MA Public Relations with New Media

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Munster Technological University

Program Overview

The MA in Public Relations with New Media at MTU is a 1-year (full-time) or part-time NFQ Level 9 master’s that blends professional communications strategy, digital media production and public relations practice to prepare students for contemporary communication roles. It suits graduates and early-career professionals who want to develop industry-relevant skills in strategic communication, media writing, digital content creation and campaign management across public, private and third-sector contexts.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students build practical and strategic communication competencies across core and elective modules. They learn PR Theory & Application along with Ethics & Social Responsibility to understand the principles guiding modern communication practice, and Multimedia Production Media Writing to gain hands-on skills in creating compelling digital and traditional content. Through PR and New Media and New Media Production, learners apply strategic thinking to social media, branding and campaign design, while modules such as Business Communication & Online Writing, Brand Management and Public Relations Campaigns deepen professional knowledge of stakeholder engagement and messaging frameworks. Media Law, Ethics & Professional Practice ensures graduates can navigate legal and ethical dimensions of communication work, and the programme culminates in a substantial Public Relations MA Project that integrates theory, practice and independent research in a real-world context.

Focus areas (in a string):

Strategic public relations, multimedia writing & production, digital media campaigns, media law & ethics, business communication, brand management, new media production, PR project.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop professional communication projects and campaigns, apply PR theory to digital and traditional media contexts, craft multimedia content, analyse communication challenges ethically and legally, and complete a major independent project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree, this programme is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) and aligns with industry expectations for roles in PR, corporate communication, digital strategy and media relations.

Reputation (employability rankings):

MTU is Ireland’s second technological university with strong links to industry and applied postgraduate education, and graduates from this programme typically pursue careers in communications agencies, corporate departments, digital media, stakeholder engagement and brand strategy roles

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The experiential learning in MA Journalism programs in Ireland is highly practical and industry-focused. Students gain skills primarily through hands-on production work in simulated or real newsroom environments, creating professional content across multiple platforms like audio, video, digital, and print. Key features common to many programs include:

Core Facilities: Access to dedicated, on-campus TV studios, radio studios, and digital newsrooms equipped with professional-grade broadcast equipment and editing suites.
Industry-Standard Software: Training and regular use of professional software, primarily the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Premiere Pro for video, Audition for audio, Photoshop for images).
Major Practical Projects: Completion of substantial, hands-on projects such as producing a podcast episode, a video news story, or multimedia packages, often culminating in a major dissertation or final project that can be a professional journalism piece.
Live Newsroom Simulation: Participation in live news days or regular newsroom simulations that replicate the fast-paced, deadline-driven environment of professional journalism.
Real-World Publication Platforms: Opportunities to have work published on student-run or community publications (e.g., Limerick Voice at UL) or through industry-linked platforms.
Direct Industry Interaction: Regular workshops, masterclasses, and seminars led by current journalists, editors, and media professionals, providing direct networking and learning from experts.
Professional Portfolio Development: A core focus on building a professional portfolio of published work across different media, which is essential for job applications after graduation.
University Resources: Full access to university libraries and online academic databases for research, alongside the specialized media production facilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Munster Technological University's MA in Journalism and Digital Content Creation, offered at Crawford College of Art & Design, equips students with multimedia skills for modern newsrooms through a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) program blending journalism fundamentals with digital production. Core modules span Audio/Visual Broadcasting, Writing for Media, Multimedia Production, Features/Web Writing, Media Law, Research Methods, and Cybercultures, with electives like Studio Technology or Event Management, culminating in a Journalism MA Project such as a documentary and industry mentorship. The curriculum emphasizes real-world publishing in national media, social media strategy, and ethical reporting amid evolving platforms.

Career Opportunities

Graduates enter roles as journalists, editors, broadcasters, web writers, online content creators, or media entrepreneurs across print, digital, radio, and TV outlets.
Strong industry ties facilitate placements and published work, leading to positions in Irish media organizations with skills in video/audio editing, podcasts, and audience engagement.
Demand grows for versatile digital journalists capable of multi-platform storytelling and new media innovation.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates pursue PhD programs in journalism, digital media, or communication studies, leveraging the research project and methodologies training. The program's practical-academic balance supports funded doctorates on topics like cybercultures or media ethics. Elective flexibility prepares candidates for interdisciplinary research in creative media or content strategy.