MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /Dublin City University/MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications

Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC674

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,200 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications

About

Overview

The MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications has been developed in partnership with the public relations industry in Ireland and with the advice and expertise of academics and practitioners across Europe and in the United States. The course is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), which is part of the Global Alliance of PR associations, representing 280,000 practitioners and academics in 126 countries. The MScPR programme is revised annually, with PRII input, to reflect the changing landscape of communications and the emerging use of the latest digital technologies.

The programme provides students with public relations theory and practice alongside an understanding of recent developments and challenges for the profession. These include the impact 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.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications programme, successful applicants will have:

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent. Entry to this programme is very competitive and places are limited. Applicants will normally have a strong honours primary degree in a related discipline.

• Appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the university. This may apply to applicants who have worked in advertising, journalism, marketing, media, public relations, or in a communications role / function for several years.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

As part of the application process applicants may be called for interview.

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above.

English Program Requirements

Postgraduate Taught Programmes Note: In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for postgraduate taught programmes.

This may include:

Non-native speakers of English who in the past two years have completed their school education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. For example, applicants who have successfully achieved a 06/H7 in Leaving Certificate English, a Grade D in A Level English or an examination deemed as an equivalent by DCU.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree in the past two years, in a country where English is the official language.
Applicants who have recently lived in a country where English is the official language for at least four years and been employed in a professional role that required a high level of written and verbal communication. Applicants will be required to provide specific documentation to evidence this e.g. residency documentation, employer statement.

Research Programmes Note: Faculty of Engineering & Computing and Faculty of Science & Health

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for research programmes in the Faculties noted above.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The skills of strategic communications are used within organisations of all types: in public service, charities, voluntary organisations, entertainment, sports, education and business – across all sectors, including technology, food, healthcare, leisure and utilities.

Graduates from the MSc in Public Relations & Strategic Communications will pursue careers both within in-house communications departments and public relations agencies.

Career Areas

Graduates are now working in communication roles on three continents, including in Australia, France, Italy, Norway, United States, as well as across the UK and Ireland. Specific roles include;