The MA Political Communication will deepen your understanding of political communication in national and international contexts and, where relevant, your skills in this field.
You will:
• Explore the political content of the mass media
• Deepen academic and practical understanding of the actors and agencies involved in the production of political news and information
• Examine the impact of media coverage of politics on audiences
• Explore the interaction between media systems and political systems including government media policy, censorship, regulation and ownership
• Be equipped with the research and study skills necessary to carry out project-based professional and academic research
• Enhance academic skills and knowledge in preparation for further academic study
• Develop basic skills in political communications practice
The course explores the rapidly evolving role of communication in political life, both nationally and internationally, and examines how changes such as the increasing importance of new online and social media platforms, image-based politics, and the globalisation of media are shaping politics.
MA Political Communication looks at the influence of actors in the political communications process, including politicians, journalists and citizens by drawing on cutting edge research and case studies.
This course is suitable for those interested in an advanced academic study of political communication or a career in political communication, as well as those already working in political communication, political parties, government agencies and bodies, statutory and voluntary organisations and the mass media.
It is also suitable for people looking to undertake PhD research in political communication.
Distinctive features
Studying MA Political Communication will increase your ability to undertake rigorous analytical work, be capable of producing well researched essays, assignments and dissertations to deadline, and you will have refined and improved your practical political communications skills.
Structure
This is a year-long Master’s course combining core and optional modules.
Throughout the Autumn and Spring semesters, robust method training will be provided in order to enhance your research skills that will be assessed in your Masters dissertation.
As part of a core Autumn module, you be introduced to the practice of political communication by placing the profession into its societal and media contexts. The dual emphasis on practical matters and their underpinning theory and ethics have been designed to help you develop an appreciation of how political communication practitioners interact with the media and the wider community, and how they have become a significant factor in shaping world events.
Please visit the website to see which modules are taught on this course:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/political-communication-ma Teaching
You will be taught through a mixture of lectures and seminars, which complement the academic nature of the course.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessments throughout the course. The main method of assessment on this programme is course work.
Career prospects
Graduates of this course are employed in a range of occupations, such as campaign and press officers, researchers for political parties and institutions, business management leaders, political consultants, international conference and seminar coordinators and PR officers.
Several graduates have also undertaken PhDs in Political Communication.
