management and Analysis: Skills in financial management and
analysis. Expertise in understanding financial statements, budgeting, cash flow
management, and forecasting to make informed financial decisions, secure
funding, and ensure the financial sustainability of media-business ventures.
5. Sales and Business Development: Proficiency in sales and business
development; ability to identify potential customers, build relationships, and
close deals; understanding the intricacies of the sales process, negotiation
techniques, and customer relationship management to drive revenue growth.
6. Branding and Marketing Strategy: Solid understanding of branding and
marketing strategy to develop a strong brand identity, positioning, and
messaging that resonates with the target audience. Acquiring the needed skills
in market research, competitor analysis, and consumer behavior to develop
effective marketing strategies.
7. Monetization Models: Knowledgeable about various monetization models in
the media industry and expertise in advertising, subscriptions, sponsorships,
partnerships, and other revenue generation strategies and able to identify the
most suitable monetization models for a given content and target audience.
8. Intellectual Property and Copyright: Acquiring a good understanding of
intellectual property and copyright laws in the media industry to protect the

business's intellectual property and having knowledge in licensing, fair use,
and copyright infringement.
9. Project and Team Management: Developing effective project and team
management skills to manage multiple projects, coordinate teams, set
deadlines, and ensure smooth workflow and leadership skills to inspire and
motivate their team members.
10. Storytelling and Communication: Developing storytelling and communication
skills to effectively convey business vision, ideas, and messages across
different media platforms. Strong communication skills to engage with the
audience, build relationships, and negotiate business deals.
11. Media Ethics and Legal Compliance: Developing awareness of media ethics
and legal regulations and understanding the importance of responsible
journalism, privacy laws, defamation, libel, and other legal considerations, as
well as compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements to maintain
credibility and avoid legal issues.
12. Industry Trends and Market Awareness: Acquire skills in understanding
industry trends, market dynamics, emerging technologies, consumer behavior,
and technological advancements to identify new opportunities, anticipate
market shifts, and stay competitive in the media business space.
By acquiring these skills and expertise and being equipped with the requisite
entrepreneurial mindset qualities, GOU graduates in this field are well-prepared to
succeed as media-business entrepreneurs. They can effectively navigate the dynamic
media landscape by leveraging their content creation and curation proficiency, digital
marketing, data analytics, branding and marketing strategy, and monetization models.
Their project and team management skills enable them to coordinate multiple media
projects, set deadlines, and inspire their teams.
With strong storytelling and communication abilities, they can convey their business
vision and engage with their audience across various media platforms. They also
prioritize media ethics and legal compliance to maintain credibility and avoid legal
issues. Moreover, their market awareness and continuous learning ensure they stay
informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies,
allowing them to identify new opportunities and remain competitive in the media-
business space. Overall, GOU graduates in this field possess the necessary skills and
mindset to thrive as media-business entrepreneurs and make a significant impact in
the media-business industry landscape in the 4IR economy.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Public Relations and Strategic
Communication at GOU can open doors to exciting career opportunities in various
industries. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of communication theories,

honing your strategic planning skills, and developing expertise in media relations and
digital communication, you will be well-prepared to navigate the dynamic world of
public relations. Remember to research the program, assess your suitability and
interest, and consider the future trends in the field. With dedication, passion, and the
right education, you can embark on a fulfilling and successful public relations and
strategic communication career.

Enroll Now at GOU to Build a Strong Foundation and Potential for a
Secure and Promising Career in Public Relations and Strategic

Communication.