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The MA in Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) is designed for students who want to focus their energy on the dynamic world of social media, develop their creative practice and professional writing skills or are looking to work in an entrepreneurial environment.
The MA in Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) offers syllabus-based practice in professional, contemporary media skills, taught by industry professionals with academic backgrounds. The Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) programme includes modules in Professional Writing/Journalism, Visual Communications and Media Design, Video and Documentary Making and Public Relations (PR), Branding and Promotion. Other modules in communication, theory, film and history are also available.
The Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) programme allows graduates to add valuable and desirable professional media skills for careers in business, journalism, public and media relations, broadcasting, advertising and marketing and industry professionals to acquire new media skills and qualifications that will enhance their continuing professional development.
The full-time MA in Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) course is split across the year with three modules offered in each academic semester (a total of six modules in part one) and then a dissertation or professional media practice project over the summer (part two).
The part two component allows students in the Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) programme to either write a 16,000 word dissertation or undertake the professional media project which incorporates the practical elements of the course and a short unpaid work placement.
To research and develop stories in an online, multi-media environment.
To present the principles, theories and techniques surrounding video making.
To develop practical skills and conceptual knowledge of digital publishing, visual communication and media design.
To provide a critical overview of the role of public relations (PR) and promotional practice.
To develop writing skills in a wide range of genres.
Modules on the MA in in Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) typically include:
• Visual Communication and Media Design
• Video and Documentary Making
• Public Relations (PR), Branding and Promotion
• Reporting Terrorism
• Global Media
• Risk Reporting
• The Business and Politics of Digital Media
• Development Communications
• Online Journalism
• The Digital Edge
Career expectations are excellent for Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) graduates. Media Companies, non-profit organisations, global business, government and the public sector value the fact that our Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations (PR) Graduates have developed a range of critical and theoretical abilities and a creative and innovative approach to media practice. Our Graduates go on to work in business, marketing and Public Relations (PR), journalism, broadcasting, web-design, advertising, publicity, arts and cultural bodies.
A new approach to public relations
The Master of Professional Public Relations is a new degree that will give you an in-depth understanding of global PR theory and practice.
The Master of Professional Public Relations is an all-new degree that takes a global approach to public relations.
This new degree has been designed from the ground up to reflect the very latest research and practice. For example the PR analytics course will equip you with cutting-edge strategies and techniques for public relations measurement and evaluation. You will graduate confident in your knowledge of all the key trends necessary for future career success.
The MPPR Global Public Relations Management course includes a unique international study tour, taking you into the heart of one of the world’s largest PR agencies and their operations and client relationships globally. We are partnering with a large international public relations firm to deliver this experience. You will be required to undertake an international study tour as part of this programme, with costs covered by student fees. The 2017 trip will visit Melbourne, Singapore and London in accordance with course 219.720 Global Public Relations Management and subsequent project.
Your learning will comprehensively cover both the most recent public relations theory and provide practice-relevant instruction. A professionally-oriented qualification, the MPPR focuses on giving you a global, contemporary view of the field of PR and high-level skills you can either take back into a current PR-related senior role, or use them to take on a new role in the field.
Specific focus for your study will include areas like digital communications, global communications, PR analytics and reputation and risk management.
You can investigate more fully your specific area of interest in a research project of your choice in your final semester.
As well as more traditional classroom-based learning, you’ll take part in executive education-style intensive workshops. Online sessions, learning and forum debates with others on the course will also add to your real world insight into your peers’ issues and experiences (and solutions).
If you have experience in the field of public relations and are ready to be inspired about the potential for this field in New Zealand (and for your current employer), this qualification is for you.
Massey Business School is ranked in the top 2% of business schools globally.
Massey University’s business and management studies rank in the top 250 (by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings). We are also ranked in the top 150 universities worldwide for business administration programmes by the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
The Master of Professional Public Relations utilises Massey’s world-leading expertise across a broad range of specialisations, including international business, ethics and humanities-related topics and statistics, all of which play an integral part in the PR spectrum. You will be learning from experts from within these fields.
We have the longest-running communication programme in New Zealand, the largest numbers of students in any university communication programme and the most options for communication-related study. Massey University’s graduates have a long-standing reputation for excellence in both theory and practice.
