COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Political Communication and Public Affairs provides a comprehensive understanding of how communication, politics, policy, and media interact in modern democratic societies while developing practical skills for careers in public affairs, government relations, policy communication, advocacy, and strategic communications. To achieve the Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), students complete three core modules. Contemporary Issues in Political Communication explores political communication as a set of professional and institutional practices operating within democratic systems and examines how governments, political actors, media organisations, and interest groups communicate with the public. Public Affairs develops knowledge of public affairs as a strategic organisational function, combining policy analysis with communication and equipping students with skills in research, campaign planning, argumentation, ethics, and regulation. Research Methods: Problems and Solutions provides advanced training in designing, conducting, and communicating research and helps students develop a viable research proposal. To progress to the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), students choose three additional modules from a range of options. Industry-based Learning and Professional Development includes a placement and offers valuable professional experience and networking opportunities. Strategic Communication and Digital Practice examines public relations, campaign planning, digital communication strategies, ethics, and social responsibility. Reputation, Issues and Crisis Management focuses on organisational risk, crisis response, reputation repair, and leadership during challenging situations through case studies and simulations. Digital Communications explores emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, social media, search engine optimisation, analytics, content marketing, and ethical issues in digital communication. Non-fiction Film Production develops practical skills in creating digital media projects and campaign films while examining ethical and socially responsible communication practices. Students may also select modules from business and arts management programmes, allowing them to tailor the degree to their career aspirations. Those undertaking the full MSc complete a 60-credit Dissertation, conducting an independent research project in an area of political communication or public affairs. Additionally, applicants who already hold the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Specialist Public Affairs Diploma may be eligible for specified module exemptions, providing recognition of prior professional learning and experience.