Applicants should hold at least a 2:2 bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an overseas university.
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This professional MA by Research adopts an active learning approach with a strong emphasis on real-world application to create a practical and professional course for international and home students.
You’ll learn through lectures delivered by experts, alongside sharing and developing knowledge through practical experiences such as group discussions, debates, role play and working on professional briefs. The course is designed to be inclusive, promoting integration and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.
This course will help you gain the right knowledge, skills and connections you need to forge a career in Public Relations (PR) and communications. Modules cover subjects including influencer-targeting, social media strategy, campaign planning, crisis communications, media relations and strategic communications.
You’ll also gain skills in video and podcast recording, copywriting and editing using Adobe software. You’ll learn how to use the latest techniques in digital PR, social media, and other media to create effective PR campaigns . You’ll also gain understanding of the role of AI in both content creation and its impact on the professional world of PR .
Lecturers are still practising PR professionals and we also bring in guest speakers at the top of their game to help you build your knowledge and connections throughout the course.
While lectures and seminars form part of our approach, we also encourage you to study with your peers in small communities of practice, connecting with those who have similar interests or similar research approaches. Peer review and feedback are adopted to develop your ability in reflective listening, critical evaluation, and commitment to action.
There’s a strong emphasis on empirical research and the course culminates in an opportunity for students to complete an empirical research project that critically explores and implement theories to real-world issues. This will increase your knowledge and understanding, improving your ability to think critically and analytically while operating in a global context.
We encourage you to embrace the use of technology in your learning, maximising engagement, developing transferable skills and enhancing your learning experience.
The course is brought to life with a range of live briefs, real-world case studies, staff research projects, guest speakers and connections to industry. You will build up a portfolio of work on everything from communication strategies to multimedia content This provides you with a direct link to your next steps and enriches your learning experience. Guest speakers have included Sport England, UCAS, BHM, Reach Plc as well as a host of PR agencies.
Applicants should hold at least a 2:2 bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an overseas university.
IELTS 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
| Start date | Location | Course code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Park, Cheltenham | — | £5,600 | £13,425 |
| Sep 2025 | Park, Cheltenham | — | £5,600 | £13,425 |
| Jan 2027 | Park, Cheltenham | — | TBC | TBC |
| Sep 2026 | Park, Cheltenham | — | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
The employment prospects and career aspirations of our Professional MA by Research graduates are exciting and varied. The course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and experience necessary to prepare you for an exciting graduate career in a range of established and developing contexts.
Whether it’s working in social media or media relations, in-house or for a public relations agency, this course opens up a world of opportunities in the communications industry. The transferable skills you’ll learn will enable you to work in so many different areas, from copywriting and campaign planning, to brand strategy, influencer marketing and digital PR.
We’ll help you make connections with a wealth of diverse organisations from large-scale companies to public sector and charity organisations to gain experience in the industry.
Combine the benefits of a taught programme with the flexibility of a self-created research project. Your interests and passions drive your topic in negotiation with expert supervisors.
The course is taught by a range of our expert lecturers with in-depth knowledge in comms and PR with significant industry experience and associations. Their diverse backgrounds, real-world experiences ensure your programme is at the cutting edge of research and practice.
Enrich your learning with exposure to a diverse community of learners with varied perspectives and experiences. You’ll be based at Park, our Creative Campus, home to our welcoming and inclusive creative community, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and research. An ideal setting to enrich your experience and prepare you for the next stages of study or a rewarding career in the industry. You will have access to the best facilities – our Media Centre was described as ‘among the very best in the country’ by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.
“Our professional masters by research in communications, PR and the Media will provide the perfect grounding for those looking to extend the benefit of an initial taught programme with the flexibility of a student-led research project. A great option to pursue your passion and shape your next steps whether in academia or industry.”
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