MA Public Relations and Digital Communications
Manchester, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Do you want to develop the technical and editorial skills needed to succeed in the modern digital communications workplace? From reputation management to content creation, our master’s degree in Public Relations and Digital Communications will equip you with the tools and training you need to launch your professional career.
Throughout this course, you’ll learn about the history and origins of PR, as well as the ethical implications associated with the media industry. You’ll gain an understanding of what PR campaigns involve, alongside developing a portfolio of work that can be used to demonstrate your skills and enhance your employability.
As your course progresses, you’ll gain a wealth of hands-on experience by honing your practical skills in storytelling methods and taking part in industry placements in a range of companies – all of which provide instant value to future employers.
What’s more, studying for a master’s degree in public relations and digital communications at Salford means you’ll be given the opportunity to network with practising creatives across our exciting MediaCity campus.
You will:
- Study at our MediaCity campus, home to the northern headquarters of media organisations like BBC and ITV
- Learn from experts in the field while gaining real-world experience through industry placements
- Master the digital skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in today’s digital workplace
- Graduate with a strong portfolio of work that can be used for employment or further study
This is for you if...
- You want to launch a professional career in PR or digital communications.
- You already work in PR or digital communications and would like to take your skills to the next level.
- You want to graduate with a strong portfolio of work that can be used to evidence your skills and establish your reputation as a PR or digital communications professional.
In today’s digital age, the world of PR is always evolving. That’s why our public relations postgraduate programmes not only cover traditional channels associated with PR, but also new digital techniques that are highly sought after by modern employers.
Over the course of a year, our master’s degree in public relations and digital communications will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in a whole host of professional roles. You’ll not only develop an understanding of the importance of ethical PR in the world of business, but also the practical skills required to develop strategies and campaigns that lead to sustainable growth in your chosen field.
In your first trimester, you’ll explore the history of PR, as well as its relationship with journalism. You’ll deepen your understanding of content creation, learning about the opportunities it presents to you as a PR professional working across the mediums of video and social media.
As you move into your second trimester, you’ll take part in an industry placement where you’ll gain real-world experience while building a strong portfolio of work designed to evidence your skills. You’ll research and analyse PR campaigns, as well as create and pitch a PR proposal as part of a group project, to a live brief provided by an external client.
Full-time: trimester one
- PR and Journalism
- Content Creation
- Understanding PR Campaigns
Full-time: trimester two
- Understanding PR Campaigns
- Professional PR Practice
Full-time: trimester three
- Major Project or Dissertation
With analysis from around the globe suggesting that the PR industry is one of the fastest growing sectors, there’s never been a more exciting time to study for a PR master’s degree.
Our public relations and digital communications programme is designed to combine the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to secure a professional media career. As well as gaining hands-on experience in the industry, you’ll also develop the confidence to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
What’s more, you’ll acquire a range of transferable skills that are increasingly sought after by modern employers, from critical research and analysis to content writing and digital creation. Many of our graduates have gone on to secure successful public relations roles within thriving businesses, while others have pursued careers in a variety of digital marketing areas, including copywriting, SEO and analytics.