Corporate Communications and Public Affairs PgCert | PgDip | MSc |

Program Overview

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

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, you will have the opportunity to undertake a four-week professional industry placement in a real organisation, attend industry events, hear from professionals, take part in workshops and visit media and communication organisations. This will ensure you will have both the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for a successful career.

Program Outline

Stage 1

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

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Stage 2

You will continue to develop your specialist skills, in-depth knowledge and practical experience. You 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.

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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. You will work independently but under tutorial supervision, to undertake the research and prepare the project/dissertation.

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Modules

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

course and module disclaimer

for more information.

Detailed module information

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On Campus Study

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

Access to our virtual learning environment,

CampusMoodle

, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).

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Part Time On Campus Study

You will combine aspects of online learning and on-campus delivery. You will benefit from the support of

CampusMoodle

but also face-to-face interaction with tutors and classmates.

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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

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How long is a Corporate Communications and Public Affairs course?

The Corporate Communications and Public Affairs MSc can be successfully completed within 12 months - 3 years.

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Independent Study

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

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Assessment

Please note the below assessment period represents full-time on campus mode only, part-time mode students will study the same number of assessments but over a three year period.

4 reports

1 dissertation

2 portfolios

2 project outputs

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Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

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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.

Many staff members have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

Other staff include guest lecturers and industry professionals who share their experiences and best practice through a series of events and workshops.

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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. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion Centre

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Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

CampusMoodle

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Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing

Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)

Maths and statistics

English language

Information technology support

Study Skills Support

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Library Support

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

University Library

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Placements

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

You will have access to our Placement Office, who will support you remotely in sourcing and validating a suitable position.

Previous students have worked with blue-chip corporation, global communications consultancies, global broadcasting companies, newspaper corporations, leading arts and heritage organisations, oil and gas companies, marketing agencies and charities.

PLACEMENTs at RGU

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Job Prospects

On successful completion of this course, you 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 role within internal communication and crisis management consultancies.

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Is Corporate Communications and Public Affairs a good career choice?

Previous graduates have gone on to work as:

PR and Marketing Executives

Communications Coordinators

Marketing Executives

CAREERS