MA in Political Communication
This programme is suitable for people who want to work in various communication roles, whether it's in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. It's also a good choice for those who are already working and want to advance their careers. For those looking to enter the job market, the MAP program guarantees a work placement, while those who are already employed (typically part-time students) complete a reflection project.
If you're interested in topics like how the media covers politics, the influence of spin, fake news, disinformation, agenda-setting, public relations, political advertising and digital media, this program is a great fit. All the courses combine both theoretical and practical aspects of political communication. Additionally, students will research and write a dissertation on a political communication topic of their choice.
The MA in Political Communication delves into the dynamic and fast-evolving connections between the media, politics and the public. It explores how these interrelationships impact democracy and the distribution of power.
This programme tackles critical issues in today's political communication landscape, including how the media covers politics, fake news, disinformation, the influence of spin, agenda-setting, public relations, political advertising and digital media. It also explores the effects of various political communication strategies on politics, government decision-making, and non-governmental sectors.
Additionally, participants gain insights into the historical aspects of the media in Ireland and other places.
Delivery
The full-time programme is delivered over a twelve-month academic year from mid-September in three parts: two twelve-week teaching semesters (mid-September to mid-December; late-January to late-April) consisting of four/five modules per semester; completion of a research dissertation for submission at the end of August.
The programme is also offered on a part-time basis over two academic years.
Timetable
Core modules in the two teaching semesters are timetabled from Monday to Thursday, generally between 4pm and 9pm.
Please note this is not an evening programme – attendance outside these core hours is occasionally required but prior notice is provided.
Work Placement & New Modules
Please note as part of recent changes this programme now includes a guaranteed work placement for all students (part-time students in employment may opt for a reflective research project). New core modules include ‘Political Communications 2: Campaigns & Strategies’ and ‘Information, Manipulation and Democracy’.
It's young, gifted and on track. DCU gives students vital experience and skills to augment their academic studies and is instrumental in producing an exceptional calibre of graduate, primed and ready to face the future. They also perform better at interview." – The Sunday Times.
DCU is a young, dynamic and ambitious university with a distinctive mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation. Since admitting its first students in 1980, over 50,000 students have graduated from DCU and are now playing significant roles in enterprise and business globally.
The School of Communications is an internationally-focused centre for excellence in teaching and research in media, communications and journalism. With a tradition stretching back to 1982 – and a long-established reputation as Ireland’s leading centre for communications – the School has been consistently ranked in the top 200 of almost 4,500 universities worldwide in the area of communications (QS World Rankings by Subject).
Graduates of the MA in Political Communication hold senior positions in the worlds of politics and public relations as well as in government, national and multinational companies, and the not-for profit sectors (see full list of current roles under ‘Careers’).
The MA in Political Communication programme appeals to individuals interested in pursuing careers in various communication sectors, including public, private and nonprofit. It's also beneficial for those who are already employed and seeking career advancement opportunities.
They can be found in roles such as political advisors, policy advisors, and media advisors across all major political parties in Ireland and even in the European Parliament. Additionally, they hold senior positions in numerous government departments and have successful careers in prominent public relations firms as well as in nonprofit and corporate sectors.
Requirements
For admission to the MA in Political Communication programme, successful applicants will have:
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent.
OR
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.