Media and Public Relations, MA

Duration: Full-time 12 months, Part-time 24 monthsPress Conference

Public Relations is now established as a professional discipline in media communication. This course offers students the opportunity to study media and public relations at Masters Level, by offering both practical and theoretical components. The course is aimed at two types of student:

  • International; European and home students, for those who wish to develop an understanding of the practices of public relations in the framework of a sophisticated theoretical analysis of the media, and contextualised in wider social, economic, cultural and technological issues.
  • Those who have some experience of public relations and wish to enhance their skills and experience by reflecting on their profession in the context of media, culture and society.

As this course is principally an academic programme, it does not offer CIPR accreditation. Those who wish to gain accreditation may undertake the course in their own country or undertake a short, intense course in the UK (including Newcastle) at Further Education College either before, after or alongside the MA course.

Coursework and assessment

Assesment is in the form of essays, oral presentations, reports, projects and dissertation. A Masters’ degree is made up of 180 credits in total. Each module is worth 20 credits, with a 60 credit dissertation. All students will study the following:

Dissertation (60 credits) involving:
Independent research investigating and analysing a chosen theme or issue relating to journalism, with expert guidance and support.

Full-time student will study two compulsory modules and one optional module each of the first two semesters, while the third semester is dedicated to the research dissertation.

Part-time students will study the four compulsory modules during the first year (two modules each of the first two semesters), while in the second year they will study the two optional modules and work on the research dissertation.
Most modules are scheduled during the day and there are no special teaching provisions for part-time students.

Careers

Within public, private and voluntary organisations such as, advertising, press and broadcasting industries, Public Relations consultancy businesses. Public relations skills are sought after in other career contexts such as
Education government and non-government organisations such as charities.

Student Testimony

Chris is studying for an MA in Media and Public Relations, and here he detials the nature of his final dissertation topic.

"The research dissertation I've undertaken as part of my MA degree is to investiage the use of coportate public relations techniques by those who manage political campaigns. it examines the repercussions of the apparent integration of PR into political management and how this relationship shapes both the communicative and personality elements of politics."

Research Opportunites

Students have the opportunity to undertake further research on completion of the MA, by applying to embark on a PhD in the field of media, communication and cultural studies. The course offers sophisticated conceptual and theoretical knowledge and methodological skills including the ability to formulate research questions, engage in data gathering and analysis, and to complete a dissertation. Students must demonstrate proficiency at MA level and discuss their chosen research topic with relevant tutors who can advise them whether the topic, approach and methodology relate to academic staff research expertise

Entrance requirements

  • Normally a good undergraduate degree on the British model in the arts, humanities or social sciences.
  • Equivalent qualifications from overseas.
  • Equivalent experience is also acceptable. For example, equivalent qualifications, notably the professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, or relevant work experience will be considered.
  • Applicants with professional/industrial experience and /or training but who do not meet the normal requirements will be considered on their merits.

English Language requirement

On entry to the MA programme, students must have a qualification equivalent to level 6.5 for English Speaking Union.

  • IELTS score of 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking and a minimum of 6.0 average for a conditional offer)
  • TOEFL IBT (Internet-based test) overall score of at least 90
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English

If you are a non-EU student, the University provides a unique support service tailored especially for the masters programme. It takes the form of an intensive orientation course, starting in early September, with ongoing tutorials and workshops. This support initially helps to orient you to the British learning environment, explores cross-cultural expectations and introduces you to study skills necessary for the master's programme.

Fees

Please visit the following link for up to date fees; Current Fees

Staff

For the quickest and easiest way to apply

Visit our postgraduate online application site at:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/

For further enquiries about this programme, please contact us on:


Tel: +44 191 2225155
pgmacs@ncl.ac.uk