MSc Public Relations
Introduction THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED TO DEVELOP PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSIONALS WHO POSSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CRITICAL ABILITIES NEEDED TO PERFORM AS SUCCESSFUL PRACTITIONERS IN TODAYS FAST MOVING WORLD.
Entry Requirements An honours degree or equivalent from a relevant subject area (eg Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences). Students without traditional honours degrees may be admitted (subject to interview) if they have other relevant qualifications and/or appropriate work experience. For students whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.5 is required. For further details please contact the Course Leader, schalmers@qmu.ac.uk
Duration Full-time: 1 yearPart-time: 2-7 years
Outcomes MSc/ PgDip/ PgCert
Funding Information for International Students Visit the International section of the website
Course Fees Visit the Fees section of the website
Sources of Funding Visit the funding section of the website
Description The MSc Public Relations forms part of QMUs suite of public relations courses. This also includes courses at undergraduate level and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Diploma. All courses are accredited by the CIPR and QMU is the only Scottish institution to offer accredited undergraduate and Masters level courses and to teach the CIPR Diploma. This MSc aims to produce graduates who are capable of contributing as communication professionals to the strategic management of commercial, public or voluntary sector organisations. On the courses you will be able to develop a critical understanding of the strategic roles and functions of the professional communicator. You will assess public relations as a management function and develop critical knowledge and skills in some key areas of public relations practice. You will apply your learning in a work based environment and specialise in your chosen area, undertaking in-depth research to further your learning and contribute to the academic body of work. QMU recognises that students wanting to study for an MSc Public Relations have a range of starting points. We, therefore, provide tailored support to ensure that the programme enables them to learn in a way which is most relevant to them. To find out more about how the programme meets the needs of those wanting to start a career in public relation, those who already work in public relations who want to enhance their practice, international students and CIPR Diploma graduates Visit our subject area pageStudents who have already been awarded a CIPR Diploma receive 45 credits towards the MSc Public Relations exempting them from specified parts of the programme (see below).MSc Public Relations students are eligible for student membership of the CIPR and, on graduation, can upgrade their membership to full or associate status depending on professional experience. For students who are already associate or full CIPR members, the MSc counts towards the Institutes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.You can also register as an associate student to study single modules in areas of interest or as part of your continuing professional development programme. The following MSc Public Relations modules are available on this basis: Communications Theory and PR Practice, Internal Communications, Public Affairs, International Public Relations and Public Engagement and Dialogue.
Structure The programme is offered on a modular full and part-time basis. Full-time students are expected to attend six 4-6 day blocks during the year. Part-time students normally attend no more than 4 shorter teaching blocks a year. All students complete a work based learning module which, for those who do not already work in a public relations role, involves a 20 day placement. Students also complete a dissertation. Work is set and contact maintained between teaching blocks through the internet. Access to QMU learning resources is available off campus through an internet-based remote desktop programme. Block teaching is particularly beneficial for those who wish to study part-time while working. It also enables students who live some distance from Edinburgh, throughout the UK and abroad to study at QMU. CIPR Diploma graduate exemptions are indicated (*) below.
Course Covers Core modules- Critical Reflections on Public Relations*- Communications Theory and PR Practice- Social Research Methods- Internal Communications- Strategic PR Planning*- Public affairs- Professional Development Through Work Based Learning (* partial) - Dissertation*not required from CIPR Diploma graduates.
Teaching and Assessment Students participate in a variety of teaching approaches which seek to engage them in the learning process. These include lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, student-led presentations, projects and research. Students are assessed on the basis of essays, analyses, proposals and planning documents, reflective reports, public relations materials, online discussion submissions, research proposals and the dissertation.Some modules are taught jointly with CIPR Diploma students. This provides an opportunity for networking and for students to benefit from the richer experience of studying with people from a wider range of backgrounds.
Careers As a CIPR accredited programme, the MSc is benchmarked against CIPR career progression requirements. This means there is a clear articulation between the course and developing your career. For students who are already associate or full CIPR members, the MSc counts towards the Institutes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
Associate Student You can also register as an associate student to study single modules in areas of interest.
Case Studies/Student Comments Jan Gjerdevik, MSc Public RelationsI had done an undergraduate degree in journalism at Napier University and decided that an MSc in Public Relations was a natural progression: I hoped to explore a new perspective of human communication. Information is a resource and one step towards leaning how to manage it, is examining the theoretical underpinnings.I did lots of research into PR courses and the one at QMU came highly recommended to me - it also meant that I didn't have to leave Edinburgh, where I had already built up a network of good friends and colleagues. It is fair to say that the course is a challenge. I worked full-time (as a communication advisor in the public affairs department in an international integrated energy company) whilst studying full-time and found the workload challenging at times, but managed thanks to a very flexible employer and understandable programme leader at QMU.The course has its strength in that the lecturers teaching on the course all come from different backgrounds ranging from those with an academic background to those with experience from the public relations industry. The diversity adds interesting perspectives to the curriculum and has also contributed to close the gap between theory and practice.When I returned to Norway there was no problem getting a job in communications. In fact, my current employer took me on principally due to my MSc PR from Queen Margaret University - they especially appreciated that I had undergone a course-programme that, in depth, applied theoretic approaches to practical challenges in the field of PR. I was soon put in charge of developing a new communication strategy for the organisation and now find myself leading the entire implementation process as communication director.
International Job Opportunities This qualification is recognised worldwide.
For more information, please contact Sally Chalmers , +44 (0)131 474 0000 schalmers@qmu.ac.uk
Academic Disabled Student Co-ordinator Suzanne Schulz , +44 (0)131 474 0000 sschulz@qmu.ac.uk
Further contact Admissions, +44 (0)131 474 0000 , admissions@qmu.ac.uk
further information:
Admissions 0131 474 0000 admissions@qmu.ac.uk
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