Media and Public Relations MA

Full time: 12 months, part time: 24 months

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Profile

This course combines public relations practice with theoretical analysis of the media. Theoretical studies are put in context by social, cultural, economic and political issues.

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.

Facilities

Most of the teaching and learning on this course takes place in the Armstrong building. The Armstrong building has been redeveloped to provide spaces that create the appropriate environment for the delivery of high quality teaching, learning and research, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, PC clusters and student lounges.

Contact us

Jonathan Ward
Degree Programme Director
School of Arts and Cultures
Telephone: +44 (0)191 208 2493
Email: pgmch@ncl.ac.uk

PG Café: Postgraduate events

Downloads

Download: Postgraduate Guide 2020 (PDF: 8MB)

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Explore Modules

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Modules for 2019 entry

Compulsory modules

You will have successfully completed modules MCH8002 and MCH8003 to take module MCH8004. This is conditional upon the acceptance of a suitable proposal agreed with the Module Leader.

Optional modules

You will take a further 40 credits from the following:

*If you select these optional modules, you must ensure that you have undertaken the pre‐requisites as follows:

MCH8003 – Pre Requisite MCH8002
MCH8013 – Pre Requisites MCH8060 or MCH8065

With the approval of the Degree Programme Director and depending upon your academic background alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected up to 20 credits.

Module changes

Course content changes

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Explore Careers

Careers

Curious about what our graduates have gone on to do? Find out about opportunities they’ve pursued, and how we can help you develop your career.

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.

Explore Fees & Funding

Fees & Funding

2020-2021 fees

The fees displayed here are per year. If your studies last longer than one year your fee may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.

MA

UK

Full time: £7,800
Part time: £3,900

EU

Full time: £7,800
Part time: £3,900

International

Full time: £19,200

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

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

Explore Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent.

We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience in:

the media
broadcast
print journalism

Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.

Select a country

Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.

English Language Requirements

Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.

Select a certification

Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.

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

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)
10 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 1 sub-skill at a minimum of 5.0 and 3 sub-skills at a minimum of 5.5, including writing)

You can study our Pre-sessional English course at the INTO Newcastle Centre.

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:

Find out How to Apply

How to Apply

You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step by step guide can help you on your way.

Apply now

Step-by-Step Guide

International Students

Many high-performing international students have applied for this postgraduate programme.

We aim to select a diverse international student cohort. We are suspending applications from all regions except the UK and Europe for this programme with effect from 23.59 GMT 10 February 2020.

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.