Course information
UK fee £13,900
International fee £13,900
Taught by Media and Communication
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Course description
Course description
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:
- free membership of the PRCA
- unlimited free access to PRCA online training courses
- access to a range of networking events, work placements and graduate schemes
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
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 (typically an essay) so as to demonstrate their readiness for postgraduate study. Clear guidance will be provided on assessment criteria.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
Fees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in October 2025 or April 2026
- MA: £13,900
- PGDip: £9,265
- PGCert: £4,635
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible.
International Students
Starting in October 2025 or April 2026
- MA: £13,900
- PGDip: £9,265
- PGCert: £4,635
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
This Masters degree will demonstrate to potential employers that you have a high level of knowledge in your particular area, which can set you apart from others in the job market. The course has a strong emphasis on research methods and training, which will have a practical application in the professional world.
Previous students have gone on to successfully find public relations jobs for employers such as global PR agencies Ogilvy and Weber Shandwick, at global brands such as Twitter and PlayStation, and in government communications, such as for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the government of Indonesia or in NGOs influencing policy in the European Union.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Taught modules
Taught modules
- Issues in Media and Communication
- PR and Society
- Strategic Communication Management
- Media Research Design and Practice
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Dissertation
Dissertation
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.
Dissertation support covers these areas:
- What is a dissertation and the dissertation process?
- Literature review
- The dissertation journey
- Ethics approval process
- Methodological design and ethics approval
- Field work
- Write up
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
As a student at a partner university of the Public Relations and Communications Association you will receive free membership of the PRCA with all the benefits that entails.
In 1978 the University of Leicester launched the UK's first Masters Degree in the field of media and communication.
One of the UK's longest established academic centres for communication and media studies, we are internationally recognised for our innovative research.
You will be taught by experienced tutors and leading researchers in the field.
Teaching and learning
Teaching will involve materials produced by the core teaching staff in a variety of forms (e.g. short videos, podcasts, screencasts and wraparound commentaries), linked to a carefully structured set of required and recommended readings all provided through the online learning platform.
Students learn by working through produced materials and reading, supplemented by e-tivities for individual students to complete, and through open and structured discussion forums, moderated by module tutors. Assessment is by means of essays, critical reviews, case study reports, research methods assignments, online presentations, and a dissertation.
Key dates
Start date: 7 April 2025
Application deadline for April 2025 start: 17 March 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Media and Public Relations | Qualification MA | Duration 24 months | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
