PR degrees criticised by industry - graduate jobs

A third of public relations firms find graduates with PR degrees less employable than someone holding a university qualification in a different subject, according to a study.

Research by the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) found 34% of consultancies agreed a PR degree was less attractive than other degrees, while 23% saw it as a positive and 43% were not swayed either way.

It comes at a time when 70% of consultants advocate a university education, saying that a degree is more important than ever for would-be PR professionals.

A PRCA spokesman said: "There is clearly a concern that there is a need to raise the bar, as some of the courses out there do not equip graduates with the necessary skills to do their jobs.

And he added while some universities offer excellent PR degrees, there were others that did not.

"What is essential is that the profession continues to attract graduates of the highest calibre, irrespective of what degree they hold," he said.

But Pete Wilby, senior lecturer and public relations degree leader at Birmingham City University, said the research did not match the experience of teaching a PR degree in Birmingham, where the university was enjoying "considerable support" from PR professionals.