Program Overview

Public Relations and Digital Communications

Overview

The Public Relations and Digital Communications MA course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern digital communications workplace. The course covers a range of topics, including the history and origins of PR, ethical implications, content creation, and industry placements.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time
• Duration: One year
• Next Enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

The Public Relations and Digital Communications MA course is designed to provide students with the technical and editorial skills needed to succeed in the modern digital communications workplace. The course covers a range of topics, including the history and origins of PR, ethical implications, content creation, and industry placements.

What You Will Study

• PR and Journalism: This module explores the origins and history of PR, the legal and ethical implications, and popular genres such as political PR, celebrity PR, crisis PR, and reputation management.
• Content Creation: This module provides and develops technical and editorial online skills, preparing students for the demands of the modern multi-skilled digital communications environment.
• Understanding PR Campaigns: This module involves analyzing PR campaign case studies, examining examples of good and bad practice, and developing a critical appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of a PR officer.
• Professional PR Practice: This module incorporates an industry work placement, which gives students the chance to develop their professional skills.
• Major Project or Dissertation: This module gives students the chance to focus on an aspect of PR and digital communication that they wish to explore further.

Employment and Stats

• Employment: The PR industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and this course is designed to combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills to secure a professional media career.
• Further Study: Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.

Requirements

• Applicant Profile: To gain a place on this course, students must submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements.
• Standard Entry Requirements: A second-class honors degree, 2:2 or above.
• International Students: An IELTS score of 6.5, with a written element of 7.0 and no element below 6.0, is required.

Fees

• Full-time Home: £9,100 per year (2025/26)
• Full-time International: £17,000 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Books, Stationery, Printing, Binding, and General Subsistence: Students should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for International Students

• High-Achieving International Students: May be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.