Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,620 for the course
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How long will I study?
2 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Critically understand the history, theory and diverse practices of PR.
- Examine ethical dimensions of PR, from codes of professional conduct to AI.
- Learn how to plan, deliver and evaluate successful PR campaigns.
- Develop the creative, technical and reflective skills to work in PR.
- Gain knowledge of project management, communication and freelancing.
Our MA Public Relations course is a supportive and stimulating environment where you’ll appreciate the diversity of PR practice and its contexts. You’ll explore different types of practice in the political, corporate, third sector and activism spheres. You’ll learn how to devise and implement campaign strategies, plus how to use data to analyse the results of campaigns.
Accredited by
This course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
When you enrol on a course recognised by the CIPR you are eligible for CIPR Student Membership. This gives you access to the members area of the CIPR website, where they have a dedicated student area which offers help and advice on getting into the PR industry.
View our students' work
Find out more about the Media Arts and Communications department and view the work of some of our students.
How you learn
You’ll be taught by practising PR professionals who have experience in different areas of the sector. In on-campus lectures you’ll gain knowledge and key historical, cultural and material contexts – as well as theoretical perspectives and methodologies. Online learning will include synchronous and asynchronous digital learning materials, and you’ll make use of subject-specific resources in libraries and online to undertake independent learning.
You’ll also learn by doing – from in-lecture and in-seminar prompts and activities, to working on live PR briefs set by local, national or global employers.
You learn through
- whole-group lectures
- smaller-group seminars and workshops
- online learning
- independent learning
- researching academic and secondary sources
- discussions and activities
- responding to live PR briefs
- reflecting on ideas, concepts and perspectives
Key themes
You’ll delve into the world of public relations in a range of contexts, looking at corporate, political, third sector and lobbying campaigns.
We’ll explore the impacts of AI on PR practice and consider how it can be used ethically. We’ll also cover topics such as crisis communications, news and social media, social responsibility, public affairs, and disinformation.
Course support
As a Masters student you’re expected to demonstrate a high level of independence, resourcefulness and rigour in your studies, developing professional skills which translate into the workplace. To support you, our teaching approach is collaborative, helping you to develop the skills and confidence to present and discuss your ideas with others.
We also provide support such as:
- our Skills Centre, offering specialist advice on essential academic skills and feedback on your academic writing
- curated resources to develop digital literacy and digital skills for seeking resources for your interests
- helping you plan learning through independent study, building your skills and experience
Applied learning
The course is designed to enable you to develop your professional skills through activities which mirror professional contexts.
Work experience
You’ll have opportunities to undertake work experience, either within Hallam or externally. We’ll encourage you to get both paid and voluntary experience.
Live projects
You’ll get to work with employers and real-world clients on live projects, collaborating with other students to develop successful PR campaigns.
Field trips
Field trips give you the chance to reflect on your learning and contextualise your professional practice. Previous students have visited Bletchley Park Museum – the home of British code breaking – learning about the importance of communications through key time periods.
Networking
Our links with industry professionals provide opportunities to build relationships and form contacts. We often invite guest lecturers from the PR industry to share their experience with you, as well as successful alumni. You’ll also have access to careers advisers and employability-enhancing workshops.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- PR management
- communications
- digital PR account management
- news and PR coordination
- lead consultancy
- news and media management
- digital communications
- account management
- PR-specific, public and private companies
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- Altitude PR
- Black House Media
- The Academy of Medical Sciences
- UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Community
- East Staffordshire Borough Council
- SEO Travel
- Search Laboratory
- Sheffield Hallam University
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Media, Arts and Communications Facilities Tour
Take a look around the media, arts and communication facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with lecturer Saskia Wilson.
Equipment and facilities
You'll learn in a professional learning environment including lecture and seminar rooms, many equipped with PCs. Outside formal teaching you’ll have access to a range of spaces around our campus, including:
- individual and group collaboration facilities to support self-directed learning
- a 24-hour learning centre
- your Students’ Union
- cafes and eateries
Entry requirements
All students
Normally
• an honours degree (2.2 or above) or equivalent in any subject
• a good standard of written and spoken English.
Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.
You may also be considered if you do not hold a degree but can provide evidence of relevant professional experience.
If you do not have such academic qualifications we may consider your application individually, based on your personal, professional and work experience, and other formal qualifications. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, email our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Persuasion, Influence, And Power
Pr: Specialisms
Final year
Compulsory modules
Pr: Dissertation/ Final Project
Pr: Strategy And Campaigning
Research And Communication Skills
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time. Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2025/26 are: Year 1: £3,540 Year 2: £7,080.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Media, PR and journalism courses (PDF, 331.5KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
