Gain a solid grounding in the theory and practice of Public Relations with this highly-regarded Masters degree, and accelerate within one of the UK’s most vibrant professions that ranks consistently amongst the top three career choices for new graduates.

Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), this course will appeal to those who may already be working in the profession and want to progress, those who are seeking a career move, or those wishing to start their career by establishing a solid knowledge base.

What you can expect

You can expect to develop your intellectual abilities, skills and knowledge needed to strategically manage the reputation of brands and organisations in adding value to their commercial success and supporting their goals. The course will give you a framework for the PR planning process, addressing the critical role of research and evaluation.

You will examine the disciplines of stakeholder communications, events management, investor relations, public affairs and employee communications and how they link to corporate strategy, and be involved in planning and implementing national and international campaigns.

As part of this, you'll explore the most effective use of PR tools such as media relations, change management and issues and crisis management. The specific skills of story telling and writing for media across traditional and digital media channels are also practiced and looked at in depth, along with the role of persuasion and influence.

An understanding of the impact of global, financial, political and opinion former publics will be gained in you honing your ability to communicate with 'publics' as well the ethical, technological and global issues that are inherent within the modern environment.

You'll also explore the wider cultural and societal landscape in which PR operates touching on areas such as celebrity, power and discourse and the wider impact of globalisation. This will help develop your research and analytical skills in preparation for the final dissertation.

Tutors

Tutors on this course include Course Director, Sarah Roberts-Bowman, an experienced and active PR practitioner with a track record of 17 years working in corporate communications and public affairs across business-to-business, start-ups and non-profit organisations. These include for example, names such as BT, Energis, Central London Partnership and Centrepoint.

Sarah Roberts-Bowmanalso runs her own successful freelance consultancy and is currently a doctoral student at the University of West London. Students benefit considerably from her expertise and enthusiasm for PR education.

The degree also benefits from the support of over 25 guest lecturers who are specialist PR practitioners and academics. In addition, LCC is one of only a handful of universities recognised by the PRCA and is actively supported by the organisation through the provision of guest speakers.

Alumni

Alumni include Phil Morgan, Director of Policy and Communications at the CIPR. On leaving the course, students enter a variety of in-house and consultancy roles both in the UK and in their home countries.

What students say about the course

"Coming together with students who are specialists in different fields of communications has been great. For me, what was really important was the fresh perspective on PR that I gained from studying in an arts environment."
Laura Owen, who works in Public Relations at the Home Office

"Taking this MA is one of the best career moves I have made. I can honestly say it has made certain aspects of my job here a lot easier."
Major Charlie Mayo, Ministry of Defence communications specialist

Please note: This course's structure is currently being reviewed and may be subject to changes.

Please note, the course is due for minor modifications to take into account a new university wide change in credit structure.  All components outlined below will be taught but it will done under different unit titles.

Phase 1

• Induction
• Knowledge Pool - PR into Practice (runs through all 3 phases)
• Unit 1.1 - PR Theory, Publics and Persuasion (20 credits)
• Unit 1.2 - Contemporary PR Practice (20 credits)
• Unit 1.3 - Media and Cultural Studies (20 credits)

Phase 2

• Unit 2.1 - Strategic PR (20 credits)
• Unit 2.2 - Social Media and Digital PR (20 credits)
• Unit 2.3 - PR Specialisms (20 credit)

Phase 3

• Unit 3.1 - Major Project [dissertation] (60 credits)

Many students have moved upwards within their own organisations or gained higher level positions within new employment positions as a result of this course. Many students have also chosen to go into business for themselves.

Enterprise and employability at UAL

We know what it takes to be successful in your chosen field. Your tutors are professionals in their own right and understand what you need to help you establish your career. Staff in our Centre for Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) are dedicated to helping you build up work-relevant skills, knowledge, experience and networks throughout your time here. You will also benefit from our many relationships with industry, which give our students exclusive opportunities and access to networks and funding.

Artists and designers tell us they value UAL's informed engagement with their career and professional practice development and our ability to offer them practical advice, guidance and opportunities across the wide spectrum of possible professional pathways - as entrepreneurs and employees. Staff value the resources and skills UAL makes available to help them deliver effective professional and career development through the curriculum.

Find out more

ArtsTemps (SEE) is the UAL in-house recruitment agency placing students and graduates in paid temping roles within the University. 

Creative Opportunities (SEE) is the UAL job vacancy and work placement website for students and graduates and advertises hundreds of creative job and placement opportunities each month.

Get more information and advice on employment and creative careers for all UAL students and graduates.

The normal entry requirement for this course is a good honours degree in a relevant subject. But other qualifications that are deemed to be equivalent to a first degree, along with any relevant professional, industrial or commercial experience will be considered.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English. Further information is available on our International Applications page.

Application route

You need to apply to this course through the College. UK and EU students should download this application form (PDF - 4MB). International students should use the international postgraduate application form which is available to download on the international office's web pages. Applications should be sent to Postgraduate Admissions, Central Administration Office, 5th Floor Tower Block, London College of Communication, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6SB.

Home/EU student fee discounts

If you have successfully completed a UAL undergraduate degree you will qualify for a £1000 discount from your tuition fees. For further information please contact pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries

For enquiries about admissions please call the admissions team on +44 (0)20 7514 6599 or email info@lcc.arts.ac.uk for UK and EU student enquiries, or international@lcc.arts.ac.uk for international enquiries.