Public Relations MA

Public Relations shapes our world. Organisations use PR to get noticed, to change opinions, and pass on vital information that helps us to make decisions about health, education and welfare. PR is a fast-growing discipline, employing 83,000 people in a £13bn industry offering a wide range of job opportunities.

Our MA teaches you how to construct an effective PR campaign, combining theory with the practical skills needed to communicate persuasively on behalf of businesses, charities, public bodies, community groups and activists.

What's covered in this course?
The MA Public Relations course teaches you how to construct effective PR and social media campaigns, combining theory with the practical skills needed to communicate persuasively on behalf of businesses, brands, charities, public bodies and communities.

It is about reputation, influence, engagement and content creation.

The course brings together theory and practice, combining real intellectual challenge with a sharp focus on real-world events and firmly grounded in extensive industry links. We look at techniques for raising awareness, listening to stakeholders and influencing ethical policies.

We explore the ever-changing media landscape while critically examining PR’s impact on
society. The course is recognised by the leading professional body for PR in the UK, the
Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

The teaching team works closely with employers from public and private sector organisations, B2B and B2C, lifestyle and health, who support us with visiting speakers, case studies and mentoring, enabling you to engage with emerging PR challenges.

On completing this course, you will have the skills and understandings employers require for the role of entry-level account executive.

Professional Placement option
This course offers an optional professional placement. This allows you to spend 20 weeks with an employer, following completion of your taught modules, and is a great way to enhance your employability.

The experience you gain through your placement will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.

If you choose the placement option, you will be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you do not secure a suitable placement, you will automatically be transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.

Please note: Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process. As such, the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the professional placement option.