COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Public Relations and Communications curriculum provides a comprehensive blend of strategic communication, digital media, public relations, content development, and professional practice to prepare students for leadership roles in the communications industry. Students begin with Strategic Communications, which develops an understanding of communication planning, corporate communication, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, branding, media strategy, and integrated communication campaigns that support organisational goals across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Content Creation focuses on producing engaging multimedia content for digital and traditional platforms, strengthening students' skills in copywriting, storytelling, social media content development, video production, podcast creation, visual communication, editing, and the use of industry-standard Adobe software to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Stunts, Campaigns and Crises explores the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public relations campaigns while examining creative promotional activities, event management, influencer engagement, media relations, crisis communication, reputation protection, and strategic responses to organisational challenges. Communicating Power and Influence examines the role of communication in shaping public opinion, organisational leadership, political discourse, media narratives, stakeholder relationships, and ethical decision-making, encouraging students to critically evaluate how communication influences individuals, organisations, and society. The programme concludes with a Major Project, where students undertake an independent research study or practical communications project that applies strategic thinking, professional knowledge, creativity, and research skills to solve a real-world public relations or communications challenge while producing a portfolio suitable for professional employment. Throughout the programme, students strengthen communication, leadership, creativity, research, project management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills while gaining practical experience with contemporary digital communication tools and industry practices. Learning is supported through real-world case studies, collaborative projects, professional workshops, and industry engagement that reflect current developments in public relations, digital marketing, media, and corporate communications. Overall, the curriculum prepares graduates for careers as Public Relations Managers, Corporate Communications Specialists, Media Relations Officers, Digital Communications Managers, Social Media Strategists, Content Creators, Brand Managers, Public Affairs Advisors, Marketing Communications Specialists, Reputation Management Consultants, Communications Executives, and PR Consultants across multinational corporations, government organisations, charities, public sector institutions, media agencies, creative consultancies, and international public relations firms, while also providing an excellent foundation for further academic research and professional development.