Prospective Students

Degree Information:

The MA in Political Communication examines the relationship between the media, politics and the public, and considers how their overlapping relations influence democracy and the distribution of power.

The programme deals with the major issues in the contemporary political communication arena including spin, agenda-setting, public opinion formation, public relations, political advertising and new media. Modules examine the impact of different political communication strategies on the political process, government, policy-making and also in the non-governmental area. Participants are also exposed to the history of media and politics in Ireland and elsewhere.

The MA in Political Communication will interest those with an interest in politics and political communication, public relations, media, journalism and public policy formation. The content will also be attractive to those seeking to develop a critical perspective on their own career by means of having a theoretical framework to understand, evaluate and assess different aspects of the political communication process.

Why should I choose DCU?

This recognised MA programme is delivered by staff who have professional experience and who are active researchers with internationally recognised publication records. Staff teaching core modules on this programme in 2012/13 include Dr. Kevin Rafter, Dr. Mark O'Brien, Dr. Jane Suitor, Dr. Des McGuinness, Mr. Martin Molony and Prof. Steven Knowlton.

Aims and Objectives:

• To provide students with a conceptual framework to understand the evolution, practice and terminology of political communication;
• To examine the relationship between the media, politics and the public;
• To provide an understanding of how political and public communication informs and sustains democracy and the distribution of power in both national and international contexts;
• To acquire the ability to undertake and communicate original research;

Programme Structure:

The programme may be taken full-time (one year) or part-time (two years).

All students take seven core modules, select one additional module and complete a dissertation - a major piece of academic research in the political communication area submitted in September. Those on a one-year full-time option take four modules per semester (plus the dissertation module). Part-time students take two modules per semester over two years (plus the dissertation module).

Please note this is not an evening programme - lectures and seminars are, as far as possible, timetabled in the late afternoon and evening (4pm-9pm) to accommodate those at work but some attendance outside these hours may be required. Attendance and participation in class are mandatory.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Why DCU?

• This long-established postgraduate programme in political and public communication is highly regarded in Ireland and internationally;
• The programme provides a challenging learning environment;
• The programme is taught by a team of experienced and reseach active lecturers;
• The programme also features seminars and presentations by guest speakers who bring their particular experience and expertise to the lecture room.

The programme also features seminars and presentations by guest speakers who bring their particular experience and expertise to the lecture room.

Recent guest speakers have included Craig Gordon, Chief Deputy Managing Editor of the Washington based online publisher, Politico; Chris Mullin, former British Labour MP and government minister, senior Irish political advisors, Fergus Finlay, Gerard Howlin, Mandy Johnson, Tony Heffernan, Richard Moore and Mark Mortell.

Other speakers have included Prof. Gary Murphy from DCU's School of Law and Government and an expert on political lobbying and media figures such as Dara Doyle, Irish bureau chief with Bloomberg News and Hugh Lenihan of the Irish Times.

For more details please see the MA's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Political-Communication-Dublin-City-University/128234700584845

What Our Graduates Say

"The MA in Political Communications was a hugely fulfilling experience for me, providing an opportunity to explore an area of personal interest whilst being part of a diverse, experienced and often passionate group. Ultimately, the MA gave me what I had hoped for - a new level of learning, a new professional direction and of course, a valuable qualification" Mark Mulqueen, Head of Communications, Houses of the Oireachtas

"I found DCU's MA in Political Communication to offer a great mix of classes in global and Irish political structure from the past to present in a format that encouraged debate, discussion and learning. In particular the programme had a great mix of students each bringing different perspectives to debate" Ruth Burnside Fleishman-Hillard International

Career Prospects:

Graduates of this programme have been successful in both the private and public sectors at national and international levels. Many former students are employed in political and media-related positions.

Participants on the programmes have come direct from undergraduate study but also from employment in the private sector, the public sector, the diplomatic service, campaigning and lobby groups, and from non-governmental bodies. These students have used the programme to acquire a deeper perspective on their work.

Please note there is no formal work placement component with this MA programme although students have independently secured internships with public and private sector organisations.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants will normally have an honours primary degree or equivalent (2:2) but appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree in accordance with the relevant regulations of the University. Interviews may be held.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2013

EU Applicants

Applications are invited up to 26th April 2013. Complete applications received by that date will be decided upon by 31st May 2013. Applications received or completed after 26th April will be considered if further places remain on the programme. They will be decided upon in the order they are received until all places are taken, or up to 30th August, whichever is earlier. Applicants must submit a personal statement as part of their application through the Postgraduate Applications Centre system. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.

Non-EU Applicants

Applications are invited up to 14th June 2013. Applicants must submit a personal statement as part of their application through the Postgraduate Applications Centre system. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre http://www.pac.ie/dcu)

To apply for this programme use the PAC code DC604 (part time) and DC631 (full-time) .

Queries on Completed Applications
Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)