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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 13,900
Per course
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Public Relations | Journalism | Media Studies
Area of study
Business and Administration | Journalism and Information
Education type
Fully Online
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 13,900
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-04-01-
2025-10-01-
2026-04-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Media and Public Relations MA, by distance learning

Course Description

This postgraduate degree will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to enhance your professional development. The MA in Media and Public Relations will provide you with a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of public relations (PR) by examining the structure of the PR sector and offering insights into the way in which the industry works.


The course covers the history and development of public relations in different parts of the world and provides a theoretical framework for investigating this rapidly changing profession. You will evaluate classic and emerging PR strategies and the use of research to inform PR campaigns and to measure their effectiveness, as well as their wider social impacts. You will look in depth at successful and effective PR campaigns and at the structural relationships between PR and the media. You will consider how commercial businesses and non-governmental organisations use PR techniques to advance their objectives. This course will equip you with the skills to critically analyse PR campaigns and understand the functions of publicity and the management of crisis communications scenarios. You will gain the skills to conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of PR campaigns and how to plan and implement an effective PR campaign.


Entry Requirements

  • A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional qualification.
  • We can give special consideration to you if you have significant work experience in a relevant field. Such candidates may, for example, be asked to complete an entry assessment (typically an essay) so as to demonstrate their readiness for postgraduate study. Clear guidance will be provided on assessment criteria.
  • IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

Fees and Funding

UK Students

  • MA: £13,900
  • PGDip: £9,265
  • PGCert: £4,635

International Students

  • MA: £13,900
  • PGDip: £9,265
  • PGCert: £4,635

Careers and Employability

This Masters degree will demonstrate to potential employers that you have a high level of knowledge in your particular area, which can set you apart from others in the job market. The course has a strong emphasis on research methods and training, which will have a practical application in the professional world.


Previous students have gone on to successfully find public relations jobs for employers such as global PR agencies Ogilvy and Weber Shandwick, at global brands such as Twitter and PlayStation, and in government communications, such as for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the government of Indonesia or in NGOs influencing policy in the European Union.


Related Courses

  • Media and Public Relations
  • Media and Advertising
  • Mass Communications

Course Structure

Taught Modules

  • Issues in Media and Communication
  • PR and Society
  • Strategic Communication Management
  • Media Research Design and Practice

Dissertation

Your dissertation provides you with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of independent research on a topic that interests you and research it in depth. You will be supported to help you identify a specific research ‘problem’ or question that you want to explore, which will help you select an appropriate methodology or methodologies in order to undertake this. You will be supported in organising and executing your research and also in writing up your findings and conclusions in a clear and effective manner.


Why Leicester?

As a student at a partner university of the Public Relations and Communications Association you will receive free membership of the PRCA with all the benefits that entails.


In 1978 the University of Leicester launched the UK's first Masters Degree in the field of media and communication.


One of the UK's longest established academic centres for communication and media studies, we are internationally recognised for our innovative research.


You will be taught by experienced tutors and leading researchers in the field.


Teaching and Learning

Teaching will involve materials produced by the core teaching staff in a variety of forms (e.g. short videos, podcasts, screencasts and wraparound commentaries), linked to a carefully structured set of required and recommended readings all provided through the online learning platform.


Students learn by working through produced materials and reading, supplemented by e-tivities for individual students to complete, and through open and structured discussion forums, moderated by module tutors. Assessment is by means of essays, critical reviews, case study reports, research methods assignments, online presentations, and a dissertation.


Key Dates

  • Start date: 6 October 2025
  • Application deadline for October 2025 start: 15 September 2025
  • Start date: 13 April 2026
  • Application deadline for April 2026 start: 23 March 2026

Program Outline


Media and Public Relations MA, by distance learning - Detailed Extraction


Degree Overview:

This postgraduate degree aims to provide students with advanced skills and knowledge to enhance their professional development in the field of public relations.


Objectives:

  • Gain a critical understanding of the practices and outcomes of public relations within rapidly changing media environments.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of public relations (PR).
  • Evaluate classic and emerging PR strategies and the use of research to inform PR campaigns.
  • Analyze the effectiveness and wider social impacts of PR campaigns.
  • Understand the structural relationships between PR and the media.
  • Analyze how commercial businesses and non-governmental organizations use PR techniques to advance their objectives.
  • Develop skills to critically analyze PR campaigns and understand the functions of publicity and crisis communications management.
  • Gain the ability to conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of PR campaigns and plan and implement effective PR campaigns.

Outline:


Content:

  • History and development of public relations in different parts of the world.
  • Theoretical framework for investigating the rapidly changing profession of public relations.
  • Classic and emerging PR strategies.
  • Use of research to inform PR campaigns and measure their effectiveness.
  • Social impacts of PR campaigns.
  • Successful and effective PR campaigns.
  • Structural relationships between PR and the media.
  • PR techniques used by commercial businesses and non-governmental organizations.
  • Critical analysis of PR campaigns.
  • Functions of publicity and crisis communications management.
  • Research methods for evaluating the effectiveness of PR campaigns.
  • Planning and implementing effective PR campaigns.

