MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement
The MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement program at Canterbury Christ Church Uni...
MA Media, Communications and PR
Canterbury
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), located in the United Kingdom, offers a dynamic MA Media, Communications and PR program designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to thrive in the fast-paced and continuously evolving media, communications, and public relations sectors. This collaborative and interdisciplinary course delves into current trends and practices, preparing graduates for diverse roles in an increasingly mediated and digitally driven world. It is suitable for graduates from related fields seeking to enhance their career prospects, as well as those from different disciplines looking to transition into media, communications, or PR. The program is delivered by experienced academics who have professional careers in the sector and/or are internationally recognized researchers, bringing in-depth insights and the latest industry trends directly to the students.
Curriculum: The MA Media, Communications and PR curriculum at CCCU is structured around core modules that provide a blend of academic study, professional knowledge, and skills development. Key modules typically include "Creativity, Culture, and Community," which explores foundational concepts; "Communication Campaigns and Strategies," focusing on the design, research, planning, implementation, and evaluation of communication campaigns; "Collaborative Practice," encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork; "Media and PR Practices and Contexts," examining professional practices within the industry; and "Professional Development," aimed at enhancing career readiness. The program culminates in a substantial "Final Project," allowing students to apply their learning to a subject-specific project that can range from a written research project to a practical output. The course is taught through a combination of intensive in-person sessions, online interactive learning, self-directed study, and group and individual tutorials, providing a flexible learning experience. Assessments are solely coursework-based, including portfolio work, reports, essays, and presentations, designed to develop both critical thinking and practical application.
Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University's School of Creative Arts and Industries, which houses the MA Media, Communications and PR program, boasts a strong research focus that directly informs the curriculum. The academic staff are research-active, with expertise spanning various areas within media, communications, and PR. Research interests include, but are not limited to, social media use by journalists and non-profits, digital transformations in the local newspaper sectors, gender and sports media, and the impact of social media on marketing strategies. This active research environment ensures that students engage with contemporary issues and develop their own critical research skills, particularly through the "Final Project" where they can undertake a substantive subject-specific inquiry, contributing to the academic and practical understanding of the field.
Industry Engagement: The MA Media, Communications and PR program at CCCU places a significant emphasis on industry engagement, ensuring graduates are highly employable. Students receive automatic membership for the Public Relations and Communication Association (PRCA), a key industry body, providing valuable professional networking opportunities and access to industry insights. The program benefits from the contributions of non-academic partners and advisors who are experienced media, communications, or PR professionals. These professionals contribute through visiting talks, debates, discussions, input on assignment briefs, and networking events. The curriculum integrates real-world examples and prepares students to use industry-standard tools for designing communication campaigns, including social media analytics and multimedia production tools. This practical focus, combined with input from experienced practitioners, ensures students gain a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills highly valued by employers.
Global Perspective: The MA Media, Communications and PR program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a strong global perspective, reflecting the interconnected nature of modern communication. The curriculum encourages students to explore the fast-paced world of media, communications, and PR within a global context, recognizing that these sectors play key social, cultural, and economic roles both within the UK and on an international scale. Discussions and case studies often draw from diverse international contexts, allowing students to analyze communication strategies and campaigns on different global platforms and organizational settings. This global outlook, coupled with the university's welcoming of international students, enriches the learning environment with varied cultural insights and prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of global communication, whether working for multinational corporations, international NGOs, or contributing to a globally connected media landscape.
Location
Canterbury
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 60.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies and make the most of their university experience.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance and achievements. It provides a significant discount on tuition fees, making it more affordable for high-achieving students from abroad to study at CCCU.
Global Students Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting international students who demonstrate excellent potential and their studies. It offers a percentage reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Postgraduate International Scholarship: For postgraduate students, CCCU offers specific scholarships that provide financial assistance for those pursuing a master’s or doctoral program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide an opportunity for international students to study in the UK at a reduced cost.
Graduates of the MA Media, Communications and PR program from Canterbury Christ Church University are exceptionally well-prepared for a dynamic range of careers within the rapidly evolving media, communications, and public relations sectors. This postgraduate degree provides an in-depth understanding of current trends, strategic practices, and digital communication tools, making its alumni highly adaptable and sought-after professionals. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, campaign strategy, and practical application in real-world scenarios, further strengthened by automatic membership to the Public Relations and Communication Association (PRCA), positions graduates for success in diverse roles globally.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist/Account Executive: Working for PR agencies or in-house PR departments of organizations, managing public image, media relations, reputation, and developing and implementing strategic communication campaigns for clients or the organization.
Digital Communications Manager: Overseeing an organization's online presence, including social media strategy, website content, email marketing, and digital campaigns, to enhance brand visibility and engage target audiences.
Media Relations Officer: Acting as a primary point of contact between an organization and the media, drafting press releases, managing media inquiries, and building relationships with journalists to secure positive coverage.
Internal Communications Specialist: Developing and executing communication strategies to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals, fostering a positive internal culture.
Social Media Manager: Creating, curating, and managing content across various social media platforms, analyzing engagement metrics, and executing social media campaigns to build communities and achieve marketing objectives.
Campaign Manager (Communications/Advocacy): Designing, implementing, and evaluating communication campaigns for non-profit organizations, political parties, or public sector bodies, aimed at raising awareness, influencing public opinion, or driving behavioral change.
Content Creator/Strategist: Developing engaging written, visual, and multimedia content for various platforms, ensuring it aligns with communication goals and brand messaging, often for digital marketing, PR, or media companies.
Corporate Communications Manager: Overseeing all aspects of an organization's communication, including public relations, internal communications, stakeholder relations, and crisis management, to maintain a consistent and positive corporate image.
Journalist/Writer (Specializing in Communications): Utilizing strong writing and research skills to produce articles, features, or reports for various media outlets, potentially focusing on industry trends, corporate profiles, or public interest stories with a communications angle.
Marketing Communications Specialist (MarComs): Integrating marketing and communication efforts to promote products, services, or brands, working on advertising, branding, digital marketing, and public relations activities to achieve business objectives.
