ObjectivesThis postgraduate programme of study is concerned with a specialist area that is part of two wider fields of study: communications (or media) studies and business studies. This area of academic interest and activity is sometimes also called organisational or corporate communications, and the phrase 'news management' is also sometimes used in this context. The course aims to provide a thorough knowledge of the methods of data collection and analysis available to those professionally and academically concerned with communications management and the necessary skills to use these methods in a professional context. The course will also emphasise the need to look beyond the application of techniques; it will, therefore, incorporate a critical attitude to research and encourage you to operate as reflective practitioners, whether in a professional or academic context.
Entry requirementsApplicants should have a good Honours degree in a relevant subject, or a lower grade of first degree plus relevant professional experience, or training, or extensive professional experience at a high level. All applications will be considered on their individual merits and applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
Academic titleMA Communications Management
Course descriptionCourse structure
The course consists of four core modules, two optional modules, and a dissertation of 15,000 words.
The four core modules are:
-Media Theory Evaluation and Research Methods I
-Media Theory Evaluation and Research Methods II
-Ethics of Communication I
-Ethics of Communication II
The two optional modules are either:
-Public Relations and
-Advanced Public Relations
or
-Evaluative Research Methods and either
-Quantitative Research Methods or
-Qualitative Research Methods
Assessment
You are assessed via essays, individual and group research projects, and a final dissertation. The first semester public relations module is assessed via a formal examination.
Career opportunities
The course is designed to attract a range of students: people working or seeking employment in organisations in the communications and information industries, where communications planning and evaluation are central to career structures. It also prepares you for entry into research degrees in communications. Graduates typically find positions in the communications departments of organisations in the public and private sectors, or elsewhere in the wider communications industries.
Those taking the PR option are eligible to join the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) as student members. On completion of an approved course, you will be eligible for upgrading to associate membership (AMCIPR) if you have less than four years experience in public relations or full membership (MCIPR) if you have more than four years professional experience (subject to confirmation).
Attendance & duration
Full-time: 1 year, 3 evenings a week (Autumn semester Tues, Weds, Thurs; Spring semester Mon, Weds, Thurs)
Part-time (eve): 2/3 years, one/two evenings a week