academic

Visualising is key to learning
New Mac software from Sonocent helps students and professionals by making note taking from recorded lectures and interviews an easy, visual process. Search on for prize-winning dissertations
Two prizes of EUR 500 are to be awarded for the best BA and MA dissertations in the field of online communication and social media in the European Digital Communication Awards. Measurement, from AVE to ROI
Public relations professor Tom Watson has said that measuring the effectiveness of PR will be increasingly focused on Return on Investment (ROI). Professor Watson, only the second professorial appointment in the field of PR in the UK, was discussing the historical evolution of measuring PR effectiveness in his inaugural lecture at Bournemouth University. Reflecting on [...] Best place at the best time
A Hungarian associate professor, Márta Konczos, describes her time in the UK and tells students why this is a great time to train as a PR practitioner or academic. Sport Public Relations and Communication
Joe Mirtaheri reviews a new textbook in the field of sport public relations, co-authored by one of his university lecturers. Deadline for social media awards nominations
Deadline for entries to this year’s EuroBlog social media awards is Sunday January 30. PR conferences in 2011
Some dates and links for notable public relations academic conferences in Europe this year. Tips for a trouble-free dissertation
For some, it’s the peak of their studying; for many others, a difficult mountain to climb. Claire Latham tells how to succeed with your PR dissertation. Education is key for future of PR and comms
A new paper by two Bournemouth academics argues the importance of education and training to the future of corporate communications. Final year: a time to fear or a time to shine?
Final year students are understandably focused on their dissertations. But, as Natalie Smith explains, they should set their sights on graduate opportunities too. PR is reputation management, not events management
First year students are often confused about the distinction between Public Relations and Events Management. Katerina Hejralova has studied both subjects at university and describes the many similarities and differences between the disciplines. Develop Your PR Skills
Clare Siobhan Callery reviews a new book by two of her university lecturers, an introduction to PR written for small business owners. Starting a degree in PR? Read this first
Current PR students and recent graduates give their advice to this year’s new students on what really matters. Richard Bailey reports. How to get a First in PR
Bethany Ansell graduated with a first class degree in Public Relations and Communication from Southampton Solent University. Here’s what worked for her in achieving her goal. Sibling rivalry theory of international PR
My relationship with my younger sister sheds light on the differences between public relations in the US and in Europe, argues Abigail Crim. Ingenious ways to fund your Master’s degree
You could make 115,200 lattes, take 7924 online surveys or recycle 13,193 lbs of copper to fund your postgraduate course, according to this infographic from postgrad.com. Why learn social media at university
Surely there’s nothing to teach a student about social media? Stephen Johnson thought not until he took a pioneering course at university. Macnamara on media and the future of PR
Jim Macnamara’s new book provides an important media sociology perspective on PR and social media, finds Richard Bailey. But it’s written for scholars, not for the general reader. How Oxfam uses social media for social good
We publish an edited version of Katie Brown‘s award-winning essay on Oxfam’s use of social media to promote stakeholder engagement. Astroturfing: the unacceptable face of public relations
Having studied the practice of astroturfing for her Master’s dissertation, Priyanka Palit reveals the shocking truth in this summary of her reading. Academic conferences in 2010
Here are some public relations academic conferences that are inviting contributions and will welcome attendees next year. PR conferences 2009
Some PR conferences in 2009 Cross-cultural curriculum
Based on experience of designing and delivering international PR courses in North Carolina and London, Alan Freitag offers some principles and practical guidance. Conference calendar
June 23-24 2008, London World Public Relations Conference & Festival 2008; September 11-12 2008, Plymouth Beyond the Spin (the sequel to Behind the Spin 2006)