Strategic Communication and Public Relations

Social media, smartphones and the Internet have changed how we talk to each other, and how organisations talk to their customers, forever. Stories spread round the world in the time it takes to order a latte. Word of mouth has never been more powerful at generating interest for organisations. But how can this wave of change be harnessed? In our digital age there is a rising demand for communications professionals with the skills to plan strategic communication campaigns and drive success for businesses, charities and government organisations.

On this course you will develop the specialist skills needed to communicate effectively across a range of media and digital platforms. Its important to understand the bigger picture, and you will study within a framework that emphasises strategic thinking and a critical stance, enabling you to make an effective, ethical and responsible contribution to your organisation.

You can tailor your learning to your career aspirations and gain practical experience – and always-valuable contacts – on an industry placement. You will learn from tutors who have many years of experience in communication and public relations roles and who are widely published.

The course is suitable if you:
• want to start a career in communication and PR, you can do an industry placement (optional) and well support you in developing industry relevant knowledge and skills, help you to produce a professional portfolio, and provide you with opportunities to meet, work alongside and network with current practitioners;
• already work in a communication or PR role and want professional development, you can study part-time and tailor your learning to your own development needs;
• aim to progress to a research career in communication or PR, members of QMUs teaching team are influential published authors and regularly present at conferences all over the world.

• Develop the modern strategic communication skills that employers are looking for.
• Earn an internationally respected postgraduate qualification on a course that is accredited by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).
• Tailor your learning to your future career, developing knowledge, skills and learning in a rich and diverse environment from tutors who are internationally published researchers and practitioners with years of professional experience.
• Flexible block-study means you can combine study with your existing work and life commitments.
• This course is accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). The DMI accreditation shows employers that your degree and learnt skills/knowledge are up to date with the latest findings in marketing and that you have received a high quality multi-disciplined degree (see 'DMI accreditation' tab for more information.

Students registered on this named award will be podiatrists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). However, the individual modules are available to healthcare professionals with an interest in the area. Candidates should have the relevant honours degree. Those with a professional diploma or unclassified degree should have at least two years' professional experience and be able to demonstrate a portfolio of continued professional development.

International: You will be required to take an IELTS test receiving an overall score of 6.5 and no individual component score below 6.0.

The University requires all students to demonstrate sufficient academic English language proficiency to undertake and derive full benefit from their chosen programme of study. This page acts a guide to help you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course.

Students who are not a national of a Majority English Speaking Country, as recognised by the UKVI, must meet the English language requirements of their intended programme of study.

Class sizes are usually around 10-15 students.

Taught Postgraduate Courses

Applying online

You will find all our degree programmes listed on our course information pages. To apply for your chosen programme, click on the “Apply for thisCourse” button which appears top right on each course page.

Each programme will list the entry requirements, available awards, study modes and available start dates.

Select your programme and preferred start date and begin your application.

Application form

On our application form please input your basic details. Be careful spelling your email address as this is how we will contact you about your application in future.

As part of your application on the form, you will need to write a personal statement specific to the course that you are applying. This is your chance to sell yourself through highlighting your experience, suitability and motivators for wanting to join this course at QMU.

You will have the chance to upload supporting documents as part of your application. This is an important part of the admissions process and without seeing supporting documents, tutors will not have enough information to make a decision on your application.

The form allows you to save your application should you wish to complete it later.

Once complete you can submit your application to us and you will receive an automatic acknowledgement email confirming receipt of your application. You will also receive a QMU applicant ID number which you should keep a note of and quote in any correspondence to QMU.

Find your perfect course using our Course A-Z list

Alternatively if you know which course you'd like to apply for, you can apply using our online application form

Supporting documents

As part of your application you will need to submit to us:

• A copy of your degree certificate
• A copy of your academic transcripts
• One or two letters of reference, depending on the course. If you finished your degree within the last three years, we ask for an academic reference. References must be signed, dated and written on letter headed paper or sent directly from a professional email account. You can find more information on how to get references here.

If your documents are in any language other than English then they will need to be accompanied by a formal certified translation into English, by either the awarding institution or a sworn translator.

Students whose first language is not English are required to provide us with proof of their English language ability. More information on how to do this can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you have not yet graduated and don’t have your degree certificate, this can be sent to us at a later date.

Interviews

Some of our courses require interviews as part of the selection process. If your course requires an interview it will be noted on the course page and if successfully chosen we will contact you by email with further instructions and information. Where applicants are unable to attend an interview on campus, it may be possible to arrange a telephone or skype interview.

Deadlines

A number of our most popular courses have set a closing deadline for applications. Where a deadline has been set this will be detailed on the individual course page.

Decisions

You should expect a decision on your application within four weeks of submitting a fully completed application with supporting documents. Where programmes have set closing dates with an equal consideration deadline, decisions will be notified within four weeks of the closing date.