University of Leicester

Media and Public Relations MA, by distance learning

University of Leicester

Course overview

This postgraduate degree will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to enhance your professional development. The MA in Media and Public Relations will provide you with a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of public relations (PR) by examining the structure of the PR sector and offering insights into the way in which the industry works. The course covers the history and development of public relations in different parts of the world and provides a theoretical framework for investigating this rapidly changing profession.

You will evaluate classic and emerging PR strategies and the use of research to inform PR campaigns and to measure their effectiveness, as well as their wider social impacts. You will look in depth at successful and effective PR campaigns and at the structural relationships between PR and the media. You will consider how commercial businesses and non-governmental organisations use PR techniques to advance their objectives.

This course will equip you with the skills to critically analyse PR campaigns and understand the functions of publicity and the management of crisis communications scenarios. You will gain the skills to conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of PR campaigns and how to plan and implement an effective PR campaign. One of the great strengths of this course is that 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 of Leicester is a partner of the UK Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) which means you will enjoy many benefits including: A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional qualification. We can give special consideration to you if you have significant work experience in a relevant field. Such candidates may, for example, be asked to complete an entry assessment (typic

Key highlights

  • Taught by lecturers with public relations sector experience
  • Partnership with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)
  • Covers crisis communications management and the functions of publicity
  • Learn to plan, implement and evaluate effective PR campaigns
  • Examines PR use by businesses and non-governmental organisations
  • Studies global history of PR and its relationship with media

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2nd class — to include relevant subject; or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount

    You are entitled to a discount of 20% of the new course fee.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Chancellor's International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000
  • Chevening Scholarship

  • Chevening-Leicester Partner Scholarship

  • Distance Learning (DL) Sanctuary Awards

  • Distance Learning Merit Scholarship

    The awards available are: MA: £800, PGDip: £500, PGCert: £300

  • International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship

    International Merit Scholarship worth a tuition fee discount of £5,000.

  • Leicester Postgraduate Partnership Scholarship

    Enjoy a 20% fee discount on a selection of postgraduate taught courses at either University of Leicester or De Montfort University.

    Up to 20% of fees

Careers this course leads to

  • Public relations officer
  • Communications manager
  • PR account executive
  • Media relations manager
  • Crisis communications specialist
  • Campaigns manager

Cost of study

UK/Home: MA: £13,900; PGDip: £9,265; PGCert: £4,635 | International: MA: £13,900; PGDip: £9,265; PGCert: £4,635

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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