MA Public Relations

Institution De Montfort University
Method At the institution
Location Leicester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MA Public Relations

Objectives The course aims not just to equip students with industry-specific public relations skills but also encourage them to think about the broader context in which the practice of public relations is situated. This is especially true of the MA in Public Relations, where students independently produce a research-led dissertation within the context of the study of public relations as an academic discipline. The programmes also allow students to understand modern business and media practices, as well as teaching students how to integrate the developing new media technologies into public relations programmes. There is also an exciting visiting lecturer programme, where public relations practitioners and media professionals will provide additional insight into many different aspects of the industry.
Entry requirements Typically, students will have a 2.1 honours degree (or above). All applicants must have excellent English language skills including spelling and punctuation. All applications will be considered upon an individual basis and we welcome applications from mature students or those returning to education with relevant professional experience within the media industries.
Academic title MA Public Relations
Course description Programmme

Public Relations is a rapidly expanding profession with excellent career prospects. It is also the third-most popular career choice for graduates – which means that competition for jobs is fierce.
A sound knowledge of public relations skills and practices, coupled with an awareness of the key issues in this developing field, are essential in order to secure a coveted position in one of the 21st century’s most dynamic and exciting industries.

With this in mind, De Montfort University launched the MA in Public Relations - designed to produce precisely the right kind of professionals to work in this exciting and challenging field.

It has been developed by both public relations professionals, media academics and members of the team behind our successful Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism is highly regarded by the industry and has an almost 100% employment record. This new course in public relations will equip students with both the theoretical understanding and practical skills that they need to make a success of a career in public relations.

Public relations is a popular career – but it’s also a demanding one. Students applying for a place on the MA need to have excellent communication skills, be well organised, able to deal with multiple projects (and deadlines), have excellent written English and thrive under pressure. They will also be creative, fascinated by the media and have an awareness of current affairs. If this sounds like you, then public relations could be for you!

DMU's MA in Public Relations has also received provisional accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations the professional body for the UK public relations industry.

The MA will be organised into four modules; Theory and Structure, Implementation of Public Relations Principles, Public Relations Planning and Management and PR in Practice and on completion of the four modules, produce a research-led dissertation on a public relations-related topic. The dissertation can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Theory and Structure and Implementation of Public Relations Principles are taught alongside each other in the first term with Public Relations Planning and Management and PR in Practice being taught in term two. The object is for Theory and Structure to lead naturally into Public Relations Planning and Management and for Implementation of Public Relations Principles to prepare students to carry out the exciting ‘hands-on’ PR in Practice module.

As part of the PR in Practice module, students will be expected to complete a four-week full-time work placement between the first and second pair of modules. In this way students will be able to apply both their academic understanding and professional skills in real-life situations – gaining valuable experience which they can use in the second term and beyond.

Teaching/assessment

Students will be taught in a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and self-directed study. Their work will be assessed by essay, assignment, project work, a detailed portfolio, and oral presentations.

Further information

The MA will be led by Liz Bridgen, MIPR, who has 17 years experience in public relations both in the UK and abroad and has worked with companies including Royal Mail, Visa and Bosch.

The programme is taught by the Faculty's public relations, media and journalism lecturers, as well as by staff from the University's Faculty of Business and Law.