Public Relations & Digital Communications

Overview

Realise your creative potential and develop key media industry skills to specialise in public relations.



The MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications is accredited by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII). The programme is delivered on a full-time and part-time basis by academics and industry experts in the fields of public relations, communications, business and journalism.



The MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications provides students with a well-rounded internationally recognised communications qualification that prepares them for careers within the communications, media and public relations industries.



Why Study Public Relations and Digital Communications at Griffith College?

The MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications is recognised by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII).



The curriculum is structured to increase the employability of students and promote professional development in the communications sector. The course is conducted on both a full and part-time basis over a 1-2 year period. Learners will acquire the skills to conceive, produce and edit their own media and public relations content on all platforms including web, social, radio, print and mobile video.



Public Relations students will develop a critical understanding of the theory and practice of public relations, political communications and the strategic role that communications play in the management of organisations. The programme has been designed in response to industry demands for well-rounded multi-skilled communications graduates.



- You will gain a theoretical understanding of the workings of the media industry including Sociology of the Media, Communications and Audience Theories and Research Methods.



- You will develop specific skills in journalism production through the Writing & Editing, Radio and MoJo modules, participating in Newsdays and delivering print, radio and mobile video news reports.



- You will develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of public relations, political communications and corporate communications.



- You will create high-quality media content and develop effective public relations strategies.



- You have the option of finishing the programme early without a dissertation and receiving a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism & Public Relations after completing 9 mandatory modules.



- You are assured of excellent teaching practices, using industry-standard techniques and technologies.



Course Highlights

- One of seven courses ​accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII)​

- NUJ (National Union of Journalists) Press Pass for the duration of your study

- Build your own professional portfolio

- Study full-time, part-time or through blended learning

- Produce real-life public relations strategies

- Connect with industry leaders



Course Details

The MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications is designed to be delivered on a full-time basis over one calendar year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. Learners in the MA programme complete 11 taught modules plus a dissertation. The programme is intended to provide a continuous development experience for learners, in which academic reflection is combined with gaining practical and professional mastery of this dynamic and engaging field.



The first semester of this programme is designed to be commonly taught with MA Journalism learners while the second semester offers Public Relations specialisms.

Core Modules:

Communications and Audience Theories

Corporate Communications

Dissertation

Mobile Video Production

Multi-platform Writing and Editing

Podcasting and Radio Production

Political Communications and Public Affairs

Public Relations Theory and Practice

Research: Methods and Skills

Social/Digital Content Creation



Elective Modules:

International Political Economy

Media Product Design and Professional Development

Photojournalism

Sports Journalism

The Business of Media

Video Storytelling

A primary degree (2.2) in any discipline and interview.



Griffith College is now accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit our website.

How to Apply

Applicants can Apply Online Directly (see "Application Weblink" above)



Please note: Our MA in Journalism and PR has two intakes: February and September.

Courses beginning in September run for 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Courses beginning in February run for 1.5 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time.

1 year full-time.



Timetables

Full-Time / Part-Time & Blended Delivery.



The programme runs full-time for over one year with two semesters and an August dissertation submission. It is also run part-time over four semesters in two years with eight of the modules delivered through ‘blended learning’ where learners view lectures and related reading online at their convenience. Candidates are encouraged to contact the faculty to discuss our flexible, student-oriented timetabling. September and February commencements are facilitated.

Intake Dates

Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025

Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025

Academic Progression

On completion of the Level 9 MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.



Career Progression

Through the MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and covered a diverse range of media. Graduates of this programme are regularly employed as PR practitioners and media content creators in public relations firms and in the press and communications departments of companies and NGOs. Graduates also work as journalists, news researchers and broadcast production managers across web, radio, TV, video and print media. A sample of recent graduates’ job titles include:



PR Account Executive

Broadcast Journalist

Content and Community Manager

Communications Consultant

Digital Engagement Officer

Junior PR Consultant

Marketing Manager

News Research Assistant