جامعة النجاح الوطنية
An-Najah National University
Contemporary Public Relations
Duration: 24 Months (2 Years)
Degree Awarded: MSc
Student must complete 36 credit hours

Speciality Requirements Student must complete 27 credit hours

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours Prerequests
3
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of scientific research in the field of public relations. it covers the essential components of academic research, starting with how to formulate a clear and specific research title, identify a research problem, and articulate a well-defined research gap that distinguishes the study from existing literature. students will learn how to write a hierarchical research introductionfrom general context to specific focusand understand the importance of prior studies in shaping the theoretical framework. emphasis is placed on writing logical connections (logic flow) between previous studies and the study variables.the course also includes training in reviewing and organizing prior studies from most recent to oldest, understanding both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and choosing the appropriate approach based on research context. students will explore target populations, sampling strategies, and the rationale for selecting suitable samples. furthermore, the course introduces major theories from public relations, communication, and sociology and trains students to integrate and test these theories within their own research.additional topics include formulating hypotheses, understanding their types, and analyzing results to support or reject them. students will also gain hands-on experience with spss for questionnaire data analysis and result interpretation. finally, the course provides training in academic writing skills such as paraphrasing to reduce plagiarism and mastering various citation styles, both manual and electronic.
3
This course trains students to adopt tactical communication strategies, enabling them to influence others' opinions and behaviors and to develop effective engagement channels with modern, high-impact audiences. public relations practitioners have long relied on building relationships with journalists; however, this course shifts focus to utilizing social media platforms for promoting products, services, and institutional messages.students will explore how to develop and implement marketing campaigns using platforms such as facebook, twitter, pinterest, and linkedin, along with an introduction to social media policies and digital marketing tools. the course also emphasizes critical thinking in navigating the digital media landscapetraditional media, social media, and digital mediaby comparing their features, interactivity, and influence potential.students will learn to design integrated marketing strategies, evaluate the effectiveness of digital communication, and analyze audience data. the course includes hands-on projects where students select a social media page and conduct a content analysis or administer a questionnaire to measure audience impact. they will analyze quantitative and qualitative data, linking their findings to theories from public relations, media studies, sociology, and political communication.
3
This course aims to expand students theoretical knowledge and practical skills by integrating foundational principles from public relations, communication, media studies, and related social sciences, including sociology, political science, and management. emphasis is placed on exploring both classical and contemporary communication and public relations theories through a critical and historical lens.students will examine modern theoretical frameworks and assess their relevance to current events and real-world public relations practices. the course encourages the application of these theories in authentic scenarios to observe their functional implications. it also provides a deeper foundation in communication models as they pertain to public relations, equipping students with the tools to strategically apply theories and models for effective campaign planning, audience engagement, and organizational communication.
3
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the dimensions of strategic communication within the field of public relations. it covers the full cycle of strategic communicationfrom research and planning, which form the foundation of effective communication, to theoretical models of strategic communication and their digital applications in pr. the course culminates in examining public relations agencies as key examples of strategic organizational structures in the profession.in this context, students will learn how to manage digital communication in institutional relationships, with practical case studies focusing on pr agencies and their clientswhether individuals, businesses, or nonprofit organizationswho represent the primary target audiences for long-term engagement and trust-building.furthermore, the course incorporates practical examples and real-world scenarios to bridge academic theory with professional application. the primary objective is to codify practical pr strategies into a research-based framework that integrates science and practice. this approach aims to prepare a new generation of public relations professionals with both a comprehensive understanding of the field and the theoretical grounding necessary to critically assess and advance the profession in the arab world.
3
This course is designed to enhance students language, writing, and rhetorical skills through intensive evaluative readings of both written and spoken media materials. it emphasizes mastering the art of crafting persuasive messages, selecting appropriate language for various target audiences, and tailoring communication to suit different media platformsincluding print journalism, radio, television, and social media.the course also bridges theory with practical applications, guiding students in developing professional-level proficiency in public relations writing. students will learn the principles, forms, and functions of writing for public relations and mass media, including press releases, reports, advisories, feature stories, and promotional materials. emphasis is placed on mastering communication tools, understanding sources, crafting targeted messages, and addressing crisis situations effectively.through extensive practical training, students will:write news reports, press releases (informative, promotional, and explanatory), and institutional content.develop skills in conducting and analyzing interviews, transcribing conversations, and converting them into reports or articles.practice writing different types of media reports (news, analytical, interpretive, economic, etc.) and journalistic articles (opinion, editorial, and critical pieces).learn how to address institutions through formal emails and letters, both domestically and internationally.engage in media appearances and prepare for press interactions during crises.gain experience with digital advertising copywriting and persuasive message construction.in the final project, students will be tasked with creating a comprehensive pr media portfolio that includes writing samples, press statements, interview summaries, and reports related to real institutional case studies.
3
This course aims to enhance students proficiency in professional writing and spoken communication within the context of public relations. it focuses on expanding vocabulary, improving stylistic and grammatical accuracy, and developing the ability to craft and deliver different types of professional speeches, particularly informative and persuasive messages.students will engage in writing exercises involving press releases, news bulletins, media kits, communication plans, and content for press conferences, all tailored to real-world pr scenarios. the course also promotes interactive learning through class discussions in english, helping students build confidence and fluency in verbal communication.additionally, the course emphasizes digital literacy by training students to produce content suitable for online platforms such as blogs, twitter (microblogging), facebook, and linkedin. the objective is to prepare students to communicate professionally and effectively in english across both traditional and digital media channels within the public relations industry.
3
This course explores the foundational principles of organizational structures in public relations, including the factors influencing the size and scope of pr departments, their positioning within institutional hierarchies, and internal organization. students will learn the administrative and communication methods employed in pr management, with a focus on roles, responsibilities, ethics, and the attributes of successful pr managers. it also distinguishes between internal pr departments and external consultants across various sectorsgovernmental, industrial, commercial, social, educational, and media institutions.special emphasis is placed on understanding the performance of pr departments within media organizations, the techniques and communication channels used, and the integration of modern communication technologiesincluding digital media and social platforms. the course stresses the strategic role of pr management in organizational decision-making and the importance of enhancing pr performance within media entities.in parallel, the course aims to broaden and deepen students theoretical knowledge and practical skills in media management, particularly its impact, historical ties with public relations, and its evolving role in advancing institutional objectives. students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage contemporary and efficient media tools to maximize public relations effectiveness in today's dynamic communication environment.
6
In this course, a graduate student must submit a thesis and pass an oral defence related to his/her thesis. (see academic rules and regulations for graduate students).

