Study a course professionally accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Prepare yourself to move seamlessly into a job with a PR agency or in-house communications department.
Overview
This course is a Masters with a focus on practical and academic skills in Public Relations. It involves a mix of journalism, marketing, social networking and communication theory, giving you a competitive edge in this fast-moving industry. As part of the course, you will develop a major PR project and undertake related research and contextual studies.
Why us?
- The course is led by a member of staff who has won numerous PR industry awards
- Sunderland hosts the Centre for Research in Media and Cultural Studies (CRMCS)
- Accredited by the CIPR the industry’s leading body and a single discipline PR course teaching a wide range of PR specialisms including: campaign creation, crisis management, social media management and Internal communications
- Excellent industry links with guest speakers and annual employability event giving students an opportunity to network with a range of PR practitioners working in agencies, public bodies, charities and the corporate sector to gain vital placements, work experience, internships and jobs
- You can choose to produce a six month PR campaign as your final practical project, as an alternative to a dissertation to help ensure you with a tangible example of your work demonstrating your full range of skills, to present to a potential employer
Get to know Spark, Fashion North and Sportsbyte, our students' award-winning websites for local news, local sport, fashion and arts and entertainment.
Course structure
Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. The course aims to stretch your creativity and maximise your sense of personal fulfilment.
Part-time students can expect around six hours of contact time a week.
We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, critiques, workshops and practical demonstrations. These are supported by a range of guest speakers from diverse academic and industry backgrounds. You will also have high levels of contact with tutors who give regular feedback and support. Assessment methods include essays, projects, presentations, and a major project/dissertation.
Facilities
The David Puttnam Media Centre is a thriving place to study and experience media. Volunteer with award-winning radio station, Spark Sunderland, write for one of our suite of websites or edit Spark Magazine in our mediaHUB. Get hands on in TV and Radio Studios, Journalism and Digital editing suites. Learn from experts in this centre of excellence for training.
Career ready
Postgraduates are highly employable and, on average, earn more than individuals whose highest qualification is an undergraduate degree. On completing this course you will be equipped for roles throughout the PR and communications industries.
Career opportunities
Recent Sunderland graduates have set up their own agencies as well as in the PR departments of organisations such as the NHS, local authorities, leading sports clubs, fashion brands, business start-ups, social enterprise organisations and charities.
During the course we encourage you to gain industry experience which will enhance your skills, build up a valuable network of contacts and boost your employability.
A Masters degree will also enhance career opportunities within Higher Education and prepare you for further postgraduate studies.
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