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Master of Professional Public Relations will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study.
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ undergraduate study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research.
This new CIPR qualification will allow you to gain an advanced understanding of professional practice, including PR strategy and planning, content management, media and engagement, measurement and evaluation, and PR leadership. All underpinned by reference to ethics and the code of conduct.
You’ll also put your learning into practice, evaluating a wide range of PR concepts and techniques and applying them practically to your own work and sector. The course is for experienced PR professionals who are ready to progress towards a senior management position, or individuals who have previously studied the CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations.
On campus teaching comprises a variety of approaches including lectures, workshops, case study and group work. The course is split into three units and you will submit one assignment for each.
Teaching is normally delivered in one or two day blocks six times a year.
Students on the course are eligible for student membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and, on graduation, can upgrade their membership to full or associate status depending on professional experience.
Further information is available on the CIPR website at http://www.cipr.co.uk/content/ qualifications/public-affairs-diploma.
The CIPR Professional PR Diploma syllabus is based on professional practice underpinned by core PR principles, models and concepts.
The syllabus incorporates three separate units.
The CIPR Professional Public Relations Diploma is recognised as the benchmark for professional practice in PR by employers in the private and public sectors. It helps participants to develop or diversify their careers by fostering a strategic approach to managing PR, as well as extending knowledge of areas such as internal communications, corporate culture and research. QMU graduates have gone on to progress their careers in a number of ways – graduates occupy a wide range of senior positions.
This variant of our established MSc Strategic Public Relations & Communication Management course is delivered jointly with our partner Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain. This course provides students with a solid international perspective on strategic communication and provides an opportunity to study in both Stirling, UK, and Barcelona, Spain.
The MSc Strategic Communication & Public Relations is an interdisciplinary, advanced level course taught by established academics and practitioners. It offers a hands-on approach while at the same time providing you with the theoretical foundations necessary to practise public relations at a managerial level.
You will be offered the opportunity to attend a Public Affairs and Lobbying seminar series in Brussels, which includes visits to the European Parliament, the European Commission as well as specialist industry seminars with leading public affairs and public relations experts in Brussels.
This course is taught completely in English and students will obtain a joint MSc degree from the University of Stirling and Pompeu Fabra University. Students spend the Semester 1 at the University of Stirling and then move to Pompeu Fabra University for Semester 2. Students then decide if they would like to have their dissertation supervised by Stirling or Pompeu Fabra.
Link to MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Pompeu Fabra University http://www.upf.edu/masterpublicrelations/en/
- Degree type: MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Study methods: Full-time
- Duration: 12 months (Stirling in semester 1 - Barcelona in semester 2 - Stirling dissertation period) 16 months (Stirling in semester 1 Barcelona in semester 2 - Barcelona dissertation period)
- Start date: September
- Course Director: Dr Alenka Jelen-Sanchez
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS: 6.5 with 6.0 minimum in each skill
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Grade B
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): 60 with 56 in each component
- IBT TOEFL: 90 with no subtest less than 20
For more information go to English language requirements https://www.stir.ac.uk/study-in-the-uk/entry-requirements/english/
If you don’t meet the required score you may be able to register for one of our pre-sessional English courses. To register you must hold a conditional offer for your course and have an IELTS score 0.5 or 1.0 below the required standard. View the range of pre-sessional courses http://www.intohigher.com/uk/en-gb/our-centres/into-university-of-stirling/studying/our-courses/course-list/pre-sessional-english.aspx .
Students spend Semester 1 at the University of Stirling and then go to Pompeu Fabra University for Semester 2. Students then can decide to have their dissertation supervision at the University of Stirling or Pompeu Fabra University.
The course covers a range of modules including public relations and communication management theory, strategic public relations planning, public diplomacy and strategic communication, media relations, digital media, public affairs and advocacy, and research methods.
Delivery methods include lecture, workshops and seminars.
Methods of assessment include case studies, timed assignments, essays, presentations and reports. Students also complete a 12,000-word dissertation.
- REF2014
In REF2014 Stirling was placed 6th in Scotland and 45th in the UK with almost three quarters of research activity rated either world-leading or internationally excellent.
- Rating
Research within Communications, Media and Culture had 70 percent of its research rated as either ‘World-leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent’ in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. Pompeu Fabra staff are also research active and publish internationally.
