MA Public Relations

Program Overview

MA Public Relations

Course Summary

Develop your expertise in public relations (PR), combining theoretical knowledge, practice, and real-world application to prepare you to succeed in complex communications environments.

How You Learn

You'll be taught by practicing PR professionals who have experience in different areas of the sector. In on-campus lectures, you'll gain knowledge and key historical, cultural, and material contexts – as well as theoretical perspectives and methodologies. Online learning will include synchronous and asynchronous digital learning materials, and you'll make use of subject-specific resources in libraries and online to undertake independent learning.

You'll also learn by doing – from in-lecture and in-seminar prompts and activities, to working on live PR briefs set by local, national, or global employers.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• Persuasion, Influence, and Power: Credits 30, Assessment: Coursework 100%
• PR: Dissertation/Final Project: Credits 60, Assessment: Coursework 100%
• PR: Specialisms: Credits 30, Assessment: Coursework 100%
• PR: Strategy and Campaigning: Credits 30, Assessment: Coursework 100%
• Research and Communication Skills: Credits 30, Assessment: Coursework 100%

Future Careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• PR management
• communications
• digital PR account management
• news and PR coordination
• lead consultancy
• news and media management
• digital communications
• account management
• PR-specific, public, and private companies

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:

• Altitude PR
• Black House Media
• The Academy of Medical Sciences
• UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Community
• East Staffordshire Borough Council
• SEO Travel
• Search Laboratory
• Sheffield Hallam University
• South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Equipment and Facilities

You'll learn in a professional learning environment, including lecture and seminar rooms, many equipped with PCs. Outside formal teaching, you'll have access to a range of spaces around our campus, including:

• individual and group collaboration facilities to support self-directed learning
• a 24-hour learning centre
• your Students' Union
• cafes and eateries

Where Will I Study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry Requirements

• Normally an honors degree (2.2 or above) or equivalent in any subject
• A good standard of written and spoken English
• Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English.

Fees and Funding

• Home students: £10,940 for the course
• International/EU students: £18,600 for the course
• Postgraduate student loans: up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.

Additional Course Costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

• General course additional costs
• Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 745.6KB)