Mass Communication vs Public Relations and Advertising: What Is the Difference?

Mass Communication and Public Relations and Advertising

Mass Communication and Public Relations and Advertising are closely related because both deal with communication, audiences and the creation of messages. However, the two programmes are not identical.

What Mass Communication Covers

Mass Communication has a broad media orientation. Students may be exposed to journalism, broadcasting, media writing, media production, digital communication, advertising, public relations and media research.

What Public Relations and Advertising Covers

Public Relations and Advertising focuses more specifically on communication used by organisations, brands, institutions and individuals to reach particular audiences. Public relations is concerned with relationships, reputation and public communication, while advertising focuses on promotional messages and campaigns.

The Difference in Focus

Mass Communication provides a wider foundation across different areas of mass media and communication. Public Relations and Advertising concentrates more directly on planned organisational communication, publicity, reputation and promotional communication.

Career Direction

A Mass Communication graduate may explore journalism, broadcasting, digital media, media production, advertising and public relations among other areas. Public Relations and Advertising may be particularly relevant to students interested in public relations, advertising campaigns, brand communication and organisational publicity.

Which Course Matches Your Interest?

The choice depends on the area of communication a student wants to explore. A student interested in a broad media education may look closely at Mass Communication, while someone specifically interested in organisational communication, publicity and advertising may examine Public Relations and Advertising more closely.