Strategic Communication and Public Relations MSc

Are you looking to advance your career into a more senior strategic communications role? Or do you already have a bachelor's degree and are looking to move into public relations? 

Working in partnership with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and accredited by the [Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)](https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/students/courses/professional-diploma-in-digital-marketing?campaignid=12657172767&keyword=digital%20marketing%20institute&device=c&matchtype=e&adposition=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInO7upLuD_gIVxu7tCh3mDgi8EAAYASAAEgLkXPD_BwE "Digital Marketing Institute"), this forward-looking MSc in Strategic Communications and Public Relations will equip you with the right blend of knowledge and skills to work as a communication and public relations professional. You will develop industry connections, a professional portfolio, and the confidence to grapple with any challenge in this fast-evolving industry.

The course is suitable if you:

* already work in a communication or PR role and want to step into a more senior strategic role - you can study part-time and tailor your learning to your own development needs;

* want to make a career change from journalism, management or business and focus more on organisational communications and public relations;

* want to move into a communication and PR role  after completing a bachelor's degree in business, humanities or social sciences - you can do an optional industry placement and we’ll support you in developing industry relevant knowledge and skills, help you to produce a professional portfolio, and provide you with opportunities to meet and network with current practitioners and learn from their experiences through guest talks and events; and

* aim to progress to a research career in communication or PR - members of QMU’s teaching team are influential published authors and regularly present at conferences all over the world.

Social media, smartphones and the Internet have changed how we talk to each other, and how organisations talk to their customers, forever. Stories spread around 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.

In this course, you will develop the specialist skills needed to communicate effectively across a range of media and digital platforms. It’s 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 developing strategic campaign proposals for live clients, undertaking a crisis simulation exercise, creating podcasts and social media materials, gaining valuable work experience and bringing it all together in a final capstone project or dissertation.