Communications, PR and the Media Professional MA by Research

Program Overview

Communications, PR and the Media Professional MA by Research

Overview

This professional MA by Research adopts an active learning approach with a strong emphasis on real-world application to create a practical and professional course for international and home students.

Study Style

While lectures and seminars form part of our approach, we also encourage you to study with your peers in small communities of practice, connecting with those who have similar interests or similar research approaches. Peer review and feedback are adopted to develop your ability in reflective listening, critical evaluation, and commitment to action.

Course Modules

• Strategic Communications (MD7108)
  • This module aims to provide students with detailed insights into the role of communications in society and within business.
  • Students will develop rigorous project planning skills such as budgeting and time management.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 40
  • Independent Learning Hours: 260
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 40% Portfolio: Individual: 3200 word equivalent
    • 002: 60% Portfolio: Individual: 4800 word equivalent
• Stunts, Campaigns and Crises (MD7110)
  • Students will be equipped with skills and knowledge to excel in the proactive and reactive worlds of public relations and communications.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 60
  • Independent Learning Hours: 240
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 50% Assignment: Individual: 4000 word equivalent
    • 002: 50% Presentation: Individual: 15 minutes 4000 word equivalent
• Communicating Power and Influence (MD7113)
  • This module examines the role that people of influence have in the communications and PR industries.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 60
  • Independent Learning Hours: 240
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 50% Assignment: Individual: 4,000 words or equivalent
    • 002: 50% Assignment: Individual: 4000 words equivalent
• Communications PR and the Media Thesis (MD7118)
  • This module provides students with the underpinning knowledge of research methodologies and the development of independent research.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 36
  • Independent Learning Hours: 1464
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 0% Presentation: Individual: 15 minutes
    • 002: 0% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words
    • 003: 100% Dissertation / Major Project: 30000 words

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications from overseas institutions
  • Applicants should hold at least a 2:2 bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an overseas university.
• English language requirements
  • IELTS 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
• International students
  • Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.

Fees and Costs

• Start date | Course code | Fee (UK) | Fee (international)
  • January 2026 | — | £5,600 | £13,425
  • September 2025 | — | £5,600 | £13,425
  • January 2027 | — | TBC | TBC
  • September 2026 | — | TBC | TBC

Careers

The employment prospects and career aspirations of our Professional MA by Research graduates are exciting and varied. The course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and experience necessary to prepare you for an exciting graduate career in a range of established and developing contexts.

Teaching Staff

• Academic course leader
  • Cat Hepple
  • Academic Course Leader for Communications, PR and the Media

Research Areas

• The course will help you gain the right knowledge, skills and connections you need to forge a career in Public Relations (PR) and communications.
• Modules cover subjects including influencer-targeting, social media strategy, campaign planning, crisis communications, media relations and strategic communications.
• You’ll also gain skills in video and podcast recording, copywriting and editing using Adobe software.
• You’ll learn how to use the latest techniques in digital PR, social media, and other media to create effective PR campaigns.
• You’ll also gain understanding of the role of AI in both content creation and its impact on the professional world of PR.