Speciality Optional Requirements Student must complete 6 credit hours

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours Prerequests
3
This course explores the vital role that non-governmental organizations (ngos) play within societies and examines the distinctions between nonprofit, public, and private sector institutions. students will gain foundational knowledge of ngo structures and cultures, as well as their strategic communication and development needs.the course emphasizes the application of traditional public relations planning models within nonprofit settings. students will learn to critically assess the effectiveness of current pr strategies and outreach efforts employed by ngos, and to propose innovative solutions that enhance their visibility, engagement, and mission alignment.through practical exercises and case studies, students will design strategic communication plans tailored to ngo contexts, understand the dynamics of donor and stakeholder engagement, and develop creative approaches to advocacy and public messaging. the course fosters comparative thinking by distinguishing ngo operations from for-profit institutions, ultimately preparing students for communication roles within socially driven organizations.
3
This course focuses on the strategic analysis of corporate reputation factors and how they are managed in various contexts, with case studies on media crisis management and reputation impact.
3
This course introduces conflict management concepts and strategies in institutional and societal contexts, offering negotiation models and practical applications within public relations.
3
This course presents ethical and professional principles in public relations practice, analyzing ethical dilemmas related to persuasion, crisis management, and media transparency.
3
This course aims to develop leadership skills for public relations professionals, focusing on decision-making, influence, and strategic communication in complex media and organizational environments.
3
This course introduces students to the foundational principles, rules, and procedures related to etiquette, protocol, and ceremonial practices in international, governmental, and private institutions. students will explore the formalities and behavioral codes that govern diplomatic, official, and social interactions.the course aims to develop students understanding of the cultural and procedural standards that enhance professionalism and decorum in official events, diplomatic functions, and societal engagements. through practical examples and case studies, students will learn how etiquette and protocol contribute to fostering respect, order, and effective communication in diverse formal settings.

Speciality Optional Requirements, Second Set Student must complete 3 credit hours

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours Prerequests
3
This course focuses on deepening students practical expertise in designing and managing public relations campaigns through the analysis of selected case studies. it combines theoretical foundations with hands-on application, guiding students through all stages of campaign development: conceptualization, planning, execution, management, and evaluation.students will review relevant public relations theories and campaign management principles, including strategy formulation and assessment methodologies. the course emphasizes the process of setting campaign objectives, defining target audiences, crafting appropriate messages, and selecting the most effective communication channels for message delivery.special attention is given to ethical considerations in campaign design and implementation. by the end of the course, students will be equipped to plan, manage, and evaluate pr campaigns using evidence-based approaches that align with institutional goals and uphold professional standards.
3
This course covers concepts and tools of digital marketing, including targeted advertising, seo, digital content, and audience engagement through social platforms. it links digital public relations to institutional image-building.
3
This course trains students to use digital analytics tools to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of public relations and digital marketing campaigns. it includes social media data analysis, engagement metrics, and trend monitoring.
3
This course explores theories and practices of inter-organizational communication, including partnerships, strategic negotiations, and sectoral collaborations. it emphasizes trust-building and effective information exchange in multi-party settings.

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