Media and Public Relations MA, by distance learning
University of Leicester
Key Information
Campus location
Online United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
24 months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 12,500 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* this is the total course fee; you will pay this fee wherever in the world you live
Scholarships
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Introduction
This is for you if... you want the flexibility of studying by distance learning whilst gaining a critical understanding of the practices and outcomes of public relations within the context of rapidly changing media environments.
This postgraduate degree will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to enhance your professional development. The MA in Media and Public Relations will provide you with a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of public relations (PR) by examining the structure of the PR sector and offering insights into the way in which the industry works.
The course covers the history and development of public relations in different parts of the world and provides a theoretical framework for investigating this rapidly changing profession. You will evaluate classic and emerging PR strategies and the use of research to inform PR campaigns and to measure their effectiveness, as well as their wider social impacts. You will look in depth at successful and effective PR campaigns and at the structural relationships between PR and the media. You will consider how commercial businesses and non-governmental organisations use PR techniques to advance their objectives. This course will equip you with the skills to critically analyse PR campaigns and understand the functions of publicity and the management of crisis communications scenarios. You will gain the skills to conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of PR campaigns and how to plan and implement an effective PR campaign.
One of the great strengths of this course is that you will be taught by lecturers and support tutors who combine specialist knowledge of theory and research methods with experience in the public relations sector and its working practices. The University of Leicester is a partner of the UK Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) which means you will enjoy many benefits including:
- free membership of the PRCA
- unlimited free access to PRCA online training courses
- access to a range of networking events, work placements and graduate schemes
Why Leicester?
- As a student at a partner university of the Public Relations and Communications Association, you will receive free membership of the PRCA with all the benefits that entail.
- In 1978 the University of Leicester launched the UK's first Master's Degree in the field of media and communication.
- One of the UK's longest-established academic centres for communication and media studies, we are internationally recognised for our innovative research.
You will be taught by experienced tutors and leading researchers in the field.
Teaching and learning
Teaching will involve materials produced by the core teaching staff in a variety of forms (e.g. short videos, podcasts, screencasts and wraparound commentaries), linked to a carefully structured set of required and recommended readings all provided through the online learning platform.
Students learn by working through produced materials and reading, supplemented by e-tivities for individual students to complete, and through open and structured discussion forums, moderated by module tutors. Assessment is by means of essays, critical reviews, case study reports, research methods assignments, online presentations, and a dissertation.
Curriculum
Taught modules
- Issues in Media and Communication
- PR and Society
- Strategic Communication Management
- Media Research Design and Practice
The modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Dissertation
Your dissertation provides you with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of independent research on a topic that interests you and research it in depth. You will be supported to help you identify a specific research ‘problem’ or question that you want to explore, which will help you select an appropriate methodology or methodologies in order to undertake this. You will be supported in organising and executing your research and also in writing up your findings and conclusions in a clear and effective manner.
Dissertation support covers these areas:
- What is a dissertation and the dissertation process?
- Literature review
- The dissertation journey
- Ethics approval process
- Methodological design and ethics approval
- Field work
- Write up
The modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Career Opportunities
This Master's degree will demonstrate to potential employers that you have a high level of knowledge in your particular area, which can set you apart from others in the job market. The course has a strong emphasis on research methods and training, which will have a practical application in the professional world.
Previous students have gone on to successfully find public relations jobs for employers such as global PR agencies Ogilvy and Weber Shandwick, at global brands such as Twitter and PlayStation, and in government communications, such as for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the government of Indonesia or in NGOs influencing policy in the European Union.