MSc Public Relations

This course is designed to develop public relations professionals who possess the knowledge, skills and critical abilities needed to perform as successful practitioners in today’s fast-moving world. This course is both for people wanting to start a career in public relations and those already working in PR who want to enhance their practice. Support
ensures that the course enables you to learn in a way which is most relevant to you. Tailoring to meet the needs of international students is also offered.

The course aims to produce graduates who are capable of contributing as communication professionals to the strategic management of commercial, public or voluntary sector organisations. On the course you will develop a critical understanding of the strategic roles and functions of the professional communicator, you will assess PR as a
management function and you will develop critical knowledge and skills in some key areas of public relations practice. You will also apply your learning in a work-based environment and specialise in your chosen area, undertaking
in-depth research to further your learning and contribute to the academic body of work.

EXIT AWARDS: MSc (180 credits) PgDip (120 credits) PgCert (60 credits)
Delivery: Block attendance at QMUsupported by online learning

Single Modules: Register as an associate student to study some single modules in areas of interest (see 'modules')

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; Part-time: 2-7 years
Start date: September f/t & p/t, January p/ttime students. January for part-time
students

Application deadline: The deadline for all overseas applicants who require a visa to study in the UK should apply no later than the 30th June 2013.
Teaching, learning and assessment: On campus teaching comprises a variety of approaches including lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, student-led presentations, projects and research. Work is set and contact maintained between teaching blocks online. Students are assessed on the basis of essays, analyses, proposals and planning documents, reflective reports, public relations materials, online discussion submissions, research proposals and the dissertation. Some modules are taught jointly with CIPR Diploma and CIPR Internal Communications Diploma students.
Teaching hours and attendance: Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance at QMU will depend on which module you are studying and whether you are studying full or part-time.
Links with industry/professional bodies: Students who are already working can undertake their work-based learning with their existing employer and their dissertation can be focused on a project which is relevant to their professional role.

Students on the course are eligible for student membership of the CIPR and, on graduation, can upgrade their membership to full or associate status depending on professional experience. For students who are already associate or full CIPR members, the MSc counts towards the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.