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International Public Relations and Communication (MA)

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Mode: Full time

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Why study this course

An internationally recognised, accredited course that equips you with the knowledge, understanding and practice-based skills to develop as a public relations and strategic communications specialist.

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Professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, the largest professional body for public relations practitioners in Europe with global influence at all levels and sectors of the industry.

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A global viewpoint

A learning community from a range of national and cultural backgrounds allowing you to gain a global perspective of PR practice.

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Ranked for excellence

Study with one of the UK’s leading schools, ranked top 40 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings for Communication and Media Studies.

location

Centrally-located

Study in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant media quarter in a purpose-built facility adjacent to the new BBC Cymru/Wales building.

Our MA International Public Relations and Communications programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and techniques you'll need to succeed as a PR and communications professional across a diverse range of industries on a global scale. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the evolving demands of this thriving industry, catering to a wide spectrum of sectors and organizations.

You will gain a solid grounding in PR knowledge, skills and practice by a faculty comprised of academic staff and practitioners, all of whom bring their unique and diverse perspectives into their teaching. It is this blend of research and experience, spanning multiple sectors and countries, that helps make our programme distinctive.

You will gain a theoretical and practical understanding of public relations and also develop industry-relevant skills relating to the planning, strategy, delivery and evaluation of effective communications. You will also be able to explore a range of specialised areas, tailoring part of your learning experience with a choice of options to help align the programme with your career interests or aspirations.

Our assignments are crafted to facilitate the practical application of theory and to help you demonstrate a critical understanding of what is being taught. The dissertation component provides a unique opportunity for you to pursue a research area of your choice in the field of PR and communications. This major project fosters in-depth analysis and understanding within a specific practice area, supporting your intended specialism or professional interests.

Graduating from our CIPR-accredited program not only enhances your academic qualifications but also positions you within a network of forward-thinking and respected PR and communications professionals. This credential serves as a valuable addition to your CV, demonstrating your commitment to growth and excellence in this field.

Accreditations

Where you'll study

School of Journalism, Media and Culture

We provide a scholarly environment to help you acquire both the knowledge and skills needed to enter your chosen area of the media.

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  • Telephone+44(0)29 2087 4786
  • MarkerCentral Square, Cardiff, CF10 1FS

Admissions criteria

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

With your online application you will need to provide:

  1. A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
  2. A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.0 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
  3. A personal statement of no more than 300 words in total, which covers the following:
  • your interest in and passion for this specific programme at Cardiff University (100-150 words)
  • your aspirations and motivations for working in the public relations and communications sector (100-150 words).

If you do not have a degree, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Selection process

We will review your application, including your personal statement (to assess your suitability for and understanding of the programme), and if you meet all of the entry requirements, and places are still available, we will make you an offer.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • access to computers or devices that can store images
  • use of internet and communication tools/devices
  • curfews
  • freedom of movement
  • contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

This is a full-time course that is completed in two stages. The first stage is taught across two semesters (Autumn and Spring) from the end of September to the beginning of June.

The second stage of the programme is a dissertation project that you will complete during the Summer period. This is an opportunity for you to complete a programme-related research project of your choice, for example, to support your PR interests or career aspirations.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/26 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.

During the autumn and spring semesters, you'll complete 4 essential modules relating to international public relations and communication. These will equip you with core knowledge and skills relating to public relations theory, practice, communications management, and research.

You'll choose 2 further optional modules that relate to significant areas of contemporary PR and communications practice. These are designed to allow you to tailor this part of the programme towards your career interests or aspirations. Module capacity is limited but you can select one module from each of the following groups:

Group 1: Domains of practice
Corporate communication 
Brand communication 
Culture and communication

Group 2: Drivers of practice
Data-driven communication 
Behaviour-change communication 
Purpose-led communication

The second stage of the programme is to complete a scholarly research project which is a required part of a master’s degree programme. It requires in-depth investigation and analysis of a specific PR and communications topic of your choice, for example, relevant to your professional interests or career goals

You'll need to complete original research by reviewing existing literature, gathering data, and presenting your findings in the dissertation. The dissertation allows you to demonstrate mastery of the topic, critical thinking, and research skills as well as fresh insights relevant to PR and communications.

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through lectures, online materials, seminars, and workshops to deliver both the practical and academic elements of the course. You will also hear from industry-leading professionals through the expert lecture series which is a regular part of this programme.

How will I be assessed?

The main method of assessment on this programme is written coursework such as an academic essay or professional-style report. Most of these assessments are completed individually and there are some group projects included to demonstrate your experience of team working and collaboration.

How will I be supported?

