MSc Corporate Communication and Public Affairs provides the practical skills and relevant academic knowledge required for a career within the Corporate Communication field.
Corporate communication is an increasingly central management discipline in contemporary business. Factors such as reputation and the ability to communicate in an effective and timely way with all stakeholders is recognised as a critical success factor for growth and survival. This course has been developed in direct response to employers' needs through close consultation with leading practitioners and professional bodies.
The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, coursework, workshops, simulation, guest lectures and a four-week work placement. Delivery of modules will involve at least one guest speaker from the industry each year linking into a live assignment and the opportunity to be mentored through your coursework.
You will also have the option to attend an annual Public Relations writing skills workshop, PR photography workshop and the annual PR careers event in May, open to all PR students. These events provide presentations by industry professionals, networking opportunities and careers information to take away. We also encourage you to attend visits to local media organisations and other local events organised through Grampian PR Group, which take place throughout the year.
Teaching is delivered through the University's online virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle.
Stage 1
Exit Award: PgCert Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Stage 2
Exit Award: PgDip Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Stage 3
Award: MSc Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Dissertation In Semester 2 you must present a written research proposal for submission. This will normally form the basis for the Masters level dissertation. You will work independently, but under supervision, to undertake the research and prepare the dissertation.
Full-time Study
In full time mode, you will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshop sessions. These comprise of a mix of group study, discussion, simulation and presentations of findings by teams and individuals. You will work as an individual and also as part of a team teams on case studies, team activities, presentations and discussions.
Access to our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).
Part-time Study
Our part-time delivery mode combines aspects of distance learning and on-campus delivery. You will benefit from the support of the virtual learning environment but also face-to-face interaction with tutors and classmates.
Distance Learning
Our supported distance learning mode of delivery allows you to study online from any location and is designed to fit in around your work commitments. You will be taught and supported by experienced industry professionals who will recreate the same challenging interactive format of the on-campus courses for those studying at a distance.
Our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle offers students flexibility of where and when they can study, offering full and open access to tutors and other class members. Students have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The online campus provides students with lectures and course materials and it also includes:
As online learners, students are part of a 'virtual cohort' and the communication and interaction amongst members of the cohort is a significant aspect of the learning process.
This course is designed to meet the requirements of Honours-level graduates and current practitioners who want to enhance their existing levels of professional skills.
Those who are new to the subject, have a flair for language and strategic thinking and are looking to follow a career within communications are also suited to this course. The programme will give you the relevant skills and experience to find employment as dedicated in-house communication professionals or within busy agencies or public affairs consultancies.
All international students, for whom English is not their first language, must provide evidence of linguistic ability, by gaining either IELTS 6.5 or its equivalent in TOEFL prior to receiving an unconditional offer of a place on the course.
Placement
A four-week work placement within a Communication, Media or Marketing environment is undertaken as part of the course. Companies offering placements expect students to be creative and to come on placement with energy, enthusiasm and some creative ‘new' ideas. Students often produce work that they are then able to put into a personal portfolio.
Previous students have elected to pursue roles within blue-chip corporations; global communications consultancies; global broadcasting companies; newspapers; leading arts and heritage organisations; oil and gas industry; marketing agencies; public sector; charities; digital media; and TV and radio.
Depending on the placement, you will work on small individual or team projects. You will also be given the chance to observe the overall running of the company, learn about different communication strategies and experience why companies adopt the strategies they do.
Accreditation
The masters degree qualilfication of this course* has been awarded accreditation and is approved by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and students are eligible for student membership. Recognition by the professional body is an assurance of the high professional standard and credibility of this corporate communication course.
* CIPR only applies to the Masters level (not to PgDip).
Postgraduate Funding
Information on funding for postgraduate students can
be seen under Postgraduate Student Finance
Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan
Applicants (Scottish domiciled and EU) to this course may be eligible for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan (PTFL). Full-time students can apply for a PTFL up to £3400. Part-time student can apply for up to £1700 The tuition fee loan is only available to part-time students who are undertaking at least 50% of a full-time course, and therefore, complete their qualification in 2 years.
Students can apply now by downloading an application form from:
SAAS website
For Academic Year 2012/2013
All Students
Part-time
Distance Learning Part-time
UK/EU Students
Full-time
International Students
Full-time
For Academic Year 2011/2012
All Students
UK/EU Students
International Students
All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
For further information see Student Finance pages
All students can apply online by visiting Apply Online at www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline
If you have any queries, please contact our Admissions Office:
If you are an International Student and would like further information and application advice:
The rapidly expanding Corporate Communication industry provides excellent opportunities for graduates who are equipped with a broad range of professional, technological and creative skills.
The corporate and technical communication components of the course make up a highly distinctive and accredited qualification that enhances career opportunities in both private and public sectors in areas such as PR or marketing, media and creative fields and other related areas.
