The University of Huddersfield ranks #151-200 in QS World University Rankings

The University of Huddersfield is celebrating that Communication and Media Studies has ranked #151-200 in the latest QS World University Rankings for the first time.

The rankings are calculated by a combination of international and research metrics, as well as reputation surveys of both academics and employers, which were undertaken in March 2021.

This achievement is a credit to academics working in communications at the School of Arts and Humanities and Huddersfield Business School including Professor Anne Gregory and Dr Gabriel Sadi. The work of Professor Anne Gregory and Dr Gabriel Sadi in developing the Global Capabilities Framework for Public Relations has led to them being recognised internationally.

Professor Anne Gregory is a world-renowned expert in public relations (PR), who has been awarded on numerous occasions for her outstanding work and contributions globally. She has innovatively led other research teams, including the research team for the Global Capability Framework (GCF).

Dr Gabriel Sadi is a senior lecturer focused on strategic communication and PR. His contribution to the development of the framework supported the research’s global impact as he was responsible for gathering research on the Latin/American region.

The research commenced in 2016 and was finalised in 2019. It had influence and input from PR professionals from nine countries across the globe. The research highlighted that there is a widely shared set of public relations and communication capabilities that help define the profession globally; there are minor but significant, variations between countries’ capability sets, particularly concerning the social role of public relations and the use of terminology; professional bodies and large employers are enthusiastic about using the framework to manage membership training and education, individual and team management.

The development of the Global Capability Framework (GCF) offers professionals in public relations, and communications management a new way to understand what they do and how to describe their work. Through the framework, professionals are encouraged to set goals and access suitable resources. The research and associated software have helped others in the profession have the necessary access to build in their field.

Many are indeed enthusiastic about using the framework to manage membership training and education, of individuals and team management. One of those organisations eager to implement the framework is The Public Relations Society of America. You can learn more about the Framework in The Discover magazine Discover 2022 by the University of Huddersfield - Issuu.  

Dr Gabriel Sadi has recently contributed two papers in a special issue of the Public Relations inquiry, titled ‘Towards a Latin American perspective in PR theory and practice’. You can learn more here Public Relations Inquiry - Volume 11, Number 2, May 01, 2022 (sagepub.com).