We offer a wealth of support for postgraduate students, including specialist support for international students via the Student Connect team based in the university’s Centre for Student Life. The School of Journalism, Media and Culture also has a dedicated Student Support team to help you with many practical aspects of your programme or direct you to other resources.

Academic support

During the programme, our experienced lecturers and tutors will be on hand to provide help with the academic content for each of your modules. Their help and support is available within the regular in-person seminars and you can also contact them by email during the teaching weeks if you have further questions.

In each module you will receive feedback on your work and for every assessment we provide written feedback as part of the marking process. Other feedback is less formal and takes place as your participate in the various seminars and activities held during the programme.

Academic resources

To support your study you will have access to a large library of resources and other materials. Your will be directed to many of these as the course progresses, but all essential programme and module materials are hosted online in a dedicated online portal which you can access 24/7 throughout the programme.

You will also be able to access Cardiff University libraries across campus, including the school’s library right at the heart of our building in Central Square. Online access is also provided to more than 1.5 million books, journals and other resources. Our library resources are particularly helpful when working on your research project and preparing your dissertation towards the end of the programme. This is a critical and substantial part of the degree, and we will make sure that you are offered the support of an academic supervisor as you develop your project.

Other support

You will also have a personal tutor during the programme and who can provide general academic advice. If you are experiencing difficulties, they will be there to listen and help to direct you to the appropriate source of support. In addition, more specialist support services are available via Student Connect and our Student Life teams.

Located in the purpose-built Centre for Student Life, these support services encompass: Advice and Money, Student Futures for careers support, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, Academic Study Skills and Student Mentoring. Our Student Connect services can also provide guidance in areas more specific to international students such as visas and immigration requirements.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical frameworks, concepts, and principles that underpin public relations and the role that it plays at local, national, and international levels of economic, political and social organisation. 
  • Relate the diversity of approaches to public relations and communication to current domains or drivers of practice, evaluating their cultural, social and political implications.
  • Express, in detail, evaluation approaches for assessing the effectiveness and impact of public relations campaigns or other strategic communication activities.
  • Examine the global perspectives and intercultural dynamics that influence public relations practice, demonstrating an awareness of their impact on organisational reputation and the effectiveness of its communication.

Intellectual Skills:

  • Critically assess and apply relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations drawing on techniques of research and enquiry sufficient to allow detailed investigation of public relations issues within their organisational, social, and cultural context.
  • Synthesise complex information from multiple disciplines to develop coherent and persuasive communications strategies tailored to diverse stakeholders and contexts.
  • Conduct research into public relations and communications management issues, showing a critical understanding of how to evaluate (the rigour and validity of) new or existing data and apply it to new situations or approaches to practice. 

Professional Practical Skills:

  • Develop and plan public relations campaigns that align with organisational aims and objectives by integrating strategic thinking, audience analysis and the tactical planning of online and offline channels.
  • Select and apply a range of professional communication and media practices in response to organisational issues or problems, demonstrating skills in both strategic thinking and pragmatic execution. 
  • Research and engage with creative processes to create a range of public relations outputs, understanding how to interpret this material for the needs of differing audiences, stakeholders, platforms and communications objectives.
  • Demonstrate responsibility and self-management in progressing their learning and professional development, reflecting on progress and responding to feedback with appropriate action.

Transferable/Key Skills:

  • Work across a variety of individual, group and self-managed modes of study, demonstrating initiative, motivation, creativity and the capacity for critical self-reflection.
  • Collaborate effectively by demonstrating teamwork and professionalism, respecting different contributions or perspectives, and able to resolve conflicts in a reasonable, negotiated manner. 
  • Apply advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills, employing critical judgement and creativity to address complex issues and challenges within the communications profession.
  • Analyse and synthesise data and information from a variety of sources, to evaluate its relevance and validity, and synthesise its application to real-world situations or professional contexts. 
  • Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independent critical thinking and an ability to express ideas effectively, communicating clearly both orally and in writing, using a variety of media.

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.

Learn how we decide your fee status

Fees for home status

Year Tuition fee Deposit
Year one £10,950 None

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.

Fees for island status

Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Fees for overseas status

Year Tuition fee Deposit
Year one £23,700 £2,500

More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.

Financial support

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

Additional costs

Living costs

We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.

Funding

Master's Scholarships

An award open to UK students intending to study one of our taught master’s degrees.

Postgraduate loans

If you are starting your master’s degree in September 2024 or later, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study at Cardiff University.

Career prospects

Your academic qualification from this professionally accredited programme will prepare your for a wide range of PR and communications roles. The high-level skills you have developed during the programme such as effective communication, critical thinking, and industry knowledge are highly valued by employers. Our graduates of this programme are currently employed in many sectors around the world as PR executives, communication managers, media relations officers and many other specialist roles.

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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.