Communication and Public Relations

The aim of the study programme

To prepare highly qualified professionals, competent and competitive PR specialists for work in state institutions and local municipalities, mass media and non-governmental institutions.

Advantages of the study programme

• Comprises fundamental theoretical basis, as well as possibilities to acquire practical skills and competences
• The study process is based on problem solving, case study and research approach.
• During study process students have all chances to become independent, acquire high quality education as well as develop themselves as personalities.

Study Contents

Mass Communication
Public Relations Practices
Social Psychology
Basics and Techniques of Journalism
Written Communication
Speech Communication
Organisation Communication
Crisis Communication
Communication Practise
Public Relations and Ethics
Legal Aspects of the Public Relations
Modern Information Technologies
Sociology
Marketing
Entrepreneurship and others

Faculty

Members of the faculty are specialists that represent both the academic and professional viewpoint of the sector they represent. Majority of the lecturers are professionals of an area connected to the communication and public relations industries therefore students receive updated lecture materials and information on sector novelties. Students and graduates highly appreciate this aspect of the programme.

Internship Internships form an essential part of the study process in ViA as they give the students practical experience and skills necessary in their future working places.

The total time spent in internships is 26 weeks during the four study years. Students have internships in mass media, public relations and advertising companies, state and local municipality institutions, non governmental organizations and private enterprises.

Internships are organized both in Latvian enterprises and in companies abroad. ViA students are highly appraised by their internship advisors in the enterprises.

After Graduation

After graduation students have wide possibilities of further studies on a post-graduate level both in Latvia and abroad. ViA is offering a new Professional Master's level study programme to its graduates - Public Administration Master's Programme.

After graduation wide employment possibilities are offered to our students. ViA Communication and Public Relations Department graduates have started successful careers in UNICEF, UNDP, European Commission delegation, Vidzeme Region town and city councils, recognized PR agencies and many other establishments.