MA International Political Communication

About the course

This course offers a mix of academic and practical study that will give you theoretical insight and hands-on experience of political communication. You'll explore a range of issues related to the media and its relationship with political and public institutions within regional, national and international contexts. You'll gain hands-on experience of the communication of politics and an insight into the workings of political journalism. This course is great grounding for a career in public relations, political organisations, governmental and non-governmental bodies.

Core modules

• Political Communication: journalism and democracy
• Global Issues in Political Communication
• Communicating with the Media
• Writing for the Media
• Research Methods
• Dissertation

Optional modules

A range including:

• Global Journalism
• Media Audiences
• Media and Public Communication in Japan
• Media, State and Society in China
• Censorship and the Media
• Ethics and Regulation
• The Media in Europe and its Neighbouring States

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Research exercises

Assessment

• Essays
• Exams
• Dissertation

Your career

A masters from Sheffield is the mark of someone who thinks differently. Our graduates are creative, disciplined individuals who make a difference wherever they go.

Graduates from our International Political Communication course can go on to work in a range of civic, governmental and non-governmental bodies, in public relations and political organisations. Some continue to PhDs and academic employment. Several also continue to work in the media and specialise in politics.

Recent graduate destinations include Bell-Pottinger Public Relations (PR consultant); Brunswick Group Corporate Communications (consultancy); PPS Communications (corporate communications); Internet Watch Foundation (communications officer); HM Parliament (parliamentary assistant); Royal College of Nursing (media officer); Reed Business Information (business reporter); Office of Fair Trading (media relations and public affairs); Interel Consulting (public affairs consultant); Industry and Parliament Trust (communications officer); National Network of Refugees Mexico (communications); Thames Gateway London Partnership (communication officer); Sing Tao Daily (foreign correspondent); Freud Communications (consultant) and Oriental Morning Post (US correspondent).

About us

You will be taught by leading academics in the field of political communication and journalism studies.

Three quarters of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. The discussion of ideas about journalism, its past, present and future, is part of all our courses.

The practical aspects of the course will be delivered by media professionals who have extensive experience and expertise.

We have strong links with the industry. We send our masters students on a three-day field trip to London, visiting national news organisations for briefings on current developments with senior editors and meeting politicians and political journalists.

Guest lecturers from the media industries, regulators, campaigning groups and research institutes speak regularly in the department.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form