Course summary

The Media and Public Relations MA gives you the opportunity to combine public relations practice with theoretical analysis of the media, with the latter being contextualised within social, cultural, economic and political issues. The course is suitable both for students who have some PR knowledge through their undergraduate studies or voluntary work, and PR professionals who wish to develop their academic knowledge and research methods. Teaching draws on current research carried out by specialists in media, communication and cultural studies. You will develop: •a critical understanding of media, culture and society •knowledge to theorise and analyse media and public relations •knowledge of media law and advertising regulations in a transnational context •an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of different types of data dissemination •analytical and critical skills to assess and conduct research in the field of media and PR •the ability to deliver and evaluate a PR event in the public, private and voluntary sectors •skills to set up a campaign network and deliver PR campaign messages •skills to produce effective press releases and script, shoot and edit digital films. Our experienced professional teaching team includes Stephen Waddington: •our Visiting Professor of PR Practice •past President of the CIPR •author of several of the set textbooks •Chief Engagement Officer at Ketchum, one of the world's leading PR consultancies. Delivery: The course consists of compulsory and optional modules and a dissertation which enables you to undertake independent research into a theme or issue relating to public relations. Part-time students take 80 credits of compulsory modules in year one and 100 credits (40 credits optional modules and the 60 credits research dissertation) in year two. Teaching is conducted through a variety of forms including lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups. You are expected to work both independently and in groups, and to read widely, participate actively in discussions and develop topics for investigation based on advice from tutors. Modules are assessed by coursework which consists of essays, oral presentations, reports, projects and dissertation. Accreditation: This course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Europe's largest PR professional body. You will be affiliated to the CIPR North East regional group. You are welcome to attend any of the events that the group offers to its members at competitive prices, including: •meetings •breakfast briefings •seminars. Membership allows you to network with members. You can seek career advice and guidance, as well as interviewees for dissertation projects. Facilities: Most of the teaching and learning on this course takes place in the Armstrong building. The Armstrong building has been redeveloped to provide spaces that create the appropriate environment for the delivery of high quality teaching, learning and research, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, PC clusters and student lounges.