Expand+1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

The programme runs full-time over one year with two semesters and an August dissertation submission. It is also run part-time over four semesters in two years with eight of the modules delivered through ‘blen...

Hide-1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

The programme runs full-time over one year with two semesters and an August dissertation submission. It is also run part-time over four semesters in two years with eight of the modules delivered through ‘blended learning’ where learners view lectures and related reading online at their convenience. Candidates are encouraged to contact the faculty to discuss our flexible, student-oriented timetabling. September and February commencements are facilitated.

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

The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is accredited by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institut...

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

The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is accredited by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII). The programme is delivered on a full-time and part-time basis by academics and industry experts in the fields of public relations, communications, business and journalism. The MA in Journalism and Public Relations provides students with a well-rounded internationally recognised communications qualification that prepares them for careers within the communications, media and public relations industries.

Why Study Journalism and Public Relations at Griffith College?
The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is recognised by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII).

The curriculum is structured to increase the employability of students and promote professional development in the communications sector. The course is conducted on both a full and part-time basis over a 1-2 year period. Learners will acquire the skills to conceive, produce and edit their own media and public relations content on all platforms including web, social, radio, print and mobile video. Public Relations students will develop a critical understanding of the theory and practice of public relations, political communications and of the strategic role that communications play in the management of organisations. The programme has been designed in response to industry demands for well-rounded multi-skilled communications graduates.

- You will gain a theoretical understanding of workings of the media industry including Sociology of the Media, Communications and Audience Theories and Research Methods.

- You will develop specific skills in journalism production through the Writing & Editing, Radio and MoJo modules, participating in Newsdays and delivering print, radio and mobile video news reports..

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

- You will create high-quality media content and develop effective public relations strategies.

- You have the option of finishing the programme early without a dissertation, receiving a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism & Public Relations after completing 9 mandatory modules.

- You are assured of excellent teaching practices, using industry-standard techniques and technologies.

Course Highlights
- One of seven courses accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII)
- NUJ Press Pass for the duration of your study
- Build your own professional portfolio
- Study full-time, part-time or through blended learning
- Produce real-life public relations strategies
- Connect with industry leaders

Course Details
The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is designed to be delivered on a full-time basis over one calendar year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. Learners on the MA programme complete 11 taught modules plus a dissertation. The programme is intended to provide a continuous development experience for learners, in which academic reflection is combined with gaining practical and professional mastery of this dynamic and engaging field. The first semester of this programme is designed to be commonly taught with MA Journalism learners while the second semester offers Public Relations specialisms. The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism & Public Relations consists of the 11 mandatory modules and does not include a dissertation.

Expand+Academic Progression
On completion of the Level 9 MA in Journalism and Public Relations, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qua...

Hide-Academic Progression
On completion of the Level 9 MA in Journalism and Public Relations, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.

Career Progression
Through the MA in Journalism and Public Relation, you 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 include:

PR Account Executive
Broadcast Journalist
Content and Community Manager
Communications Consultant
Digital Engagement Officer
Junior PR Consultant
Marketing Manager
News Research Assistant