Course Summary
Effective communication is the lifeblood of any organisation. Strategic communication is an essential factor for an organisation’s success and how it effects their end goals and not just their image. DCU’s MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications (MScPR) provides a focus on the “why” of communication decisions, rather than merely on the “how” of any communication activities. The programme is designed to provide the skills and ability to think strategically and make effective use of the latest tools in modern communications.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications programme, successful applicants will have -
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent. Entry to this programme is very competitive and places are limited. Applicants will normally have a strong honours primary degree in a related discipline.
• Appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the university. This may apply to applicants who have worked in advertising, journalism, marketing, media, public relations, or in a communications role / function for several years.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
As part of the application process applicants may be called for interview.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
To apply for this programme:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
• A personal statement of 500-750 words (maximum) outlining your:
(i) Understanding of public relations or strategic communications in action.
(ii). Awareness of contemporary media and the role of different channels, both traditional and contemporary, as seen from an Irish / western perspective.
(iii) Set out a personal career pathway, where this programme is the anticipated starting point.
Applicants may include other aspects that would demonstrate their suitability for the programme.
• Please upload a CV under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee €7,400.
Non EU Fee €16,000.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
The skills of strategic communications are used with organisations of all types: in public service, charities, voluntary organisations, entertainment, sports, education and business – across all sectors, including technology, food, healthcare, leisure and utilities.
Graduates from the MSc in Public Relations & Strategic Communications will pursue careers both within and within in-house communications departments and public relations agencies.
The programme provides the necessary skills and knowledge for careers in:
• Public Relations
• Strategic Communications
• Advocacy
• Media Relations
• Content Management
• Political Communications
• Communications Management
• Brand Engagement
• Reputation Management
• Community Management
• Public Consultation
• Sponsorship
• Corporate Responsibility Management
Since the programme’s establishment in 2016/17, graduates are now working in communication roles on three continents, including in Australia, France, Italy, Norway, United States, as well as across the UK and Ireland.
• Advertising
• Agency Strategist
• Brand Ambassador
• Business
• Communications
• Editor
• Event Management
• Market Research
• Marketing
• Presenter