University of Leicester Online Masters in Media and Public Relations
The Distance Learning Masters in Media and Public Relations is divided into 2 years. In year 1 complete two modules in media, communication, PR and society; whereas in year 2 complete two modules in strategic communications management, media research design and practice, along with a dissertation.
The Distance Learning Masters in Media and Public Relations covers the history and development of the media and public relations in different parts of the world and provides a theoretical framework for investigating this rapidly changing profession
Evaluate classic and emerging Media and Public Relations strategies, conducting research that informs your PR campaign strategy by measuring effectiveness. Furthermore, take an in-depth look at successful Media and PR campaigns and their relationship and/or influence on media.
Benefits of a Masters in Media and Public Relations
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 is a member of the PRCA (Public Relations and Communications Association) which means that once you are successfully registered onto this course you will:
- Gain free membership of the PRCA
- Have unlimited access to PRCA online training courses
- Be able to access a range of networking events, work placements and graduate schemes.
Career Path
A master’s degree will help you reaffirm your expertise to the corporate world and potential employers that you possess a high level of knowledge in your field.
People who have completed this course have identified key career destinations as media organisations, news agencies, advertising firms and PR firms.
Academic Progression
- Graduates from the MA in Media and PR have the opportunity to further their studies through Doctoral studies such as a DBA – Doctorate in Business Administration or a PhD.
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Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional qualification
We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.
Issues in Media and Communication
This module will provide you with an insight into some of the current and salient themes of research trends in Media and Communication Studies. The module also includes activities and assessments, which will help you to develop essential study skills and introduce you to the analysis of media texts and forms.
PR and Society
This module will introduce you to the field of public relations, exploring its origins, history and definitions. The module provides a theoretical framework for analysing public relations and seeks to contextualise public relations as an academic discipline; this in turn will help you to better understand the structures of public relations in practice, and public relations as a social or cultural phenomenon. The module explores critical approaches to public relations management and organisation, and assesses how public relations function in media contexts, while examining its wider impact on democracy.
Strategic Communication Management
This module explores the theory and practice of strategic communications management within organisational settings and campaigns management more generally.
You’ll be looking at specialist areas of public relations practice such as public affairs, corporate social responsibility and crisis communication. The module will allow you to gain knowledge of how applied research methods are used in the evaluation of organisational reputation and relationships, as well as in assisting the development and design of campaign strategies.
This knowledge will be applied in assignments that will allow you to conduct strategic analysis of real-world campaigns, and use public relations scholarship to critically reflect on the social and cultural impacts of the professionalisation of communications management.
Media Research Design and Practice
This module introduces you to the basic principles of research theory, design and ethics as well as to a range of individual quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used in media and communications research. In addition to each week’s presentations and key readings the module’s e-tivities provide opportunities to reflect on particular methodological issues, and to try out some of the research methods involved through small-scale exercises.
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.