Media, Journalism and Public Relations

Media and Public Relations MA

12 months full time; 24 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2011-12

UK/EU: full time £4450 part time £2225
International: full time £10840 part time fees
Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

Aims

This course combines public relations practice with sophisticated theoretical analyses of the media contextualised within social, economic, cultural and technological issues. The programme is suitable both for students who have some public relations (PR) knowledge through their undergraduate studies or voluntary media work, and professionals who have PR experience.

This is an academic programme rather than a training course, but it contains a substantial vocational element that is taught by industry professionals and is designed to enhance employment opportunities in media industries.

Programme Description

You take four compulsory modules (80 credits) which typically cover: strategies and management in public relations; media analysis; methodologies – researching media, culture and society; and theoretical approaches to public relations. You also choose two optional modules (40 credits) from a selection which may include: building a PR campaign; PR in the digital age; media and law; news and journalism – critical studies; professional sub-editing; public affairs.

The dissertation (60 credits) enables you to undertake independent research into a theme or issue relating to public relations.

Part-time students take 80 credits of compulsory modules in year one and 100 credits (40 credits optional modules and the 60 credits research dissertation) in year two.

Find out more detailed information about the programme modules

Entrance Requirements

You should have an upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in the arts, humanities or social sciences. Applicants with relevant professional experience and/or journalism training will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants whose first language is not English should have a minimum of IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0  in Writing and Speaking), TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent.  

If you are an international student and you do not meet the academic and English Language requirements for this degree programme, you may want to consider a preparation course at INTO Newcastle University.  INTO Newcastle University is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses to help you prepare for study in the UK including the Graduate Diploma in Business and Social Sciences.

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

International students - University scholarships.

See also: Funding and Finance.

How to Apply

There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2012 entry should apply by Friday 13 July 2012 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

For further information please contact:
Postgraduate Secretary
School of Arts and Cultures
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 5155
E-mail: pgmacs@ncl.ac.uk