MSc Public Relations & Strategic Communications

DCU's MSc in Public Relations & Strategic Communications provides students with public relations theory and practice alongside an understanding of recent developments and challenges for the profession. These include the impact of the Internet and the growth of social media; the decline of traditional media; growing issues of corporate social responsibility influencing organisational reputation; and the increasing influence of other social science disciplines on Public Relations theory and practice. The programme is structured to meet the differing requirements of those wishing to enter the public relations profession and those already working in public relations roles, but who want to enhance their practice with engagement with the latest thinking and research. The MSc in Public Relations & Strategic Communications is a blended learning programme in that three of the six taught modules are delivered online, through the DCU ConnectEd programme. In this one year full-time blended Masters programme, participants learn through engagement in face-to-face sessions and lectures as well as through engagement in DCU's virtual learning environment. Case studies, online engagement, projects and assignments are combined with expert presentations and discussion to explore public relations in the 21st century. Three of the six taught modules are delivered online, followed by a dissertation or project and a formal work placement in industry: The programme has been developed in consultation with the public relations industry in Ireland and with advice of academics in Europe and the United States. It is aimed at students with an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, including, but not limited to, communications, journalism, marketing and media studies.