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Develop the advanced skills and theory you'll need for a successful career in public relations (PR) and communications on this industry-approved course.
London College of Communication’s Public Relations courses welcomed back LCC graduate Daryl Willcox for a PR masterclass – part of a series of industry-focused talks ensuring students are ready for industry as soon as they graduate.
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The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.
Gain a solid grounding in the theory and practice of public relations with this highly- regarded Masters degree, which is accredited and/or recognised by the following professional and industry bodies:
This course will appeal to graduates already working in public relations who wish to develop their careers through a Masters qualification, those seeking a career move into the sector, or those wishing to build on their first degree and start a PR career based on a strong personal and practical knowledge of the field.
You can expect to develop the combination of intellectual abilities, practical skills and industry knowledge that is needed to manage the reputation of brands and organisations, add value to their operations and support their goals.
This course gives you a framework for planning public relations programmes, the practical skills for delivering campaigns as well as addressing the role of research and evaluation in PR.
You will examine the disciplines of stakeholder communications, events management, investor relations, public affairs and employee communications and consider how they link to corporate strategy.
You will have the opportunity to plan and implement national and international campaigns yourself on a series of practical assignments and exercises responding to briefs on the course.
You will have the opportunity to explore the practicalities of using public relations tools such as media relations and crisis management. The specific skills of storytelling and writing for media across traditional and digital media channels are also practised, along with the role of persuasion and influence.
You will develop an understanding of the needs of audiences and how to communicate with them. The course also considers the wider cultural and societal landscape in which public relations operates, touching on areas such as celebrity, power and the impact of globalisation.
Along with the specialist research methods sessions, consideration of these issues helps develop your analytical skills in preparation for writing a final dissertation on a PR topic of your choice.
“The course shows the variety of public relations specialisms and the options available in the industry. You’re also given room for a lot of personal choice in terms of what to focus on.
The course allows you to discover the multitude of facets of public relations, so if you’re not sure what it is that particularly interests you about the communications industry, it will help you figure out what you enjoy the most.”
Sarah Oberthaler, Press Officer, South Bank Centre
"Coming together with students who are specialists in different fields of communications has been great. For me, what was really important was the fresh perspective on public relations that I gained from studying in an arts environment."
Laura Owen, who works in Public Relations at the Home Office.
"Taking this MA is one of the best career moves I have made. I can honestly say it has made certain aspects of my job here a lot easier."
Major Charlie Mayo, Ministry of Defence communications specialist
MA Public Relations is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.
Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves seven units, totalling 180 credits.
This unit provides an understanding of core theories in the field with a focus on the nature of persuasion, influence and opinion that are at the heart of the PR process. Students then get the opportunity to put some of their learning into practice through generating a PR plan.
This unit aims considers PR as an organisational function that manages reputation, and addresses how organisations are formed and the need for integrated management, marketing and organisational communication.
It also discusses the reputational threats, challenges and opportunities that organisations face in the 21st century and the ways in which organisational identity (culture, values and behaviours of organisations) is aligned with organisational image.
This unit places PR within global political, social, economic and cultural debates. Drawing on social and cultural theory, the unit considers the relationship between the media, its audiences and wider society, including the rise of celebrity culture, promotion, consumption and the role of PR within a consumer-led society.
This unit explores the process of media relations and the role that public relations plays in devising and distributing messages in order to achieve influence through global media channels. The unit encourages practical engagement through in-class exercises and workshops that help students to develop their own skills in writing for the media and advising on interviews and other aspects of media relations.
This unit explores how PR can use digital channels most effectively creating integrated communication solutions. There is a strong focus on creativity and using digital media in both mediated and un-mediated applications, while also looking to the future and to the type of digital applications that are coming on-stream.
The Collaborative Project involves working on a live project brief in a collaboration with other students and in response to a client requirement. It is an opportunity to develop consulting skills and project management experience alongside creativity and communication knowledge, resulting in a plan and portfolio of content.
The aim of the Final Major Project is to offer an opportunity to engage in a major research project in which the emphasis will be on defining, analysing and developing a constructive response to a research question in the PR field.
As well as drawing on skills and knowledge acquired during Term 1 and 2, taught research methods classes during Term 3 will support the project during which students produce a research proposal that identifies the research question to be addressed and the research plan and appropriate methodology, before beginning work with a supervisor during terms three and four.
In the final Autumn term, students continue to work on the research plan using an appropriate methodology. Work will continue with a supervisor over term four where you will receive feedback on your developing project, and other support through dissertation workshops to help keep the project on track.
If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.
Course Leader, MA Public Relations
Programme Director, Communications and Media
Senior Lecturer, Media Communications
Senior Lecturer, Communications and Media
Associate Lecturer, MA Public Relations
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
MA Public Relations attracts applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Applicants are expected to demonstrate sufficient prior knowledge of and/or potential in public relations to be able to successfully complete the programme of study and have an academic or professional background in a relevant subject.
An applicant will be considered for admission who has already achieved an educational level equivalent to an Honours degree, preferably at 2:1 level.
Educational level may be demonstrated by:
Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.
Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:
All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:
You will need to enter the following information in the online application:
There are no additional items (portfolio or study proposal) required for this course.
The online application can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you press submit.
Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.
The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.
Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.
Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.
You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Public Relations. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.
The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.
Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.
This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.
If you are offered a place for 2020/21 but wish to defer to 2021/22, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter. Additionally, International applicants should pay the pre-payment in order to defer. In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
Home/EU applicants are permitted to make a deferred application.
All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:
You will need to enter the following information in the online application:
Please note: we will ask you for copies of certain documents (for example, English language qualification/certificate and copies of any previous UK study visas).
For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.
There are no additional items (portfolio or study proposal) required for this course.
The online application can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you press submit.
Alternatively, international applicants can apply through an overseas representative in your country..
Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.
The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.
Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.
Whether you are applying through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History check. If you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.
You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Public Relations. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.
The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.
Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.
This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.
If you are offered a place for 2020/21 but wish to defer to 2021/22, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter. Additionally, International applicants should pay the pre-payment in order to defer. In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
International applicants are not permitted to make a deferred application.
After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.
After you have submitted your application, the course leader will then review your work, may invite you to interview or interview you via Skype, and will then make a decision on your application.
The admissions team will be in touch soon after that to let you know the outcome, and to guide you through the next steps.
You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.
£11,220 (2020/21).
UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount
Course fees may be paid in instalments
£22,920 (2020/21).
UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount
Course fees may be paid in instalments
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. We strongly suggest you read the information on our Additional Costs page.
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
A range of scholarships, bursaries and awards are available to postgraduate students at UAL.
Postgraduate loans of up to £10,000 are now available for eligible UK and EU students. A full list of eligibility criteria and information on applying can be found on the postgraduate loans webpage.
Funding opportunities available for this course:
Many students have progressed within their existing organisations or gained higher-level positions with new employers as a result of this course. Many students have also chosen to go into business for themselves.
