Course information
UK fee £9,300
International fee £21,400
Taught by Media and Communication
Contact
+44 (0)116 252 2620
amc-enquiries@le.ac.uk
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 listFees 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 Career Development 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
- Public Relations: Culture and Society
- Media Research Methods
- PR, Journalism and Networked Media
- Strategic Communications Management
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:
- Media Audiences and Users
- Global Communications and Development
- Digital Media, Online Persuasion and Behavioural Change
- Promotional Cultures
- Gender Politics in Contemporary Media
- Digital Media in Everyday Life
- Critical Approaches to Data Analytics and the Digital Economy
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
- Application deadline: 1 December 2024 (Please ensure this is a fully completed application form with all supporting documentation.)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 December 2024
- CAS request deadline: 15 December 2024
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 15 December 2024
The key dates are deadlines to ensure you are able to join your course on the course start date. If you feel you are unable to meet any of the above deadlines, 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 |
