MA Public Relations and Digital Communications
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MA
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
How long will I study?
One year
Overview
Do you want to develop the technical and editorial skills needed to succeed in the modern digital communications workplace? From reputation management to content creation, our master’s degree in Public Relations and Digital Communications will equip you with the tools and training you need to launch your professional career.
Throughout this course, you’ll learn about the history and origins of PR, as well as the ethical implications associated with the media industry. You’ll gain an understanding of what PR campaigns involve, alongside developing a portfolio of work that can be used to demonstrate your skills and enhance your employability.
As your course progresses, you’ll gain a wealth of hands-on experience by honing your practical skills in storytelling methods and taking part in industry placements in a range of companies – all of which providing instant value to future employers.
What’s more, studying for a master’s degree in public relations and digital communications at Salford means you’ll be given the opportunity to network with practicing creatives across our exciting MediaCity campus.
You can sign up to an Open Day, or follow us on X and read Salford Now to find stories created by our students.
International applicants: Please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application details.
You will:
- Study at our MediaCity campus, home to northern headquarters of media organisations like BBC and ITV
- Learn from experts in the field while gaining real-world experience through industry placements
- Master the digital skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in today’s digital workplace
- Graduate with a strong portfolio of work that can be used for employment or further study
This is a CIPR Recognised Course
This is for you if...
You want to launch a professional career in PR or digital communications.
You already work in PR or digital communications and would like to take your skills to the next level.
You want to graduate with a strong portfolio of work that can be used to evidence your skills and establish your reputation as a PR or digital communications professional.
How you learn
Future careers
Employment
With analysis from around the globe suggesting that the PR industry is one of the fastest growing sectors, there’s never been a more exciting time to study for a PR master’s degree.
Our public relations and digital communications programme is designed to combine the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to secure a professional media career. As well as gaining hands-on experience in the industry, you’ll also develop the confidence to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
What’s more, you’ll acquire a range of transferable skills that are increasingly sought after by modern employers, from critical research and analysis, to content writing and digital creation. Many of our graduates have gone on to secure successful public relations roles within thriving businesses, while others have pursued careers in a variety of digital marketing areas, including copywriting, SEO and analytics.
Further study
Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.
Career Links
As a student on this course, you will be encouraged to take advantage of work placement opportunities as part of the programme and there will also be a focus on working with industry partners.
We have links with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) as well as a number of organisations (BBC, ITV, Salford Red Devils, Sale Sharks Rugby Union Club, Manchester United and Manchester City Football Clubs, plus independent PR and comms agencies).
Modules
In today’s digital age, the world of PR is always evolving. That’s why our public relations postgraduate programmes not only cover traditional channels associated with PR, but also new digital techniques that are highly sought after by modern employers.
Over the course of a year, our master’s degree in public relations and digital communications will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in a whole host of professional roles. You’ll not only develop an understanding of the importance of ethical PR in the world of business, but also the practical skills required to develop strategies and campaigns that lead to sustainable growth in your chosen field.
In your first trimester, you’ll explore the history of PR, as well as its relationship with journalism. You’ll deepen your understanding of content creation, learning about the opportunities it presents to you as a PR professional working across the mediums of video and social media.
As you move into your second trimester, you’ll take part in an industry placement where you’ll gain real-world experience while building a strong portfolio of work designed to evidence your skills. You’ll research and analyse PR campaigns, as well as create and pitch a PR proposal as part of a group project, to a live brief provided by an external client.
Sound interesting? Learn more about our PR master’s degree modules in our course breakdown below.
Asian Media Awards
The University of Salford is tremendously proud to have been the premier partner for the Asian Media Awards over the last ten years and is determined to play its part in inspiring the next generation of Asian talent to consider and pursue a career in the creative industries.
Full-time: trimester one
PR and Journalism
In the PR and Journalism module, you will look at the origins and history of PR, the legal and ethical implications and popular genres, such as political PR, celebrity PR, crisis PR and reputation management. The relationship between public relations and journalism will also be explored.
Content Creation
Content Creation will provide and develop technical and editorial online skills, preparing you for the demands of the modern multi-skilled digital communications environment. As well as equipping you with a range of storytelling methods and encouraging you to reflect on the impact of new media within the fields of PR and Digital Communication, it will also give you the chance to develop a portfolio to showcase your work and enhance your employability.
Understanding PR Campaigns
The Understanding PR Campaigns module will involve analysing PR campaign case studies, examining examples of good and bad practice. It will also help you to develop a critical appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of a PR officer. The module will look at the principles and practice behind the creation and implementation of PR publicity campaigns.
Full-time: trimester two
Understanding PR Campaigns
The Understanding PR Campaigns module will involve analysing PR campaign case studies, examining examples of good and bad practice. It will also help you to develop a critical appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of a PR officer. The module will look at the principles and practice behind the creation and implementation of PR publicity campaigns.
Professional PR Practice
Professional PR Practice incorporates an industry work placement, which will give you a chance to develop your professional skills.
Full-time: trimester three
Major Project or Dissertation
The Major Project or Dissertation module will give you the chance to focus on an aspect of PR and digital communication that you wish to explore further.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
To gain a place on this PR and Digital Communications MA course, you’ll have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
Within your personal statement (up to 500 words), we’ll want to understand:
- What motivates you and what current experiences do you have in terms of public relations and/or digital communications?
- How have you been involved and what did you do?
- Do you have any knowledge of the PR and digital communications sector; are there any projects that inspire you?
- What are your future goals?
- Why is the University of Salford and this course the right choice for your future goals?
Once you’ve made your application to study with us, we’ll contact you and let you know the next steps.
Standard entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
To join this MA you should have a second class honours degree, 2:1 or above. Consideration will be given to applicants who have a 2:2 degree and relevant experience and satisfactory references.
International students
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, is proof of this.
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Application requirements:
- For international applicants only we need a video recording of you answering these questions.
- Why do you want to study PR and Digital Communications?
- Do you have any work experience in Public Relations and/or Digital Communications?
- What is your biggest achievement?
- Are there any challenges that you have had to overcome?
- What skills will you bring to this course?
- Are there any PR campaigns that you admire?
- Why do you want to study in Salford?
- Where would you like to work in the future?
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Fees and funding
See fees below
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,360 per year |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.