Program Overview

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MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications

Course Details

Course Code:

DC674

Course Type:

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Delivery Modes:

• Full-Time

Duration:

1 year

Phone:

+353 (0) 1

Email:

Overview

The MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications has been developed in partnership with the public relations industry in Ireland and with the advice and expertise of academics and practitioners across Europe and in the United States. The course is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), which is part of the Global Alliance of PR associations, representing 280,000 practitioners and academics in 126 countries. The MScPR programme is revised annually, with PRII input, to reflect the changing landscape of communications and the emerging use of the latest digital technologies.

Careers & Further Options

Careers:

The skills of strategic communications are used within organisations of all types: in public service, charities, voluntary organisations, entertainment, sports, education and business – across all sectors, including technology, food, healthcare, leisure and utilities.

Career Areas:

• Advertising
• Agency Strategist
• Brand Ambassador
• Business
• Communications
• Editor
• Event Management
• Market Research
• Marketing
• Presenter

Career Titles:

• Advertising
• Agency Strategist
• Brand Ambassador
• Business
• Communications
• Editor
• Event Management
• Market Research
• Marketing
• Presenter

Career Prospects:

• Public Relations
• Strategic Communications
• Advocacy
• Media Relations
• Content Management
• Political Communications
• Communications Management
• Brand Engagement
• Reputation Management
• Community Management
• Public Consultation
• Sponsorship
• Corporate Responsibility Management

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements:

For admission to the MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications programme, successful applicants will have:

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent.
• Entry to this programme is very competitive and places are limited. Applicants will normally have a strong honours primary degree in a related discipline.
• Appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the university.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Additional Criteria:

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme.

Programme Structure

Programme Overview:

The programme is normally delivered over 54 weeks from mid-September in four parts:

• Two twelve-week teaching semesters consisting of three modules delivered from mid-September to mid-December and three modules delivered from late January to late April.
• The completion of a capstone supervised research dissertation, focusing on current topics of importance to the public relations, media and communications sectors, for submission by 30th June.
• Participate in a three-month formal supervised work placement in a leading public relations agency or within a significant in-house communications department.

Semester One:

• Managing the Message
• Strategic Communication
• Contemporary Public Relations Issues
• Research Methods

Semester Two:

• Contemporary Communication Channels
• Communication Management
• Integrated Communications
• MScPR Dissertation workshops

Fees and Funding

Fees:

• Full-time: €7,900 (EU), €17,000 (Non-EU)
• Part-time: N/A

How To Apply

Application Process:

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
• A personal statement of 500-750 words (maximum) outlining your understanding of public relations or strategic communications in action, awareness of contemporary media and the role of different channels, and a personal career pathway.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Application Deadlines:

• Closing date for non-EU applicants is 1st July 2025
• Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025

Life On Campus

Campus Life:

• DCU has three academic campuses: Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra).
• Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
• Sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Student Supports:

• Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre
• The Writing Centre
• Maths Learning Centre
• Student Learning
• Careers Service

Accommodation:

• Information about accommodation on each of our three campuses can be accessed here.