B.Sc. Public Relations

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Social Sciences > Department of Mass Communication > B.Sc. Public Relations

The B.Sc. Public Relations programme equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to build, manage, and protect the image and reputation of organisations, individuals, and institutions. You will learn how strategic communication influences public perception, fosters relationships, resolves crises, and supports organisational goals in a rapidly changing communication environment.

Throughout your studies, you will develop competencies in message strategy, media relations, stakeholder engagement, corporate communication, crisis management, digital communication, and communication research. You will also explore how communication shapes public opinion, strengthens public trust, and enhances brand and organisational credibility. By the end of the programme, you will be ready to function as a communication strategist, corporate communicator, public affairs officer, or consultant in both public and private sectors.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Public Relations programme provides an in-depth understanding of how organisations design and manage communication strategies to build positive relationships with their publics. You will study communication theories, public relations principles, message planning, media management, organisational communication, and digital engagement.

Key areas of study include:

  1. Public relations principles and practice
  2. Corporate communication
  3. Crisis and issues management
  4. Stakeholder and community relations
  5. Public affairs and government relations
  6. Event planning and management
  7. Media relations and press communication
  8. Digital PR and social media strategy
  9. Communication research and campaign evaluation
  10. Reputation and brand management

The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is built on the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC). It integrates foundational communication studies, specialised public relations courses, digital communication competencies, and research-based training to prepare you for modern PR practice.

You begin with foundational courses that introduce communication and media environments:

  1. Introduction to Communication
  2. Introduction to Media Studies
  3. Writing for the Media
  4. Introduction to Public Relations
  5. Communication in English
  6. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  7. Logic and Philosophy
  8. Introduction to Computer Applications

These courses provide the essential grounding for understanding communication processes and media dynamics.

You advance into core public relations concepts and skills:

  1. Public Relations Principles and Practice
  2. Media Systems and Society
  3. Communication Research Methods I
  4. Public Affairs and Government Relations
  5. Introduction to Marketing
  6. Event Planning and Management
  7. Communication Strategy and Message Design
  8. Media Aesthetics and Visual Communication

This stage strengthens your understanding of organisational communication and public engagement.

You develop specialized communication strategies and applied PR skills:

  1. Corporate Communication
  2. Crisis and Issues Management
  3. Digital Public Relations
  4. Stakeholder and Community Relations
  5. Communication Research Methods II
  6. Integrated Marketing Communication
  7. Media Audience Analysis
  8. Public Relations Writing and Production

You gain hands-on experience in managing communication challenges and producing targeted messages.

Your final year prepares you for professional practice and leadership in communication:

  1. Reputation and Brand Management
  2. Strategic Public Relations Campaigns
  3. Public Relations Management
  4. Media Ethics and Regulation
  5. Seminar in Public Relations
  6. Project/Dissertation

This stage includes a major research or campaign project demonstrating your strategic and analytical abilities.

Entry Requirements

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. A minimum of five credit passes at O-Level, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Successful participation in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.
  4. Your O-Level combination should demonstrate strong communication and humanities background, as these underpin public relations writing, analysis, and strategic communication.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. At least five O-Level credits, including English Language.
  2. Two A-Level passes in subjects relevant to communication, arts, or social sciences OR a National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), or equivalent qualification in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Media Studies, Marketing, or related fields with at least Upper Credit or Merit.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Public Relations at Olabisi Onabanjo University provides you with the strategic, creative, and analytical tools needed to thrive in today’s communication-driven world.

You will benefit from:

  1. A curriculum shaped by industry needs, covering corporate communication, crisis management, digital PR, stakeholder engagement, brand communication, and public affairs.
  2. Experienced lecturers and practitioners who provide insight into real-world communication practice and emerging trends.
  3. Opportunities for hands-on training, including message development, media relations, event planning, and campaign creation.
  4. Exposure to digital communication platforms, equipping you with the skills to manage online reputation, social media content, and digital engagement strategies.
  5. Training in ethics, law, and communication governance, ensuring you practise responsibly and professionally in diverse organisational contexts.
  6. A foundation for leadership roles in corporate organisations, government agencies, NGOs, and consultancy firms.

A strong pathway to postgraduate studies, including Public Relations, Communication Studies, Media Management, Marketing Communication, and related fields.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that enables you to investigate real-world communication challenges and apply public relations strategies grounded in theory and evidence.

Under the guidance of a supervisor, you will:

  1. Select a research topic related to public relations, corporate communication, media relations, crisis communication, digital PR, community relations, or brand management.
  2. Conduct qualitative or quantitative research using appropriate methods such as surveys, interviews, content analysis, or case studies.
  3. Analyse data to understand communication problems or evaluate public relations strategies.
  4. Present your findings in a well-structured dissertation that meets academic standards and reflects your readiness for professional practice.

This project strengthens your research proficiency, analytical thinking, strategic ability, and communication competence.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University. 

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn the minimum credit load required for graduation:
  3. 120 credit units for UTME entrants
  4. 90 credit units for Direct Entry entrants
  5. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  6. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Public Relations, a qualification recognised for its relevance in corporate, governmental, non-profit, and strategic communication environments.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Public Relations offers you broad career prospects across business, media, government, development organisations, and digital communication sectors. Your training equips you to design, manage, and evaluate communication strategies for diverse organisations.

You may pursue roles such as:

  1. Public Relations Officer
  2. Corporate Communications Executive
  3. Media Relations Specialist
  4. Crisis Communication Officer
  5. Social Media and Digital PR Strategist
  6. Public Affairs and Government Relations Officer
  7. Community Relations Manager
  8. Brand and Reputation Manager
  9. Event Manager
  10. Communications Consultant
  11. Content Developer
  12. Media Analyst
  13. Investor Relations Assistant

You may work in:

  1. Corporate organisations
  2. Government ministries, agencies, and regulatory bodies
  3. Public enterprises
  4. Communication and PR consultancy firms
  5. Non-governmental and development organisations
  6. Media houses
  7. International organisations
  8. Educational institutions
  9. Branding and marketing agencies

The programme provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate studies in Public Relations, Communication Studies, Media Management, Marketing Communication, and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first-choice institution and choose Public Relations as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Possess at least five O-level credits, including English Language, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening and meet the departmental cut-off mark.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold two A-Level passes in relevant subjects OR possess an ND, NCE, or equivalent qualification in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Media Studies, Marketing, or related fields with at least Upper Credit or Merit.
  2. Have the required O-level credits, including English Language.
  3. Upload your transcripts and supporting documents through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. Public Relations programme is coordinated by a team of committed academics and experienced communication professionals within the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Department = Mass Communication
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Social Science, Main Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities