Academic Master's Degree
Master's Degree in Public Relations
The Master's Degree in Public Relations at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) is an advanced academic and applied programme designed specifically to elevate the strategic and administrative competence of specialists in corporate communication, o...
Duration2 years
Credit hours60
DegreeMaster's Degree
Language of studyArabic
Terms4
About the program
The Master's Degree in Public Relations at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) is an advanced academic and applied programme designed specifically to elevate the strategic and administrative competence of specialists in corporate communication, organizational reputation, and crisis management within contemporary digital and media environments. The programme focuses on complex communication challenges for major corporations, government agencies, and international organizations, diving into public opinion analysis, crisis and risk communication, corporate communications and governance, and deploying artificial intelligence and big data analytics (PR Analytics) to direct strategic campaigns.The programme spans four academic semesters (two academic years). Students study 8 advanced courses (5 compulsory and 3 elective) distributed across the first and second semesters, followed by practical application concurrently with completing a Master's Thesis during the third and fourth semesters. The programme focuses on complex communication issues—beginning with advanced theories in mass communication and persuasive behavior, moving through strategic corporate reputation management and public diplomacy, and culminating in government communication and professional ethics. It is distinguished by a teaching methodology relying on research seminars and global case study analysis, fostering critical thinking, strategic analysis, and communication policy formulation.
Vision
To be the globally preeminent academic and professional destination in preparing leaders and consultants in strategic communication and public relations, capable of engineering sustainable corporate reputations, managing complex crises, and enriching communication thought with original research that contributes to enhancing trust between institutions and their publics.
Mission
To deliver an advanced postgraduate programme that integrates theoretical rigor in communication and persuasion sciences with advanced practical applications of strategic communication and data analysis, through an interactive educational environment based on case studies and crisis simulation, to qualify cadres possessing high competence to lead communication systems and provide strategic consultancy amidst a rapidly transforming media environment.
Objectives
- Strategic and Theoretical Depth: Equip scholars with an advanced critical understanding of mass communication theories, persuasive psychology, and modern public opinion dynamics.
- Developing Rigorous Research Faculty: Qualify researchers to produce original scientific theses and policy papers addressing contemporary communication issues and contributing to the development of public relations practices.
- Mastery of Reputation and Crisis Management: Build high competence in strategic planning for corporate reputation management, and anticipating and managing media crises and risks.
- Deployment of Modern Technologies and Big Data: Develop advanced skills in using big data analytics tools in communication (PR Analytics) and artificial intelligence applications in strategic campaigns.
- Comprehension of International and Government Communication: Study and evaluate strategies of public diplomacy, government communication, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in a multicultural global environment.
Educational philosophy
The College of International Justice adopts the philosophy of "Data-Driven Strategic Communication and Critical Reputation Analysis." This philosophy transcends traditional public relations concepts (such as propaganda and advertising) to reach a deep analysis of public opinion, deconstructing media campaigns, and evaluating the efficiency of communication strategies in achieving institutional goals and protecting intangible assets.This philosophy is embodied in research seminars requiring students to critically read peer-reviewed papers and strategic reports. The programme also strongly focuses on case studies and real-world crisis analysis to exchange best practices in strategic communication, while providing a flexible (distance) educational environment catering to the needs of media and communication professionals and supporting directed self-learning.
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge and Understanding: Comprehending the philosophical and theoretical frameworks of strategic communication, comprehensive awareness of public opinion formation mechanisms, crisis communication, and understanding the nature of communication challenges in the digital age.
- Cognitive Skills: The ability to critically analyze media discourses, properly characterize communication messages under exceptional circumstances, and foresee future public opinion trends based on data analysis.
- Practical Skills: Mastery of professionally drafting communication strategies and reports, preparing and designing rigorous publishable communication research, and managing public relations campaigns and crisis simulations (in practical application courses).
Career prospects
Career Horizons: The programme qualifies graduates to hold prestigious leadership and advisory positions in corporate communication and PR departments in major corporations, international PR agencies, crisis communication consultants and official spokespersons, government communication departments, and UN and international agencies.
Curriculum
In-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Communicative Discourse Analysis 4 credit hours · MPR501Advanced Communication Theories and Persuasive Behavior 4 credit hours · MPR502Strategic Corporate Reputation Management 4 credit hours · MPR503Advanced Crisis and Risk Communication Management 4 credit hours · MPR504
Big Data Analytics in Communication (PR Analytics) and Artificial Intelligence 4 credit hours · MPR505Public Diplomacy and International Communication 4 credit hours · MPR506Government Communication and Public Affairs Management 4 credit hours · MPR507Corporate Social Responsibility and Institutional Sustainability (CSR & ESG) 4 credit hours · MPR508Influencer Marketing and Digital Identity Management 4 credit hours · MPR509Institutional Communication Ethics and International Media Law 4 credit hours · MPR510
Frequently asked questions
How does the mechanism for studying the eight courses work? What is the role of Seminars?
Master's studies at our college rely on directed research methodology and deep analysis of communication policies and models, not rote learning. The student studies 8 courses. Each course is conducted through "research seminars" relying on multiple references and recent international working papers according to scientific research standards. Studying a single course takes a minimum of 4 weeks, and may take longer depending on the student's ability and pace in completing the required analyses. After completion, a competency test is held for the course, and upon passing it, the student begins the next course in the same manner.
Is there flexibility in finishing the first-year courses if I cannot complete them on time?
Yes, the system fully considers the circumstances and professional commitments of the learners, especially communication managers and executive professionals. The student has the right to extend the study period for first-year courses for an additional period not exceeding a maximum of a second year, giving them sufficient flexibility to deeply absorb complex theories and analyze reputation strategies without undue academic pressure.
What is the nature of the "Practical Application" (Virtual Course) training? Does it require on-site attendance?
The practical training in the courses (Practical Application 1 & 2) is a "virtual" course that does not require on-site attendance but aims to refine your leadership and academic skills in knowledge transfer and simplifying complex communication issues. You will be asked to restructure an undergraduate course into 12-14 lectures (distributed over the 3rd and 4th semesters), providing a written summary (Word) and recording a voice-over presentation (PowerPoint) for each lecture (lasting 10-20 minutes). This training places you in the role of a trained strategic expert.
When can I start the Master's thesis? What are the requirements for the Jury and approval to defend it?
Thesis preparation (Master's Thesis 1 & 2) effectively begins concurrently with the start of practical training in the third semester, and takes from 9 months (minimum) up to two years (extendable exceptionally for a third year, provided total enrollment does not exceed 4 years). The supervisor submits a semi-annual progress report.To defend: The supervisor must submit a report on the thesis's validity for defense (evaluating your performance out of 140 marks) and propose names for the Jury committee, whose validity period is 6 months. At least 15 days must pass after the committee's approval before the defense. Most importantly: You must obtain at least 70% from both the supervisor's evaluation (out of 140) and the Jury members (in their individual reports out of 100) before being allowed to defend. Post-defense, the committee submits a final collective grade report.
What services support me as a distance learning Master's student at the college throughout my studies?
As a student at the College of International Justice, you will enjoy continuous support including:An Academic Tutor for each module: Evaluates your assignments and practical training (TMAs), provides guidance in using analytical methodologies, and directs you to accredited data sources and archives.e-Library: Comprehensive access to high-quality strategic and research databases and resources, and other university libraries.Student Support Teams and Help Centre: To answer general questions and support your study skills via an online help center.IT Support: Providing technical support and free access to Microsoft Office 365.Flexible Learning Environment: Includes discussion forums for collaborative work, a weekly study planner to schedule tasks, a tutoring booking system, and interactive Webinars.
Admission requirements
- Holding a Bachelor's degree (Licence) in Public Relations, Media, Journalism, Mass Communication, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognized university.
- Appropriate language proficiency (in Arabic or English) to comprehend in-depth references, analyze strategic reports, and prepare scientific research and policy papers.
- The ability to commit to the intensive study system based on research seminars, directed self-learning, and completing communication tasks and analyses on time.
- Applicants from non-related backgrounds may be required to pass foundational prerequisite courses as a condition for admission.
Tuition & fees
Application fee$145.00
Start your academic journey today
Submit your application now and our admissions team will contact you to complete the process.
Apply to this programIn-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Communicative Discourse Analysis
MPR501 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: Serving as the cornerstone for building master-level research and analytical capabilities in public relations and strategic communication, this is the first course students take. It covers foundational philosophical and logical methodologies in communication research (quantitative and qualitative), transitioning the student to rigorous practical application using content analysis and media Discourse Analysis tools. The student trains intensively in using advanced analytical models to evaluate media campaigns, and analyze the structure of persuasive messages and their impacts on audiences. Focus is placed on how to construct communicative arguments and digital public opinion measurement techniques. The course also emphasizes the practical and academic skills for drafting rigorous research papers and Policy Papers, starting from selecting an original research topic, precisely formulating the problem and hypotheses, and gathering data from primary and secondary sources, culminating in intensive practical training on preparing and drafting Thesis Proposals according to global academic standards. Students learn how to formulate strategic recommendations based on objective analysis. The course is studied through research seminars utilizing multiple references and recent working papers according to scientific research methodology.
