Suggested Syllabus

PG Diploma in Public Relations

Simultaneous with a UG Degree

(aligns with the guidelines of UGC and NEP 2020)

Duration: 1 Academic Year (July to March)

No. of Units: 5

Classes per Month: 5 (1 Hour each)

Total Hours: 45 hours

Objective: To equip learners with professional, ethical and strategic communication skills that are essential for contemporary Public Relations practice.

Unit I – Foundations of Public Relations (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
Introduction to Public Relations: Concept & Evolution	1 hour
Functions, Scope and Importance of PR	1 hour
PR and Communication: Theoretical & Applied Perspectives	1 hour
Publics in PR: Internal & External Stakeholders	1 hour
PR vs. Advg. vs. Marketing vs. HR : Distinctions & Interlinkages	1 hour
Principles & Ethics of Public Relations Practice	1 hour
Role of Public Relations in Society & Democracy	1 hour
Growth & Development of Public Relations in India	1 hour
Professional Associations: PRSI, PRCAI, IPRA, Global Alliance etc	1 hour

 Unit II – Strategic Public Relations & Corporate Communication (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
Corporate Communication and PR: Strategic Alignment	1 hour
Corporate Identity, Image and Reputation Management	1 hour
PR Planning, Budgeting & Strategy Formulation	1 hour
Media Relations & Press Conference Management	1 hour
Crisis Communication: PR in Risk & Reputation Management	1 hour
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and PR Interface	1 hour
Case Studies: CSR Initiatives of Major Corporates	1 hour
Internal Communication & Employee Relations	1 hour
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building	1 hour

Unit III – PR Writing, Media and Tools (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
Writing for PR: Press Releases, Speeches, Reports & Features	1 hour
Visual Communication and Design in PR	1 hour
PR and Digital Content Creation	1 hour
Writing for Print, Radio, Television and Online Media	1 hour
Social Media Management and Digital Engagement	1 hour
Event Management and Publicity Campaigns	1 hour
Tools & Techniques in PR: House Journals, Newsletters & Brochures	1 hour
Measurement and Evaluation of PR Campaigns	1 hour
Ethics in Media Relations and Online Communication	1 hour

Unit IV – Public Relations in Practice (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
In-house PR vs. PR Consultancy: Structure & Functions	1 hour
Government & Public Sector PR: Objectives & Approaches	1 hour
NGO and Development Communication	1 hour
PR in Education, Healthcare and Tourism Sectors	1 hour
Corporate and Political Communication Strategies	1 hour
International Public Relations & Global Communication	1 hour
Public Opinion, Media Ethics and Regulation	1 hour
Reputation Management & Branding	1 hour
Case Studies: Successful PR Campaigns (India & Abroad)	1 hour

 

 Unit V – Emerging Trends & Field Exposure (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
The Changing Landscape of Public Relations	1 hour
Digital PR, AI and Data-Driven Communication	1 hour
Influencer Relations and Online Reputation Management	1 hour
PR and Sustainability Communication	1 hour
Public Relations in the Age of Ethical AI	1 hour
Future of PR Education and Skills	1 hour
Industry Interaction: Guest Lecture / Expert Talk	1 hour
Field Visits: PR Departments in Corporate Houses / Govt. Offices	1 hour
Seminar Presentation / Case Study Review	1 hour

Evaluation Pattern

Continuous Internal Assessment on 5 Units*: 25 Marks

(Pass Marks: 10)

Project Report: 10 Marks

(Pass Marks: 7)

Viva Voce on Project Report: 5 Marks

(Pass Marks: 3)

Final Written Examination: 60 Marks

(Pass Marks: 25)

Total Marks: 100

(Pass Marks: 45)

*Continuous Internal Assessment shall include -

1.     Writing a press release or speech drafting (Assignment)

2.     Giving a mock press conference (Presentation)

3.     Conducting a mini PR campaign (Project)

4.     Submitting a case study analysis (Report)

5.     Participating in group discussions or media simulations (Participation)

 

Y Babji

Academic Counsellor & Course Writer, DrBRAOU (since 1989)

Member, Syllabus Committee on PR of APSCHE (2008-10)