Course summary
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 of 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
Assessment method
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.
How to apply
International applicants
https://le.ac.uk/study/international-students
Entry requirements
A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional qualification. We can give special consideration to you if you have significant work experience in a relevant field. Such candidates may, for example, be asked to complete an entry assessment (typically an essay) so as to demonstrate their readiness for postgraduate study. Clear guidance will be provided on assessment criteria. English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Please see website for 25/26 postgraduate fee information
Sponsorship information
https://le.ac.uk/study/postgraduates/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester
LE1 7RH