Advanced Communication Theories and Persuasive Behavior
MPR502 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents an advanced foundational and critical study of theoretical thought in communication and persuasion sciences. The course transcends basic concepts to deeply analyze major explanatory models of mass and digital communication: Agenda Setting, Framing Theory, Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), and social/psychological influence theories on attitudes. It also extensively discusses audience information-processing mechanisms and how to engineer complex messages to break psychological resistance and achieve desired behavioral change. The course dedicates wide space to studying the evolution of the communication environment from traditional media to social networks and digital algorithm structures, and their impact on information flow and public agenda setting. The course is studied through research seminars relying on advanced references and writings of primary communication and persuasive psychology theorists.
Strategic Corporate Reputation Management
MPR503 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course dives into the theoretical and practical complexities of managing and protecting intangible assets of major corporations and institutions, foremost "Corporate Reputation" and corporate image. The course studies the intellectual evolution of reputation, trust, and goodwill concepts, and how to measure and evaluate them via modern metric frameworks. It deeply analyzes the process of integrating reputation management with the enterprise's overall strategy, and the executive leadership's role in instilling values and trust among stakeholders. The course analytically addresses internal and external determinants of reputation, and how to build consistent corporate identity across various touchpoints. It also focuses on reviewing strategies for managing public expectations, dealing with interest groups (Lobbying), and protecting the corporate brand against intangible threats. The course is studied through research seminars relying on multiple references and analyzing reputation strategies of global corporations.
Advanced Crisis and Risk Communication Management
MPR504 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The course provides a precise institutional analysis of Crisis and Risk Communication management in a hyper-fast digital environment heavily influenced by real-time public opinion. It deeply studies the stages of the crisis lifecycle (pre-crisis, crisis response, post-crisis), and communication response strategies immediately upon major incidents or corporate scandals. It critically analyzes denial, defense, apology strategies, and stabilizing the corporate narrative amidst media storms and social media rumors. The course also dedicates a large section to discussing digital crisis risk management, engineering rapid media operation rooms, and communication coordination among senior management, legal teams, and security or regulatory authorities. The course discusses case studies of major global crises and how corporations managed their reputation under pressure. The course is studied through research seminars relying on multiple references and crisis scenario analyses.
Big Data Analytics in Communication (PR Analytics) and Artificial Intelligence
MPR505 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: An applied and theoretical course focusing on the digital revolution in data-driven public relations practices. Students study the latest techniques of big data analytics tools in the communication sector, media monitoring, and digital public opinion sentiment analysis using AI algorithms and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The course delves into how to extract actionable strategic insights from millions of digital interactions, measure true PR Return on Investment (ROI), and evaluate campaign impact with quantitative rather than purely descriptive precision. It also discusses the ethical challenges of gathering and analyzing user data under global privacy laws (such as GDPR). The course aims to equip the PR director with the ability to transform raw digital data into solid strategic decisions. The course is studied through research seminars relying on multiple references and analytical software applications.
Public Diplomacy and International Communication
MPR506 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course provides an in-depth applied study of the strategic role of public relations and international communication in shaping and guiding state foreign policies and building soft power. The course focuses on analyzing the concept of "Public Diplomacy" as a tool used by states to employ international PR networks, cultural institutions, and global media to shape foreign public opinion and win the hearts and minds of cross-border audiences. It deeply analyzes nation branding strategies, cultural and educational exchange management, and diplomatic engagement with foreign diasporas. It also addresses the rapid evolution of digital diplomacy and the use of social platforms in geopolitical struggles and cross-border strategic influence, alongside challenges of counter-propaganda and international disinformation. The course is studied through research seminars based on multiple references and analysis of major power strategies.
