The course is suitable both for students who have some PR knowledge through their undergraduate studies or voluntary work, and PR professionals who wish to develop their academic knowledge and research methods.

Your development

Teaching draws on current research carried out by specialists in media, communication and cultural studies. You will develop:

• a critical understanding of media, culture and society
• knowledge to theorise and analyse media and public relations
• knowledge of media law and advertising regulations in a transnational context
• an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of different types of data dissemination
• analytical and critical skills to assess and conduct research in the field of media and PR
• the ability to deliver and evaluate a PR event in the public, private and voluntary sectors
• skills to set up a campaign network and deliver PR campaign messages
• skills to produce effective press releases and script, shoot and edit digital films

Practitioner and research led teaching

Our experienced professional teaching team includes Stephen Waddington:

• our Visiting Professor of PR Practice
• past President of the CIPR
• author of several of the set textbooks
• Chief Engagement Officer at Ketchum, one of the world's leading PR consultancies

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Europe's largest PR professional body.

You will be affiliated to the CIPR North East regional group. You are welcome to attend any of the events that the group offers to its members at competitive prices, including:

• meetings
• breakfast briefings
• seminars

Membership allows you to network with members. You can seek career advice and guidance, as well as interviewees for dissertation projects.

Delivery

The course consists of compulsory and optional modules and a dissertation which 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.

Teaching is conducted through a variety of forms including lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups. You are expected to work both independently and in groups, and to read widely, participate actively in discussions and develop topics for investigation based on advice from tutors. Modules are assessed by coursework which consists of essays, oral presentations, reports, projects and dissertation.

Module changes

Module changes

Modules change annually to take account of:

• changing staff expertise
• developments in the discipline
• the requirements of external bodies and partners
• student feedback.

Most module information for 2020 entry will be available from the end of May 2020.

Graduate destinations

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.

Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2019 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course. 

Pathway courses

Our Business and Humanities Graduate Diplomas will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course. Depending on your level of English, you can choose from:

• Bus and Humanities Grad Dip
• Business and Humanities Graduate Diploma with Pre-sessional English

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Application fee

There is a non-refundable application fee of £50. You need to pay this before we can process your application.

To pay your application fee and make an application please visit our WebStore.

Deposit

If you live outside the UK/EU you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.