Strengths
- Academic strengths
This course provides a unique multicultural and intercultural experience for students as well as an innovative and challenging curriculum that is regularly updated. Students will develop a solid theoretical foundation as well as learn practical skills necessary for working within the public relations industry.
Students benefit from the experience and expertise of the academic research active team at Stirling and Pompeu Fabra; students are able to study in both northern and southern Europe (Scotland and Spain) and will develop an international outlook.
Students are able to attend a two-day Public Affairs and Lobbying seminar series delivered in Brussels (additional cost).
This course prepares students for careers in public relations and related areas in consultancies and private sector companies, (in-house positions, such as communications officer/manager, public relations officer/manager, press officer, internal communications officer/manager) NGOS, international organisations (such as the EU, UN etc.).
Open to graduates holding degrees in any subject, this course assumes no prior knowledge of public relations (PR) and is suitable for UK, EU and international students wishing to progress their academic knowledge of PR. It is also suitable for those who do not have a degree but who possess relevant experience.
Combining a unique blend of academic and practical public relations skills, the course will enable you to develop a successful career in an incredibly dynamic sector. With a strong emphasis on application of knowledge to practice industry skills such as PR writing, media relations, digital communications and client management are underpinned by academic rigour focusing on PR strategy, campaign planning and PR specialisms.
You will have the opportunity to work with real clients, including individually creating a press pack for use by a client, in addition to working as part of an account team on a live PR project.
You will be able to network with professional PR practitioners and guest speakers, and have the option to undertake an internship to gain additional work experience. Completing the programme will enhance your career prospects, equipping you with the skills required by PR consultancies as well as private and public sector organisations.
Throughout your studies there is strong provision for employability and gaining graduate employment through our Careers and Employability Hub and a range of additional activites that include:
Employers require graduates who possess a range of skills and knowledge, including experience in the workplace. To ensure you develop into a work-ready graduate for the PR or communications industry, you will have the opportunity to work on two live projects: (i) you will work on Live Client Brief as part of an account team on a live PR project under the guidance of an academic tutor who is also an experienced PR manager; and (ii) within Media Relations, you will work with an external client to prepare a media pack containing original material for the media, including a press release, social media press release, Q&A, social media content and photography for distribution to target media, as well as devise a media relations strategy for your client. These live projects will enable you to develop practical PR skills to enhance your employability, as well as develop client management skills. You will be supported by an academic tutor who is also an experienced PR consultancy manager.
As a Masters student of the Business School, you have the opportunity to participate in a number of free business visits that allow you to see behind the scenes of real companies and learn about how these businesses are structured and operate. The business visit programme varies each year, the following are indicative of the type of business visits that are available:
The Faculty of Business and Law hosts two Professional Development Weeks annually. Free and open to all students, this includes a festival of skills-development activities, practical support in developing your CV and employability skills, and the opportunity to network with actively recruiting graduate employers.
The dissertation unit is your chance to undertake a consultancy dissertation, which could be based on a current or potential employer and aligned to your career goals in a specific sector, organisation or industry.
A number of guest lectures take place each year with leading speakers from industry. The Business School shares extensive links with over 25 professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations Communications Association (PRCA). We invite speakers from various organisations onto campus as guest lecturers to share their knowledge with current Masters students, including practitioners from leading PR consultancies, senior in-house experts, digital specialists, journalists from local media including the BBC, and alumni now working in the PR or communications field.
All Masters students at the Business School are encouraged to undertake an optional, short-term internship with a real business in order to develop relevant experience relating to their studies.
A dedicated Placement and Project Coordinator will guide you through this process, by sourcing and advertising suitable roles throughout the year, offering 1-2-1 application advice, and supporting you to make speculative applications to source your own Internships.
Internships can be part-time or full-time but must fit around your scheduled classes.
This exciting new Masters degree at Liverpool John Moores University is designed to give both beginner and experienced practitioners essential skills and experience in digital communications and PR.
