Public Relations with New Media - Cork

This innovative and well-established MA programme offers students the opportunity to gain the essential skills and knowledge required to embark on a career in the fast-moving communications industry.



Industry recognised and accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), our graduates have an excellent track record of pursuing careers as professional communicators and social media professionals with a wide range of companies, PR consultancies and digital media agencies across the private and public sectors, both in Ireland and abroad.



The course programme focuses on the development of a range of skills and professional know-how required of the modern professional communicator.



Students will develop skills in the following areas:

Devising and managing communications programmes for diverse audiences

digital content creation and storytelling

important skills in digital marketing and branding communications

media writing and media relations

photo, audio and video production and editing skills

practical research, presentation and pitching skills.



The programme stresses a balance of academic and practical modules and students can expect to work on a range of live industry assignments throughout the programme.



Other notable aspects of the programme include:



students become members of the PRII



students take part in the Professional Communications Mentorship Programme where they will receive career guidance from an assigned mentor, an experienced communications professional.



students will attend industry conferences and seminars, enhancing industry knowledge and affording networking opportunities.



opportunities to participate in international study and Erasmus+ programmes during the academic year.

Modules

The elective modules afford the learner the opportunity to broaden his/her skills set in other disciplines or to deepen his/her skills set in the wider professional communications environment. The elective modules offered in any given year are delivered subject to demand and resource availability.



Stage 1/Semester 1

PR Theory & Application

Ethics & Social Responsibility

Multimedia Production Media Writing

Research Methods and Practice



Elective

Brand Management

Direct Marketing Environment

Strategy Analysis



Stage 1/Semester 2

PR and New Media

New Media Production

Cybercultures

Business Communication & Online Writing

Public Relations Campaigns



Elective

Media Law, Ethics & Professional

Practice Event & Project Management

The Business Environment

Enterprise and Innovation



Stage 1/Semester 3

Public Relations MA Project

Mentorship Programme



Students will participate in the Public Relations Mentorship Programme which aims to prepare students for a career in the communications industry through a series of presentations and one-to-one contact with industry professionals. Students will prepare a career development plan, liaise with the MTU Careers Service, participate in professional networking, both on and offline, and develop important career oriented skillsets aimed at enhancing employability and career prospects.

Entry requirements for this course will be in accordance with standard Institute admissions procedures. Entrants will be expected to hold minimum of a 2.2 honours degree. Admission to the course will be on the basis of interview. Recognition of Prior Learning will be applicable for candidates entering from the workplace or applying for admission from other institutes.



What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

1 year full-time, part-time.



Course Delivery

This is a full-time programme which can be studied part-time. Part-time students take modules on a phased basis and achieve the programme qualification over a number of academic years. The elective modules afford the learner the opportunity to broaden his/her skills set in other disciplines or to deepen his/her skills set in the wider professional communications environment. The elective modules offered in any given year are delivered subject to demand and resource availability.

Career options

By developing students’ planning, managerial and multimedia skills, the programme aims to produce graduates who can display leadership and show the capacity for innovation within the dynamic and fast-evolving professional communications and public relations industry.



Our graduates work in a wide array of positions and roles, including:



Public Relations/Media Relations Officer

Social Media Executive/Manager

Digital Content Creator, Digital Storyteller

Events Manager, Marketing Manager

Stakeholder Engagement, Public Affairs Manager