Government Communication and Public Affairs Management
MPR507 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course addresses professional practices of Government Communication and Public Affairs management in contemporary systems. It extensively studies the role of communication in enhancing governmental transparency, building trust between citizens and state institutions, and effectively marketing public policies and national reforms. The course deeply analyzes strategies for managing national awareness campaigns, communicating during national emergencies, and employing smart government platforms to interact with public inquiries and proposals. It also discusses frameworks regulating lobbying and advocating for institutional and sectoral interests before legislative and regulatory bodies, while evaluating ethical standards governing these practices in democratic systems. The course is studied through research seminars.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Institutional Sustainability (CSR & ESG)
MPR508 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course examines the radical shift in the role of commercial and governmental institutions toward adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. The course focuses on how to plan, execute, and evaluate community service and sustainability programmes so that they align seamlessly with the enterprise's overall strategy rather than acting as fleeting promotional activities. Students study methods of effectively communicating sustainability issues to convince investors, consumers, and society of the enterprise's genuine commitment to the environment and society. It also analyzes standard sustainability reporting and how to avoid falling into the devastating "Greenwashing" trap that destroys corporate reputation. The course is studied through research seminars based on multiple references and case studies of global best practices.
Influencer Marketing and Digital Identity Management
MPR509 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course provides an advanced specialized study of the creator economy phenomenon, managing relationships with digital influencers (Influencer Marketing), and building digital identity for brands and public figures. Students study strategies for selecting influencers fitting corporate values, drafting contracts and performance terms, and avoiding legal and reputational risks associated with influencer behavior. It deeply analyzes mechanisms for managing personal and corporate digital identity across various social platforms, methods for building engaged digital communities and sustainable digital loyalty. The course is studied through research seminars based on multiple references and practical applications.
Institutional Communication Ethics and International Media Law
MPR510 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course provides a precise analysis of the ethical and legal framework governing public relations and media professionals at both domestic and international levels. It deeply studies international professional codes of honor (such as the Athens Code of International PR), and complex ethical dilemmas facing practitioners in disclosure, conflicts of interest, and fabrication. It also studies legislation and international media law, including limits of freedom of opinion and expression, cybercrime laws related to digital publishing, privacy laws, data protection, and intellectual property rights in the cross-border media environment. The course is delivered via research seminars based on multiple references and analysis of media legal cases.
Practical Application 1 (Virtual Course - Part 1)
MPR511 5 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The student is assigned an undergraduate virtual course (e.g., Principles and Practices of Public Relations or Advanced Editing) as applied practical training. This course aims to enhance the student's abilities in knowledge transfer and advanced presentation skills for complex communication and strategic concepts in a simplified and rigorous academic manner. The student must design a teaching structure for the first half of this course, dividing it methodically into six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, detailing the objectives and scientific content based on rigorous academic analyses and references. This summary is accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The presentation must be scientifically accurate, focused, and objective, lasting between 10 and 20 minutes per lecture. This practical training evaluates the student's competence in strategic information summarization, academic and executive presence, and presentation skills essential for communication directors and reputation consultants.
Master's Thesis 1 (Preparation and Proposal)
MPR512 9 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents the actual start of work on the master's thesis, commencing concurrently with the practical training. In this section, the student begins the research and preparation phase under direct academic supervision from a specialized professor. The student first focuses on precisely crystallizing an original research problem in the field of public relations, strategic communication, reputation management, or crisis communication. The student gathers references, sources, academic literature, and primary sources (such as press releases, polls, corporate plans, and media reports). Subsequently, the student formulates the theoretical and conceptual framework, and determines the scientific and analytical methodology (such as content analysis, case study, or empirical method) to be adopted to reach conclusions and test hypotheses. The student submits the research Proposal for approval by the college board. They begin drafting the preliminary chapters, theoretical framework, and literature review of the thesis, laying a solid and coherent foundation for the in-depth analytical research to be completed in the fourth semester.
Practical Application 2 (Virtual Course - Part 2)
MPR601 5 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The student completes the applied practical training on the virtual course started in the third semester. The student divides the remaining part of the course into another six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The recording for a single lecture must not be less than 10 minutes and not more than 20 minutes. This course contributes to consolidating the student's executive presentation skills, successfully completing the requirements for academic knowledge transfer, and confirming their ability to analyze and present complex strategic communication issues with extreme clarity and professionalism.
Master's Thesis 2 (Completion and Defense Preparation)
MPR602 9 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents the second and final half of the work on the master's thesis, continuing concurrently with Practical Application 2. In this section, the research and analytical work started in the third semester is completed. The student writes the analytical and applied chapters, applies research methodologies, tests hypotheses validity, and discusses results with precision and objectivity. Crucially in this phase is the student's ability to extract profound strategic insights and conclusions, and provide practical recommendations and Strategic Frameworks derived and grounded exclusively on the results of their study to support institutional decision-makers, followed by drafting the comprehensive conclusion. The final draft of the thesis is prepared for methodological and scientific review and auditing by the supervisor, in preparation for submission to the discussion and arbitration committee to obtain final approval for awarding the Master's degree in Public Relations.