•Course available to study full time (1 year) and part time (2 years)
•New programme aligned to Public Relations Consultants Association and Chartered Institute of Public Relations knowledge standards
•Taught by experienced PR industry practitioners
•Provides a global focus in an increasingly international discipline
•Emphasis on contemporary case studies from industry partners and scenarios
The growth of digital communications and its effect on reputation and branding have been apparent in recent years. News and opinions can spread quickly online often fuelling international print and broadcast media news agendas, providing new challenges for PR practitioners.
This International Public Relations Masters programme has been developed to reflect the growing trend for the public relations profession to have an international outlook and approach to strategy. Programme content has been developed to reflect this shift as well as incorporating the more traditional skills required by practitioners to support the industry as it evolves.
The CIPR’s recent report, ‘The State of the Profession 2013/14’, presents a healthy industry with an increasing range of opportunities for graduates and practitioners. As such graduates of this exciting masters course are expected to enjoy enhanced career prospects - both for new professionals and those seeking promotion.
Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to take part in lively and the interactive debates and discussions. You will study a mix of core and options covering the following topics:
•Digital PR
•International perspectives on corporate communications
•Strategy and planning
•Global events management
•Media relations
•Crisis and disaster management
•Corporate social responsibility
•Internal communications
•Branding
In addition to a team of expert and experience academic staff, keynote tutorials and seminars will be delivered by industry practitioners and guest speakers from a variety of organisations in the ‘not for profit’ and commercial sectors, drawn from LJMU's Employer Forum, alumni network and LJMU's Careers Team.
You will be based in the Redmonds Building, which is located in the heart of Liverpool’s bustling Knowledge Quarter. As a postgraduate student of Liverpool Business School, you will have access to the School’s postgraduate study areas, as well as its social spaces and café.
LJMU’s libraries are well resourced and open 24 hours a day for those who require access to learning resources at any time of the day or night.
During the validation period, the programme team will be seeking professional accreditation from PRCA and CIPR so that the programme’s learning outcomes are closely matched to those of the industry’s key professional bodies.
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core modules:
PR Perspectives
Provides an introduction to the PR world from theoretical and practitioner perspectives
Public Relations Planning and Strategy
Develops a systematic understanding of the strategic planning process as applicable to public relations campaigns
Managing Business Research 1 / 2
Provides the knowledge and skills required to perform a systematic review of literature for a business management related topic at masters level
Digital Communication Management
Explores digital communication technologies to understand the effects that this application of technology (including social media) is having on the public relations function
Media Relations
Demonstrates how to research, develop and apply effective professional media management methods
International Research Project
Requires you to produce a research project that applies managerial concepts and research techniques to a significant international public relatios-related organisational issue or problem
International Public Relations
Provides an international context to the practice and principles of Public Relations
Digital Marketing in Context
Develops a theoretical and practical understanding of current issues and trends in digital marketing. You will be introduced to the impact of digital marketing on organisations and customers
Further guidance on modules
The information listed in the section entitled 'What you will study' is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.Please email [email protected] if you require further guidance or clarification.
If you are a graduate aiming for a career in public relations, this is the course for you.
The public relations and media industries are constantly changing. To stay ahead of the game you must develop up-to-date multimedia communications skills and knowledge. This course explores the changing nature of the communications landscape in the 21st century and develops your professional skills and experience.During this course you work as public relations professionals with industry partners on real-life briefs and in work-based placements. You also work with research active staff to develop reflective awareness of contemporary issues in the communications field and develop their academic skills and writing. This course is primarily taught in Teesside's purpose built digital working-environments, developing your skills in building meaningful content, which attracts an audience. This course attracts graduates from all over the world and students are offered the opportunity to build a portfolio of work, which translates globally.
We produce graduates who are confident multimedia public relations professionals, with a range of higher-level professional skills and a reflective awareness of contemporary issues in the communications field. The course focuses on new and emerging areas within the discipline, from both a practical, professional perspective and a critical, analytical point of view. We develop reflective practitioners with sophisticated transferable skills who are able take responsibility for their own future learning and development.
Course structure
Core modules
and one optional module
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Traditional lectures and seminars are employed, particularly around those subjects requiring a detailed, factual knowledge base. We see it as an essential component of the programme that you engage in reflective practice which informs your future personal development.
How you are assessed
Our assessment methods range from practical production tasks to traditional essay assignments. You produce a professional-level multimedia public relations campaign addressing a range of styles, genres, platforms and audiences. You produce an essay on a topic related to public relations theory.
