What you will study
With the kind of practical, hands-on learning experiences that encourage flexible thinking, and a fundamental basis in business and marketing rather than journalism, our MA in Public Relations and Corporate Communications will help propel you into a range of high-level careers in challenging or commercial environments. We enable our students to graduate with the ability to effectively adapt their communications technique to succeed in any cultural, social, commercial or non-profit context.
Year 1
The Public Relations and Corporate Communications MA is made up of six core modules worth a total of 180 credits.
Core modules
Managing Cross-Cultural and Internal Communications
30 credits
This module combines two key elements: cross-cultural communications and internal communications management. Cross-cultural communications involves the study of issues and problems which arise when people from different cultural backgrounds interact and when organisations interact with different foreign cultures. Internal communications encompasses the planning and managing of multidirectional communication within a business to ensure that employees are informed, engaged and can fully contribute to the achievement of organisational goals and strategy and the development of investor relations. An understanding and competence in both areas are essential for success in today's increasingly global environment.
The aims of this module are to build students' understanding of cross-cultural awareness and effective internal communication leading them to success in organisations and to equip them to develop and implement communication plans that meet the needs of organisations and people operating in fast-changing business environments. It is delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, group presentations and individual assignments. The importance of this subject increases with increasing globalisation and will have a major impact on the students' future work experience and career development.
Marketing Communications
15 credits
The module is relevant to all students who want to equip themselves for a career in marketing communications, either on the agency or client side. Marketing communications involves planning, organising, managing and evaluating communications between a company or organisation and its stakeholders. It traditionally involves the integration of advertising, sales promotion, public relations and interactive marketing. This module ensures that you understand the practical issues involved in creating effective integrated communications plans which incorporate both traditional and innovative elements. It also builds an understanding of the theoretical issues which underpin effective communications.
The module is delivered via lectures, in-class exercises, workshops, electronic learning and is supported by guest speakers. There is a strong emphasis on student-centred learning and you will be regularly asked to contribute to sessions with discussion of research projects, presentations and practical assignments.
Public Relations Strategy
30 credits
The module is relevant to students who want to equip themselves for a career in marketing communications, either on the agency or client side. Public relations is the discipline which looks after reputation - for individuals, products, organisations, governments even countries. This module comprises an in-depth examination of the theory of public relations and the application of its tools and techniques in building and maintaining reputation to an advanced level. In addition, the module considers a range of specialisms and market sector applications within the PR domain, along with potential future developments. It is delivered through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, case study tutorials and group presentations.
You will combine theoretical perspectives and practical applications to ensure that you develop the rigorous research and analytical skills essential for a career in marketing communications. There is a strong emphasis on student-centred learning with regular research projects, presentations and practical assignments.
Market Research and Data Analysis
30 credits
This module will help you understand the elements of effective market research. You will:
- collect primary data that is valid and reliable for management purposes; and
- develop practical skills in data analysis to transform this raw data into information that guides marketing decisions.
This module can act as a launch pad for a career in market research within the wider marketing industry. The skills you learn in this module also prepare you for your dissertation. You will learn to:
- critically evaluate commercial and academic published research;
- construct and execute a programme of research; and
- analyse and present the results.
The module is delivered through a combination of class sessions, workshops and computer mediated practical sessions covering both quantitative and quantitative aspects of data collection and analysis.
Research Proposal and Dissertation
60 credits
You will research a specific area of marketing in depth by indentifying a topical issue or problem using appropriate theory and research methods. You will put the knowledge you've developed during the course to the test by writing a research proposal and dissertation that combine academic rigour with practical marketing implications. You will then communicate these findings as you would do in the workplace – by writing a management report.
This module teaches you how to select appropriate research methods and leads to a theoretically-grounded research project which generates findings that inform management decisions. It will teach you to apply your research skills and gain experience managing a large-scale research project. These advanced research skills will prepare you for a highly adaptable career in marketing, and differentiate you as a future business leader.
Managing Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development
15 credits
This module will help you develop a critical understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development (SD), and recognise their development and growing importance. You will learn contrasting methods while you evaluate CSR and SD practices as applied to various business functions and how to manage organisations and their activities in a socially responsible way.
Year 2 (optional placement year)
The professional placement year is optional. It takes place after the full-time year. It allows students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The work placement is an assessed part of the course and is therefore covered by a Student Route visa.
Core module
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a Master's programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.
It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.
