Political Communication MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

COURSE OVERVIEW

Birkbeck's MSc Political Communication provides you with advanced training in critical perspectives on a broad range of issues in political communication, including campaign and media effects, misinformation, comparative media systems and civic technologies.

Political communication is a central feature of the electoral and policymaking process and concerns the flow of information among:

politicians

public institutions

the media

the public.

You will learn about how rapid changes in recent years transformed the study of political communication, such as the proliferation of digital technologies and the growth of citizen-produced content. You will consider how traditional media and political institutions can adapt to the new information environment, characterised by an abundance of information and misinformation.

This political communication master’s degree delivers a diverse and inclusive curriculum. It equips you with an understanding of key issues in this field and the techniques used by grassroots and institutional actors to communicate with their audiences.

You will gain intellectual skills particularly related to developing clear and persuasive communication of ideas and engagement with political arguments. You can also gain more applied skills in research design, social media, journalism and public relations and further specialise in subjects including British politics and public policy.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Politics graduates from Birkbeck have gone on to a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors. Some join the civil service or parliamentary offices and several MPs are also Birkbeck alumni. In particular, this new MSc in Political Communication is designed to enhance career paths in:

central and local government offices

campaign groups and think thanks

local community groups and charities running publicity activities

media and research.