You write an academic essay, which helps provide a broader context for the practical work undertaken for your Final Project.
For your Final Project, you research, analyse and implement a promotional multimedia campaign for a real-life business client or undertake a self-conceived piece of independent research and produce an extended essay under the guidance of a nominated supervisor.
A qualification and experience in public relations opens up a vast range of opportunities in all areas of the media and communications industries.
Graduates have gone on to forge successful careers in public relations, social media optimisation and events management for a range of local and national companies.
The CIPR Public Affairs Diploma is designed for public relations or public affairs practitioners who want to develop relevant theoretical knowledge and to strengthen their practical skills in order to become more effective and better placed to take on more senior roles.
The CIPR Diploma in Public Affairs Practice focuses on the process of policy formation and the wider corporate communications and reputational context in which public affairs operates. This qualification is firmly rooted in practice – with senior PA practitioners involved in its development – and is also grounded in the latest academic thinking.
The Public Affairs Diploma covers topics including:
Twenty hours of on campus teaching comprises a variety of approaches including lectures, workshops, group work and input from senior practitioners and QMU academics. Work is set and contact maintained between teaching blocks through online discussions. Students also receive supervision support with their assignment. CIPR Diploma in Public Affairs students learn alongside and MSc Strategic Communications and Public Relations students ensuring that you benefit from sharing experiences and developing a network of colleagues. Assessment is through submission of a 6,000 word research project. Support is offered with research project preparation.
Further information is available on the CIPR website at http://www.cipr.co.uk/content/ qualifications/public-affairs-diploma.
Teaching is normally delivered in one or two day blocks three/ four times a year. Links with industry/professional bodies Students on the course are eligible for student membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and, on graduation, can upgrade their membership to full or associate status depending on professional experience.
The Political Landscape, Trends and Challenges/ The Art and Science of Lobbying and Campaigning/ Public Affairs in the Context of Reputation Management/ Research Project
CIPR qualifications are recognised as the benchmark for professional practice in public relations by employers in the private and public sectors.
Studying for the CIPR Diploma in Public Affairs Practice counts towards the CIPR’s CPD programme and becoming a CIPR Accredited Practitioner – the hallmark of your commitment to professional development.
This course offers a critical examination of the academic theories and contemporary professional practices that shape the profession in the 21st century.
The course will focus on the design and planning of organisational change campaigns, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes and rhetorical and non-rhetorical responses and tactics to tackle issues and crises. Students will be equipped with the tools and skills needed to address different stakeholders and to approach any challenge from a strategic perspective.
Also the course programme is taught by professionals with extensive experience in different areas of the industry and its content has been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). This certifies that our students will have the opportunity to learn up to date techniques that are relevant to the current workplace, whether their prospective or current posts involve practicing at a local, national or an international level.
Typical core modules include:
How will I be assessed?
Case studies and essays.
You will study PR from a range of different perspectives, considering the impact of PR on society and the media. You will also learn the techniques and practices of public relations that contribute to the evolution of PR as a management discipline.
Our teaching staff comes from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. They have had considerable experience of working in PR and other media sectors of the industry. Close contact with the industry enables staff to invite guest speakers and visiting lectures who are involved in various aspects of the industry in the UK and abroad.
This course is not only recognised by the CIPR but our institution is also a partner university of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA). Therefore students from recognised courses or partner universities can become members of these professional bodies after paying a fee. While studying at Wolverhampton students may enjoy discounts on training activities, have free access to some instruction materials (available online) and other resources.
"I found the course interesting. It was a big challenge and a great experience. It encouraged me to discover new ideas that I did not realise were of interest to me. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in combining ideas from fields such as business, communication and journalism."
Chra Majeed
There are two distinct areas of practice: in-house, working for an organisation, or working at an agency, where you will be advising a range of clients.
Public relations practitioners are responsible for: internal communications, media relations, public affairs/lobbying, community relations, corporate social responsibility, investor relations or financial public relations. They also manage issues, crisis and business-to-business relations.
Graduates may go on to assist human resources departments, activist organisations or public sector institutions with social change/social marketing campaigns.
At the end of this course you will be able to: