(Full time) 2019 start
Corporate Communications, Marketing and Public Relations MA
Overview
Global organisations are realising that their corporate communications and marketing functions need to work closely to communicate with stakeholders. This growing interdependence has partly been driven by the impact of online communications on organisational reputation.
This course recognises this industry shift and explores the drivers and dynamics of modern corporate communications and its relationship with marketing and public relations. You focus on stakeholder management, global strategic marketing, brand management, reputation management, media relations and social media.
Taught by researchers who combine their professional experience with the latest research expertise, you’ll examine key theories and concepts and gain the practical professional skills employers are looking for.
You’ll benefit from our corporate connections, as senior figures working in the sector regularly visit to offer a practitioner’s view during guest lectures. Many also provide case studies and practical projects.
Academic excellence
The Marketing division at Leeds University Business School is one of the leading centres of research in marketing in Europe. As part of our research, we engage with companies, senior executives and academics across the globe.
Our research makes an important contribution to your learning on the programme; our academics bring their world-leading expertise to you in the classroom. The Global and Strategic Marketing Research Centre is the Business School’s established and esteemed centre of excellence for scholarly research work.
Course content
The course provides you with an essential foundation in communications theory, marketing strategy and public relations practice.
You’ll explore the history and theory of corporate communications, connecting communications to overall corporate strategy. Alongside this, you’ll study the latest thinking in important areas of marketing such as global strategic marketing, marketing research and social media marketing, as well as understanding how organisations manage their brands and identities, marketing communications and key priorities such as sustainability.
During the Public Relations in Practice module, you’ll work alongside classmates and focus on the practical applications of some key PR tools and techniques. You’ll cover essential skills such as campaign planning, personal communication skills, influencing techniques and writing for PR.
In addition, you’ll choose from a selection of optional modules that allow you to focus on a topic that matches your interests and career plans.
In the final semester you will apply your skills and knowledge to either a research dissertation or a practical consultancy project. Our consultancy projects give you the opportunity to work with a live business situation, make links with industry and gain experience that can be exceptionally rewarding.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Global Strategic Marketing 15 credits
- Corporate Communications and Reputation Management 15 credits
- Corporate Communications Strategy 15 credits
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability 15 credits
- Brand Management and Corporate Identity 15 credits
- Social Media Marketing 15 credits
- Public Relations in Practice 15 credits
- Marketing Research 15 credits
- Marketing Communications 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Persuasive Writing and Speechmaking 15 credits
- Change Management and Communication 15 credits
- Digital and Interactive Marketing 15 credits
- Dissertation 30 credits
- Marketing Consultancy Project 30 credits
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching methods so you can benefit from the expertise of our academics, including lectures, workshops, seminars, simulations and tutorials. Company case studies provide an opportunity to put your learning into practice.
Independent study is also vital for this course, allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.
Assessment
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including exams, group projects, written assignments and essays, in-course assessment, group and individual presentations and reports.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject.
This course is primarily aimed at students with a general or non-business background; however we do not restrict entry for those who have previously studied marketing.
International equivalents
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Marketing (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Marketing (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadline:
We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.
If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.
Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.
Documents and information you’ll need
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- Two academic references
- A personal statement
- An up-to-date CV
- Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
- A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.
* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Leeds University Business School Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
- UK/EU: £12,000 (total)
- International: £23,000 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.
There are several scholarships available for this course that you may be eligible for, including:
- Masters in Marketing International Excellence Scholarship
- Masters in Marketing UK/EU Excellence Scholarship
- Dean's Excellence Scholarship (UK/EU and International)
- Leeds Alumni Bursary and Excellence Scholarship
Career opportunities
Graduates have a rounded and reflective approach to communications strategy and practice. Many become effective communications professionals, either in internal corporate and marketing communications roles or in PR, digital and social media agencies.
Our recent graduates have started careers as consultants, account executives and communications advisors for a range of organisations in the UK and overseas.
Links with industry
A number of senior figures from the world of corporate communications, marketing and public relations are invited to deliver guest lectures, providing a practitioner's view of the latest industry developments.
Recent contributors include: Sainsburys, Creative Concern, Ikea UK & IE, Sustainly, Marks and Spencer, Search Laboratory, Twentysix and Brand 24.
Careers support
We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support as part of the course.
Our dedicated professional development tutor provides you with tailored academic and careers support. They work in partnership with our academics to help you translate theory into practice and develop your interpersonal and professional business skills.
You can expect advice and guidance with your career choices, help in identifying and applying for jobs, as well as one-to-one coaching for interpersonal skills.
Read more about our careers and professional development support. The University's Careers Centre provides help and advice, even after you graduate.