Program Overview

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MSc Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

The CIPR accredited MSc Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Master's degree from Robert Gordon University provides students with the practical skills and relevant academic knowledge to ensure they are capable of operating in a strategic communication role on graduation.

Course Overview

The MSc Corporate Communications and Public Affairs course has been designed in collaboration with leading practitioners to ensure it is relevant for today's employers and industry. With a highly practical focus, students will have the opportunity to undertake a four-week professional industry placement in a communication, media, or marketing environment, attend industry events, hear from professionals, take part in workshops, and visit media and communication organisations.

Mode of Study

• On Campus
• Full Time
• Part Time

Start Date

• September
• January

Course Length

• 12 months (Full Time)
• 16 months (Full Time with January start)
• 3 years (Part Time)

What You Will Study

The course is divided into three stages:

Stage 1

Students will develop an understanding of the legal, ethical, political, economic, and institutional frameworks they will operate in. Evaluating and applying theories of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs is a key part of this stage.

Stage 2

Students will continue to develop their specialist skills, in-depth knowledge, and practical experience. They will present a written research proposal for submission, which will normally form the basis for the master's dissertation or project. A four-week period of professional industry experience is undertaken at the end of the taught modules.

Stage 3

The Project/Dissertation can take the form of a practical project as an alternative to the traditional academic dissertation of 15,000 words. Students will work independently but under tutorial supervision, to undertake the research and prepare the project/dissertation.

Course & Module Information

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time.

On Campus Study

Students will learn through lectures, tutorials, industry-led workshops, and live client projects. These comprise a mix of group study, site visits, discussion, simulation, and presentations of findings by teams and individuals.

Part Time On Campus Study

Students will combine aspects of online learning and on-campus delivery. They will benefit from the support of CampusMoodle but also face-to-face interaction with tutors and classmates.

Activity Summary

• Lectures (Full-time) - 15-25 students per group, 6-8 hours per week
• Lectures (part-time) - 5-10 students per group, 3-4 hours per week
• Tutorials (Full-time) - 3-4 hours per week
• Tutorials (Part-time) - 1-2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - one-to-one, 0.5 hours per week
• Field Work - 1 hour per course
• External Visits - hours dependent on delivery mode

Independent Study

The course requires students to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where, and how their learning occurs. Students will spend approximately 15-20 hours per week working on their own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for group activities, and researching and writing course reports.

Assessment

• 4 reports
• 1 dissertation
• 2 portfolios
• 2 project outputs

Feedback

The university aims to provide students with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework, and practical exams.

Staff Delivering on this Course

The teaching team on this course have professorial and doctoral level knowledge and experience of the subject. They come from a variety of professional backgrounds including Blue Chip consultancy, economic development, public sector, health, the creative industries, and the arts.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia, and other specific learning differences.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using the university's collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics, and information technology support.

Library Support

The Library offers support for the course, including the books, eBooks, and journals students will need. They also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops, and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing.

Placements

Students will have the opportunity to undertake a four-week period of professional industry experience in a communication, media, or marketing environment, which will enable them to put into practice the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course and observe the overall running of the company.

Job Prospects

On successful completion of this course, students will be provided with a wide range of career opportunities within the wider Corporate Communication industry. Example fields include corporate communication, media relations, public relations, public affairs, and roles within internal communication and crisis management consultancies.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject area.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

Fees & Funding

Academic Year

Scottish Students

• Full Time: £7,870 (Over 1 year)

Rest of UK Students

• Full Time: £7,870 (Over 1 year)

International Students

• Full Time: £17,250 (Over 1 year)

Academic Year

Scottish Students

• Full Time: £7,600 (Over 1 year)
• Part Time: £3,800 (Over 3 years)

Rest of UK Students

• Full Time: £7,600 (Over 1 year)
• Part Time: £3,800 (Over 3 years)

International Students

• Full Time: £16,670 (Over 1 year)
• Part Time: £6,250 (Over 3 years)

Additional Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees, such as the cost of books, costs associated with any placement/study abroad, accommodation, and living costs.

Alumni Discount

Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.

Student Funding

Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.

Scholarships and Financial Awards

Students may qualify for a scholarship or financial award. The university offers various funding and scholarship opportunities.

Accreditation

The master's degree qualification of this course has been awarded accreditation and is approved by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), and students are eligible for student membership. Recognition by the professional body is an assurance of the high professional standard and credibility of this corporate communication course.