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Media and Public Relations MA

1 year, full-time

This is for you if... you want to gain a critical understanding of the practices and outcomes of public relations within the context of rapidly changing media environments.

Media and Public Relations MA, 1 year, full-time

This is for you if... you want to gain a critical understanding of the practices and outcomes of public relations within the context of rapidly changing media environments.

Course information

UK fee £9,300

International fee £21,400

Taught by Media and Communication

Course description

Course description

The MA in Media and Public Relations will provide you with a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of public relations 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 analysing this rapidly changing profession.

You will examine 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; and access to a range of networking events, work placements and graduate schemes.

This postgraduate degree will provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to enhance your professional development or equip you to pursue academic study at research degree level.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

2:1 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.

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.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Countries list

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK Students

Starting in September 2024 or January 2025

  • MA: £9,300

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible.

International Students

Starting in September 2024 or January 2025

  • MA: £21,400

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

Find out more about 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 Careers and Employability Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Related courses

Course structure

Core modules

Core modules

Plus your Media and Communication Dissertation


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.

Option modules

Option modules

Choose one option module from: 

Then choose two option modules from:

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?

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.

Our research work is being supported by major government and international organisations.

You will be taught by experienced tutors and leading researchers in the field.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught by a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials where you will be given the opportunity to discuss and clarify ideas.

Assessment is by means of essays, case studies, research methods assignments, oral presentations, and a dissertation.

Key dates

September 2025 start

  • Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
  • Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
  • CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
  • 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025

January 2025 start

We are currently accepting applications for January 2025. Please ensure you complete the application form with all supporting documentation.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact the Admissions and Applicant Experience team on +44 (0)116 252 5281 or email study@le.ac.uk.

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration Start Dates Availability
Course Media and Public Relations Qualification MA Duration 1 year full-time Start Dates September each year, January 2025 Availability Apply Now
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