MA Public Relations

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 55 to 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 57 with no individual score below 51 .

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Sunderland offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward academic excellence, as well as provide financial assistance to students who may face financial barriers to education. 

1. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This is a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. It provides a tuition fee discount of up to £3,000.
2. International Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students studying at the University of Sunderland. It offers a tuition fee reduction of up to £1,500 for eligible students.
3. Sports Scholarship: The university also offers sports scholarships to talented athletes who excel in their chosen sport. These scholarships provide support in the form of coaching, training, and financial assistance.
4. Subject-specific Scholarships: Some academic departments at the university may offer scholarships or bursaries specifically tailored to students studying in a particular field or discipline. These scholarships may have varying criteria and application processes.

The MA Public Relations course at the University of Sunderland equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a successful career in the field of public relations.  

1. Public Relations Officer: Graduates can work as public relations officers in various sectors, including corporate organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public relations consultancies. They are responsible for managing the organization's reputation, handling media relations, creating and implementing PR campaigns, and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.

2. Communications Manager: With their expertise in public relations, graduates can take on roles as communications managers. They are responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, managing internal and external communications, and ensuring consistent messaging across different channels. Communications managers play a crucial role in maintaining a positive brand image and managing crisis communications.

3. Media Relations Specialist: Public relations professionals with a strong understanding of media relations can pursue careers as media relations specialists. They are responsible for building relationships with journalists and media outlets, drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, and facilitating media coverage for their organization or clients.

4. Digital PR Strategist: With the increasing importance of digital platforms, there is a growing demand for professionals who specialize in digital PR. Graduates can work as digital PR strategists, focusing on managing online reputation, social media management, influencer marketing, content creation, and online community engagement.

5. Public Affairs Officer: Public affairs officers work in organizations that have interactions with government bodies and policy-making institutions. They are responsible for managing relationships with government officials, lobbying for favorable policies, and ensuring the organization's interests are represented. Graduates with a strong understanding of public affairs can pursue careers in this field.

6. Social Media Manager: With the rise of social media platforms, organizations are increasingly investing in social media management to engage with their target audience effectively. Graduates can work as social media managers, responsible for developing social media strategies, creating engaging content, managing social media campaigns, and analyzing social media metrics to drive brand awareness and engagement.

7. Corporate Communication Manager: Many organizations have dedicated corporate communication departments responsible for managing internal and external communication. Graduates can work as corporate communication managers, overseeing employee communication, investor relations, crisis communication, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

8. PR Consultant: Graduates with a strong entrepreneurial spirit can establish their own public relations consultancy. As PR consultants, they provide specialized PR services to clients from various industries, offering strategic advice, developing PR campaigns, managing media relations, and helping clients build a positive brand image.

9. Non-Profit PR Specialist: Non-profit organizations require PR professionals to raise awareness about their cause, engage donors and volunteers, and promote their initiatives. Graduates can work as PR specialists in non-profit organizations, developing PR strategies, organizing fundraising events, and building relationships with key stakeholders.

10. Further Education and Research: The MA Public Relations program also prepares graduates for further academic study or research in the field. They can pursue a Ph.D. in Public Relations or related disciplines, leading to careers in academia, research institutions, or thought leadership positions.

The University of Sunderland's MA Public Relations program provides graduates with a wide range of career opportunities in the dynamic field of public relations. With their comprehensive understanding of PR strategies, strong communication skills, and practical experience, graduates are well-prepared to thrive in various PR roles across different sectors.