Bachelor of Public Communication

Duration: 4 academic years (8 semesters); includes a 12-week industrial attachment after Year 3 Semester 2

Start Date: To be confirmed

Cost: KES 79,000 per academic year, subject to the Open University of Kenya Fee Payment Policy

Mode of Delivery: Online

Application Due: Open

Fee Structure and Payment

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Overview

Connect. Influence. Inspire the World.

The Bachelor of Public Communication (BPC) is a flexible, technology-enabled programme designed to prepare future communication professionals for careers in media, public relations, corporate communication, digital communication, government, non-governmental organizations and international institutions.

Learners build strong competencies in:

Strategic communication and public relations
Digital media and content creation
Journalism and multimedia communication
Corporate communication and branding
Stakeholder engagement, advocacy and communication research

Delivered through the Open University ONLINE model, the programme combines self-paced learning, live virtual classes, collaborative discussions, media production, communication campaigns, practical assignments, e-portfolios, field attachment and a capstone project to transform knowledge into professional communication excellence.

Career Prospects in Public Communication

Graduates may pursue or advance careers in:

Public relations and corporate communication
Media, journalism and broadcasting
Digital communication, social media and content creation
Government communication and public affairs
Brand management, marketing communication and advertising
Corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement
Development communication in NGOs and international organizations
Communication consultancy, research and advocacy

Kindly ask for a return call from our proficient OUK course consultants to have your inquiries addressed.

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Other Programmes offered

The Bachelor of Public Communication (BPC) follows a progressive four-year pathway designed to build communication expertise from foundational concepts to advanced professional practice.

Year One introduces the foundations of communication, media studies, public relations, journalism, digital literacy, communication theory, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and information technology.
Year Two develops intermediate competencies in strategic communication, media writing, digital media, corporate communication, public relations, branding, communication ethics and research methods.
Year Three advances learners into communication campaigns, development communication, organizational communication, crisis communication, multimedia production, stakeholder engagement, communication research and industrial attachment.
Year Four focuses on strategic communication management, digital marketing, public affairs, media law and policy, global communication, communication for sustainable development, innovation in digital communication, and a capstone research project.

Progressive Certification and Awards

The Bachelor of Public Communication programme allows learners to earn progressive awards upon successful completion of the prescribed requirements at each stage.

After Year Two, a learner may qualify for a Certificate in Public Communication upon meeting all approved academic and University requirements.
After Year Three, a learner may qualify for a Diploma in Public Communication upon meeting all approved academic, credit, assessment, and practical requirements.
After Year Four, a learner who successfully completes all prescribed courses, industrial attachment, capstone/project requirements, and all University graduation requirements shall qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Public Communication degree.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be able to:

Demonstrate ethical, professional communication practices across media, public relations, digital communication and stakeholder engagement.
Apply research, critical thinking and communication strategies to address contemporary communication challenges and support informed decision-making.
Develop strategic communication solutions that effectively engage diverse audiences across public, private and development sectors.
Leverage digital technologies, emerging media and innovative communication platforms to create, manage and evaluate impactful communication initiatives

Applicants must meet general OUK undergraduate admission criteria plus any of the following:

KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent, with at least C in English/Kiswahili and a Humanities/Social Sciences subject, or the approved KUCCPS cluster cut-off for OUK.
Relevant diploma or professional qualification in Social Sciences from an accredited institution.
Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with one principal pass and subsidiary passes
KCSE or equivalent supported by Recognition of Prior Learning portfolio
Any other qualification recognised by Senate
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

· Credit transfer may be considered for equivalent undergraduate coursework completed and passed at accredited institutions recognised by Senate.

· A course considered for credit transfer must have been completed at an equivalent level and with a minimum grade of 50%.

· Credit transfers or exemptions may be granted up to 49% of the programme, subject to Senate approval and the general rules governing credit transfer.

Learners will be assessed through content-embedded quizzes, online practical work, open-book tests, project reports, e-portfolios, oral presentation of projects where applicable, and end-of-course online examinations

Continuous Assessment	Coursework, assignments, practical activities, forum discussions, session reflections, and continuous assessment tasks: 50%
End-of-Course Examination	End of course examination or approved final project/practical assessment: 50%
Academic Integrity	All student submissions are subject to plagiarism checks and authentication through University-provided credentials.

Semester	Code	Course Title	Units
I	BPC101	Introduction to Human Communication	3
I	BPC103	Digital literacy	3
I	BPC105	Fundamentals of public Communication	3
I	BPC107	Creative Writing	3
I	UCU 100	Critical and Creative Thinking	3
II	BPC102	Media and public communications	3
II	BPC104	Introduction to PR	3
II	BPC106	Introduction to Public Speaking	3
II	BPC108	Media and society	3
II	BEB 105	IT and Entrepreneurship	3

Semester	Code	Course Title	Units
I	BPC201	Communication Theories and Models	3
I	BPC203	Multimedia design and Editing	3
I	BPC205	Organizational Communication	3
I	BPC207	Communication Law and Policy	3
I	UCU 211	Contemporary Issues in Psychology	3
II	BPC202	Corporate Communication	3
II	BPC204	Fundamentals Photography	3
II	BPC206	Visual and Non-Verbal Communication	3
II	BPC208	Ethics in Public Communication	3
II	BPC210	Cultural Communication	3

Semester	Code	Course Title	Units
I	BPC301	Global and Emerging Trends in Public Communication	3
I	BPC303	Information Sourcing and Data Management	3
I	BPC305	Crisis Communication and Management	3
I	BPC307	Integrated Marketing, Advertising and Communication	3
I	BPC309	Public Opinion and Persuasion	3
II	BPC302	Protocol, and Event Management	3
II	BPC304	Strategic Government Communication	3
II	BPC306	Communication for Social Change	3
II	BPC308	Digital Media and Emerging Technologies	3
II	BPC310	Research Methods	3
After Sem II	BPC 326	Industrial Attachment	6

Semester	Code	Course Title	Units
I	BPC401	Gender Issues in Communication	3
I	BPC403	Leadership and Communication Management	3
I	BPC405	International Media and inter-governmental Communication	3
I	BPC407	Communication Psychology	3
I	BPC409	Entrepreneurship and Innovations in Public	3
II	BPC402	Social Influence and Behaviour Change	3
II	BPC404	Disseminating Science and Technology Information	3
II	BPC406	Political Communication	3
II	BPC 408	Grants Writing and Fund Raising	3
II	BPC 410	Capstone Project	3