Is the MA Public Communication a PR master's?

No. The MA Public Communication is built around public-sector, NHS and third-sector communications and engagement leadership, not commercial PR. Many graduates do work in senior press-office and campaign roles, but the discipline taught is public communication as a public service, not commercial public relations.

How much research methods training does the MA Public Communication include?

Substantial. Mixed-methods design, advanced qualitative analysis and applied statistics are all covered, with the dissertation a piece of applied social research. The MA Public Communication is designed for senior practitioners who lead research, not only commission it.

Can I take the MA Public Communication part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are designed for working senior practitioners, with evening seminars and a dissertation timeline that fits around your other commitments.

What kind of dissertation will I write on the MA Public Communication?

A 12,000–15,000 word dissertation on a public communication question, often based in your own organisation. Recent topics have included place-based health communication, hard-to-reach inclusion strategies in local government, regulator communications around incident response, and refugee-inclusion engagement programmes.

Is the MA Public Communication recognised by UK public-sector employers?

Yes. The MA Public Communication is a UK master's degree aligned to Social Research Association and Community Development Foundation standards. UK local authorities, NHS trusts, charities, regulators and central government recognise the credential alongside your dissertation and applied portfolio.

MA Public Communication in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Public Communication at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for senior communications, engagement and social research practitioners working across local government, the NHS, the third sector and public bodies. You will train at advanced level in public-sector communications strategy, applied social research and community engagement leadership, and produce a 12,000-to-15,000-word dissertation on a public communication question of your choice.

This MA is for the head of communications, the senior engagement lead, the social research manager. The MA Public Communication treats public communication as a discipline distinct from commercial PR — anchored in the relationships public bodies have with the people they serve.

Key Features

UK postgraduate degree in public-facing communications — one year full-time, with online and distance routes.
Strategic public communications module — GCS, OASIS and audience-led campaign leadership at senior level.
Advanced social research methods strand — mixed-methods design, advanced qualitative analysis, applied statistics.
Engagement leadership clinic — co-production at scale, deliberative methods, programme governance.
Industry-led masterclasses from senior communications directors across government, NHS and third sector.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation supervised by an academic and a senior practitioner.

What You Will Learn

The MA Public Communication is structured around the working practice of a senior public-facing communications leader. You graduate able to set strategy across multi-year programmes, lead mixed-methods social research, design and govern engagement programmes at scale, and contribute to senior public-sector decision-making.

Strategic public communications — GCS standards, OASIS at senior level, programme leadership.
Advanced social research methods — mixed-methods, advanced qualitative analysis, applied statistics.
Engagement leadership — co-production at scale, deliberative methods, governance.
Public-sector digital — accessibility law, Gov.UK design patterns, channel strategy.
Crisis and risk communications — incident leadership, recovery messaging, organisational learning.
Evaluation at programme level — frameworks, indicators, behaviour-change measurement.
Ethical leadership — safeguarding, working with vulnerable groups, data protection.
Research methods and dissertation craft — proposal, fieldwork, write-up, viva preparation.

Who This MA Is For

BA graduates in public communication, sociology or related disciplines seeking senior credentialled training.
Working senior communications, engagement and social research practitioners in local government, NHS or the third sector.
Civil servants and policy communicators preparing for management-track roles.
International students seeking a UK master's in public-facing communication.

Career Pathways

The MA Public Communication positions graduates for senior management and director-track roles in public-sector and third-sector communications. Typical destinations include:

Community Development Officer at senior level (local authority, housing association)
Senior Social Researcher (research agency, public body, NGO)
Local Authority Officer at management level (communications, engagement, policy)
Charity Programme Manager (third sector, advocacy organisation)
Public Engagement Lead (museum, NHS trust, regulator)
Head of Press Office (NHS trust, charity, local authority)

The MA Public Communication also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in public communication or applied social research.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in public communication, social science or a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.