Public Relations & Digital Communications

Overview

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



This programme is designed for candidates who wish to master the theory and application of the public relations skills and techniques required to succeed in a wide range of public relations and communications employment settings. The programme is delivered on a full-time and part-time/blended basis by a dynamic mix of academic and industry experts in the fields of public relations, digital communications, business and journalism.



Students on the programme learn public relations and public affairs strategic communications, how to build relationships with decision-makers, the strategic use of emerging communication technologies and how to leverage positive and negative news for clients while understanding journalists’ thinking and requirements.



Why Study Public Relations and Digital Communications at Griffith College?

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).



Graduates of the MA go to the job market equipped with a portfolio demonstrating both their high-quality PR product and knowledge, as well as postgraduate-level production skills in enhanced digital journalism, podcasting, mobile video editing and social/digital content creation.



Course Highlights

-Learn the skills, strategies and tactics required to deliver an effective communications crisis response plan.

-Develop specific skills in content creation for public relations.

-Participate in regular on-campus PR events (e.g., Newsdays).

-Tailor the programme to interests, skills and career plans by choosing from a range of elective modules.

-Discounted membership rate for the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), including the annual PRII National Conference.

-Obtain press passes to PR industry events.

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

-Create high-quality media content and develop effective public relations strategies.

-Access to industry-standard digital communications technologies.



Part-time/Blended Option

All lectures are delivered live online and recorded for convenience and flexibility.

Monthly on-campus media production tutorials.

Evaluation through continuous assessment.

Course materials and research supports are available online.

Flexible payment options.

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.

1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time (Blended Option)

The MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications has two intakes per year: 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.

Intake Dates

Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025

Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025

Academic Progression

On completion of this Level 9 MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications, graduates may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. As a QQI validated postgraduate programme, this qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.



Career Progression

Upon completion of this MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications, graduates 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 includes:



Digital Communications Officer

Junior PR Consultant

Digital Communications Executive/Manager

Digital Marketing and PR Executive

Marketing Executive/Manager

Online Advertising Specialist

Public Policy and Government Relations Director

Senior Social Media Executive/Manager

Account Director/Manager

Communications Officer/Manager

Content Executive/Manager

Digital Content Producer

Head Of Content and Brand Marketing