Structure:

  • Taught modules
  • Dissertation

Course Schedule:

  • 24 months duration
  • Start dates: April and October each year

Individual Modules:

  • Issues in Media and Communication: This module explores current issues and debates in media and communication, examining the role of media in shaping public opinion and understanding.
  • PR and Society: This module examines the relationship between public relations and society, exploring the ethical and social implications of PR practices.
  • Strategic Communication Management: This module focuses on the strategic planning and implementation of communication campaigns, covering topics such as crisis communication, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Media Research Design and Practice: This module provides students with the skills and knowledge to design and conduct media research, covering topics such as qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, and research ethics.

Dissertation:

  • Students undertake a major piece of independent research on a topic of their choice.
  • The dissertation provides an opportunity to explore a specific research problem or question in depth.
  • Students are supported in identifying a research question, selecting appropriate methodologies, organizing and executing research, and writing up their findings and conclusions.

Assessment:

  • Essays
  • Critical reviews
  • Case study reports
  • Research methods assignments
  • Online presentations
  • Dissertation

Teaching:

  • Teaching materials are provided in a variety of formats, including short videos, podcasts, screencasts, and wraparound commentaries.
  • Students learn through working through materials, reading, completing e-tivities, and participating in open and structured discussion forums moderated by module tutors.

Careers:

  • The Masters degree demonstrates a high level of knowledge in the field of public relations, setting graduates apart in the job market.
  • The course emphasizes research methods and training, which have practical applications in the professional world.
  • Graduates have secured public relations jobs at global PR agencies such as Ogilvy and Weber Shandwick, global brands such as Twitter and PlayStation, and government communications roles, including the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the government of Indonesia, and NGOs influencing policy in the European Union.
  • The University of Leicester's Career Development Service provides support with interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering, and more.

Other:

  • The University of Leicester is a partner of the UK Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).
  • Students receive free membership of the PRCA, including unlimited free access to PRCA online training courses and access to networking events, work placements, and graduate schemes.
  • The University of Leicester launched the UK's first Masters Degree in the field of media and communication in 1978.
  • The University is internationally recognized for its innovative research in communication and media studies.
  • Students are taught by experienced tutors and leading researchers in the field.

UK Students Starting in October 2024 or April 2025 MA: £13,550 PGDip: £9,035 PGCert: £4,515 International Students Starting in October 2024 or April 2025 MA: £13,550 PGDip: £9,035 PGCert: £4,515

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About University
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Courses

Leicester Global Study Centre


Overview:

Leicester Global Study Centre is a partnership between Navitas and the University of Leicester, offering international students pathways to undergraduate degrees at the University. However, the partnership will end in September 2024, and the Centre will close after current teaching is complete. This announcement does not affect students who began their studies at the Centre in January 2024.


Services Offered:

The Centre provides a range of services to support international students, including:

    International Foundation Programs:

    These programs prepare students for undergraduate degrees by enhancing their knowledge and skills in various subject areas like Economics & Management, Engineering & Technology, Science, and Society & Culture.

    International Year One Programs:

    These programs allow students to enter the second year of their chosen degree at the University of Leicester after completing a supportive International Year One program.

    Academic Support:

    The Centre offers academic support services to help students succeed in their studies.

    Student Support:

    The Centre provides comprehensive support services to help students adjust to life in the UK and at the University.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The Centre offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment where students can:

    Engage in social activities:

    Participate in various events, festivals, and activities organized by the Centre and the University.

    Explore Leicester:

    Discover the city's rich culture, history, and diverse food scene.

    Access facilities:

    Utilize the University's facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and student unions.

    Connect with other students:

    Build relationships with fellow students from around the world.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Pathway to University of Leicester:

    The Centre provides a direct pathway to undergraduate degrees at the University of Leicester, a renowned UK institution.

    High-quality education:

    The Centre offers high-quality academic programs designed to prepare students for success at the University.

    Supportive environment:

    The Centre provides a supportive and welcoming environment for international students.

    Vibrant campus life:

    Students can enjoy a vibrant campus life with access to various facilities and activities.

Academic Programs:

The Centre offers a range of academic programs, including:

    International Foundation Programs:

    These programs are available in various subject areas, including Economics & Management, Engineering & Technology, Science, and Society & Culture.

    International Year One Programs:

    These programs are available in subjects like Management.

Other:

The Centre is located in Stamford Court, Manor Road, Leicester, LE2 2LH, United Kingdom. It is a part of Navitas, a global education provider. The Centre is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience for international students.

Total programs
293
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • Academic Qualifications: A 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional qualification.
  • Work Experience: Special consideration may be given to applicants with significant work experience in a relevant field.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
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