Course Overview
| Level of study: |
Postgraduate degree |
| Tuition Fees |
Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: |
A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent
|
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
Other English language tests are accepted, click here to find out more.
|
| Mode of study: |
Full-time |
| Duration: |
1 year |
| Assessment method: |
Coursework including essays, written assignments and class tests |
| Student finance: |
Available |
|
London
Birmingham
Manchester
|
| Start dates: |
January, May, September |
| Application deadline: |
Next application deadline
|
About this course
Do you want to build a career in media and communications?
Are you looking to make an impact in the fast-paced world of public relations?
On this MSc Communication and Public Relations programme, you will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in today’s fast-moving global communications landscape. You will discover how to apply theory to practice, and understand how communication, public relations, advertising and marketing can shape organisations, audiences and impact society.
You will examine debates surrounding the role of public relations and the media in society, including how these industries can shape the way we understand the world around us, and explore how new digital technologies are transforming the communications industry.
Through practical projects, case studies, a live commercial brief and communication skills training (CST) labs, you will develop valuable professional skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers within the field of communications and PR.
The key areas you will study on this programme includes:
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Strategic, political and digital PR
- Media and community relations
- Branding
- Crisis management
- Social and digital media
- Consumer behaviour
- Event management
- Product, pricing and distribution strategy
- Leadership and management
You will also explore and analyse the ethical, cultural and social responsibilities of communication professionals, which will provide you with the knowledge and skillset necessary to operate within this industry.
Teaching and Assessment
| Lectures and seminars: |
12 hours per week |
| Independent study: |
38 hours per week |
| Assessment: |
Coursework including essays, written assignments and class tests |
Careers and progression
This MSc in Communication and Public Relations will provide you with valuable skills in areas such as marketing, strategy, media, and management, opening the door to a wide range of exciting potential career opportunities.
Example job titles could include:
- Communications Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Campaign Manager
- Marketing and Communications Officer
- Public Affairs Manager
- Social Media Manager
Modules
All modules are core and 15 credits unless specified.
Public Relations and Society: Theoretical Perspectives
In this module you will explore key debates surrounding the role of public relations in society. You will gain a strong understanding of PR theory and discover how to apply this to examples from PR practice. The economic forces that frame the PR and media industries will also be explored; alongside how public relations is transitioning to digital delivery.
Strategic Communication
This module will introduce you to key areas in management communication and enable you to explore the role of communication in building a sustainable and inclusive environment. The major conceptual approaches to leadership and management within organisations will be covered, along with the role of communication in the deployment of these approaches.
Marketing Principles
The aim of this module is to provide you with a strong understanding of the history, concepts and practices of marketing, and consider marketing’s role within a wider global economic context. You will learn key theoretical models and principles of marketing, and utilise marketing campaign examples, case studies and practical exercises to apply your knowledge to example scenarios. Other key topics covered on this module include consumer behaviour, segmentation, targeting and positioning, product strategy, pricing strategy, distribution strategy, marketing communications, promotion strategy, marketing research, branding and marketing planning.
Advertising
This module will introduce you to the definition, history, concepts, theoretical perspectives and practices of advertising.You will examine the role of advertising as a marketing communications tool, discover the key benefits and limitations of using advertising, and understand the factors that contribute towards advertising effectiveness.
Public Relations Practice
In this module you will explore the creative practices involved in the development of PR strategy and discover the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks which affect the PR industry. You will study the history and development of local, national and international public relations industry and explore the different types/models of PR and their relationship with advertising and marketing.
Research Methods
This module will provide you with a strong understanding of the nature of research, key research traditions, the research process and the range of methods available to researchers such as qualitative and quantitative approaches. You will study the use of empirical research and be introduced to key theoretical materials, including how to apply these materials to your specific area of study.
Dissertation (60 credits)
In this module you will develop the skills to carry out an original piece of research on a communication topic within a specific practice context. You will select your research topic and develop your chosen methodology (which can be qualitative, quantitative or both) to conduct your 12,000 – 15,000word dissertation guided by your allocated supervisor.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2026/27. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Academic requirements
- A 2:2 (second class) honours degree or International equivalent
Non-standard entry
If you have significant work experience, you may apply for a non-standard entry route. Please contact us and our team will be happy to discuss your options.
For country-specific entry requirements, please visit the entry requirements page.
English language requirements
- GCSE grade 4/C, or equivalent
- IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent
We accept other English language tests too, click here to find out more.
Tuition fees for 2026/27
International students:
- London: £16,200
- Birmingham: £14,550
- Manchester: £14,550
What does my tuition pay for?
- Your teaching in class – this includes seminars, lectures and tutorials
- Access to facilities including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, multi-faith rooms, quiet study space and social areas. To learn more about available facilities please visit our branch campus pages
- Our library service – both on-campus and an extensive online catalogue of resources
- Careers and Employability Service which provides help with CVs, applications and interview preparation through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
- The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who are here to support you with your studies and assignments
Additional costs
Please note that the fees outlined are for your tuition only and do not include the cost of any course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, accommodation etc. As an Ulster University Branch Campus student you will also have access to our on-campus libraries and a range of e-learning resources.
The modules you will study may require you to purchase additional course textbooks and you should be prepared to buy some additional texts, we recommend allowing an additional £300 per year for the duration of your course.
Student Finance
Students from the UK may be able to receive financial support from the Government to help fund your studies, subject to your eligibility. You can learn more about Student Finance and check your eligibility on the Student Finance website.
Information for international students
Ulster University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information on this can be found on our Finance page.
Scholarships and discounts
To support you in financing your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and fee discounts for self-funding students that you may be eligible for.
Need more help?
For more information on tuition fees, student finance, and payments, please visit our Finance page.
How to find out more
To find out more about this course, we recommend that you complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.
How to apply
UK and International students can apply directly to study the MSc Communication and Public Relations via our online application form below.
APPLY FOR SEPTEMBER 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
Information for disabled applicants
At Ulster, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
If you’re not sure or have any questions about studying with us, please contact us and one of our team will be able to help.
