Taught course

Political Communication

Institution
University of Leeds · School of Media and Communication
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in a social sciences or humanities subject. Relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Applications based on degrees in other subjects may be considered on an individual basis by the course leader. If you don't have a background in politics, social sciences or humanities, we may request a personal statement explaining why you should be offered a place on this course.

We receive a high number of applications and places on this course are limited. Meeting the entry requirements of this course doesn't guarantee an offer of a place.

Months of entry

September

Course content

In today’s fast-paced world, politics and media are more connected than ever before. This dynamic, interdisciplinary course will give you a deep understanding of how politicians, the media and citizens interact to influence democratic processes across the globe. Whether you're passionate about developing political campaigns to shape public opinion, exploring the role of AI in elections, or understanding why populist leaders are elected, this course will equip you with the skills and insights to thrive in a media-driven world.

  • Shape the future of politics and media
  • Craft the messages of organisations to persuade and inform
  • Become a critical expert on misinformation, populism and polarisation

What You’ll Learn:

You’ll explore the power of political communication in both established and emerging democracies. You’ll critically examine threats such as misinformation, online polarisation and the role of AI. You’ll tackle big questions like: How can we harness technology for the democratic good? Can democratic media be truly free? What does responsible political leadership look like in today’s society? And you’ll develop practical skills in political campaigning and communicating with the media

Career-Focused Flexibility:

Graduates of this course will be well placed to pursue impactful and exciting roles in journalism, political consultancy, digital media, public relations, government, advocacy or international governance. Designed to align with your personal passions and career goals, you can shape your degree with flexible options from climate communication to digital media, from visual communication to arts activism. You’ll learn from experts actively shaping the field and gain practical skills and insights that will set you apart in the competitive job market. With the ever-growing intersection of media and politics, your expertise in political communication will be highly sought after by organisations in the public, private and NGO sectors that need professionals who understand the complex landscape of modern media and politics. The course is also an excellent foundation for PhD study, and our graduates frequently go on to academic careers.

Ready to make an impact on the future of politics and media? Join us, and start your journey towards becoming a leader in political communication.

Please refer to the application deadlines.

Facilities

You’ll have access to our podcasting studio and professional television and radio studios and newsroom and to professional-grade broadcasting equipment should you wish to create your own project. You'll also have access to Helix, the University's learning innovation hub. Helix offers cutting-edge digital provision, including immersive technologies, multimedia production studios, as well as a physical makerspace.

Information for international students

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.


Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

Fees and funding

We have a generous range of funding available for postgraduate study. Find out more on the University of Leeds Postgraduate Scholarships database here.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email
mediapg@leeds.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)113 343 4192