Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations, MA

Develop skills across diverse media practices, taught by industry professionals

Image of students filming an interview

Course Overview

The MA in Communications, Media Practice and Public Relations at Swansea University offers a dynamic blend of advanced critical theory and practical experience, equipping you with the skills to analyse, create, and innovate across journalism, PR and digital media.

We have designed our 1-year full-time programme (with the option to study over 2 or 3 years part-time) to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of both media theory and its practical application, ensuring that you are well-versed in the critical aspects of media and communications, and can confidently apply this knowledge to your working life.

Our course takes a central focus on Public Relations, and you will gain expertise in strategic communication, brand management, media relations, and reputation management. Through the critical analysis of real-world case studies, you will understand the intricacies of creating persuasive narratives, managing crises, and developing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences, while understanding the ethical considerations and societal impact of your work.

Whether you are a new graduate looking to increase your skills and employability through postgraduate study, or a current industry professional working to enhance your career, our course will further your media literacy and critical analytical skills, develop industry-standard content creation and promotional skills, and equip you to take innovative, ethical and inclusive approaches to media production and communication, ready for a dynaic career in media industries.

Why Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations at Swansea?

Within all our Media and Communications programmes we strive to be ‘research-led, practice-driven and teaching-focussed’, ensuring that our courses reflect the ever-evolving nature of media and communications theory and practice, both nationally and globally.

Our academic colleagues are active researchers in Media and Communications, utilising their knowledge to inform their teaching on changes to the mediascape, its impact on public relations and journalism, and the need for organisations to interact directly with the public and stakeholders.

Our close links with industry offer you a wide range of work experience opportunities, including paid and voluntary internships and projects. Not only will you gain insight into the industry and apply your theoretical knowledge within real-world settings, but you will receive career advice from professionals and build connections within the sector, which have led to future employment opportunities for many of our graduates.

Your Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations Experience

Throughout your studies you will cover a wide range of media practices including content creation, multimedia production, digital media strategies, and the use of emerging technologies in communication, working with industry-standard equipment and technology to produce professional-level potfolios.

A key element of your studies will be the major project or dissertation, worth 60 credits. The project will enhable you to develop expertise in a specific area of interest, and we encourage you to give some thought to the area of communication, media, PR or creative practice you wish to focus on before you begin your studies, to give you a good starting point from which to refine your project, with the help of a dissertation supervisor.

Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations Employment Opportunities

On completion of the course you will have the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and real-world experience that embody a multi-dimentional communicator. 

You will be equipped to confidently apply industry-relevant knowledge and skills, address global and Welsh national challenges such as media trends, cultural diversity and ethical considerations, and effectively communicate across written, verbal and digital platforms. 

Your employability prospects will be strengthened through practical experience of developing strategic communications, promotional campaigns, sports and news stories, podcasts, promotion and video documentaries as well as hands-on placement experience of working in a communications environment. 

Previous graduates have gone on to work in a range of creative industries including journalism, publicity, broadcasting, marketing and advertising.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical Offer

2.2