Northumbria University Newcastle - Mass Communication with Public Relations BA (Hons)

Northumbria University Newcastle

Mass Communication with Public Relations BA (Hons)

The BA (Hons) Mass Communication with Public Relations pathway course is an innovative media-based degree that allows you to develop specialist knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and methods that characterise contemporary media, communication, and cultural studies. From day one, you will be supported in developing an independent critical understanding of the key developments within mass communications, a field of study that encompasses a wide variety of media organisations, technological innovations, cultural industries, and audiences.

You will develop your knowledge, skills and abilities on a course that will enable you to critically evaluate contemporary mass communications industries and to understand the technological, social and political factors that shape those industries. The course’s unique framework structure allows you to tailor your interest in media towards a particular career route in PR in your third year, specialising in specific modules that are directly applicable to your future employment, whichever career path you choose.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

120 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

English Language Requirements: 

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Career Prospects

On graduating you will have the knowledge and skills required for employment in a wide range of media-related professions, including careers in the creative and cultural industries, marketing, journalism, management, public relations and press offices.

This course is designed to instil key transferable skills that you will draw upon in your future career, including communication skills, literacy skills, and the ability to work in teams.

Course Details

As a pathway degree, the BA (Hons) Mass Communication framework provides greater opportunities to tailor your degree to your future career aspirations than most other courses usually offer.

The course’s core and option modules provide you with a detailed knowledge of mass communications, encompassing media and cultural theory, media organisations, technological innovations, creative industries, and consumers.

The first two years of the course will follow a core programme of study, whether you have chosen to study Mass Communication as a single subject or combined with advertising, business or public relations.

In your third year, you will specialise by undertaking specific Public Relations modules, and by completing a dissertation that is applicable to Mass Communications with Public Relations.

Year One

Personal and Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)
Approaches to Media and Culture (Core,40 Credits)
Writing for Digital (Core,20 Credits)
Key Debates in Media History (Core,20 Credits)
Media and Morality (Core,20 Credits)
Academic Language Skills for Arts (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year Two

Media Cultures (Core,20 Credits)
Researching Audiences (Core,20 Credits)
Media Methodologies (Core,20 Credits)
Cultural Identities on Screen (Core,20 Credits)
Media Industries (Core,20 Credits)
Media Events (Core,20 Credits)
Academic Language Skills for Arts (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year Three

Arts Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
Arts Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year Four

Media Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)
Mass Communication Case Study (Optional,20 Credits)
Cinema and Society (Optional,20 Credits)
Promotional Writing (Core,20 Credits)
Public Relations in Context (Core,20 Credits)
Current Affairs in Public Relations (Core,20 Credits)
Academic Language Skills for Arts (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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