Political Communication (MRes)

Student Testimonials

The following are testimonials from recent students on the closely-related MSc in Political Communication. Teaching on subject-specific courses is shared between these programmes.

Kirsten Sweeney, MSc Political Communication

As someone who grew up in Glasgow, it was always a dream to study at the University. It seemed like the idyllic University experience. It also had a prestige for me that seemed appealing. It was a convenient place to study that would fit around my other commitments in life. This said, I didn’t limit my search for postgraduate study to the University of Glasgow. It was really the programme that attracted me.

I applied for the Political Communication course because it was unique. It seemed to combine all the things I was interested in – public relations, media, marketing and my passion for politics and civil society.

After graduating in marketing and getting a reasonably good job in e-commerce, I started looking into postgraduate courses. A lot of these courses were theory based and I couldn’t really see the career trajectory at the other end of it. I also couldn’t find many courses where I felt like I could bring my past four year’s learning. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found the Political Communication course. It covered a number of things I was interested in - internet and civil society, the framing of subjects by the media and it also had flexibility for me to study some more general topics. The course would also straddle a year in which an American election would take place – which seemed serendipitous. It seemed perfect and it turned out it was.

I was apprehensive about my first day. I thought a postgraduate course would mainly comprise of people well in to their careers and boffins. Walking into the classroom on that first day I was very pleasantly surprised. I looked around at a room full of friendly faces. I realised quickly that I could actually have a lot in common with these people. I was right. From the first week we all became firm friends.

The size of the class was perfect and I also liked that in the first semester there were a lot of core classes. This meant that we stuck together a bit more than some of the other programs within politics. PolCom, as we affectionately like to call it, became quite the clique.

My love of the people goes beyond my classmates – we had excellent conveners. It was more relaxed and social than my previous University experience. The relationships we developed with our conveners and other tutors allowed us to have healthy debates. Debates that helped challenge all of us.

I can honestly say this is the first time I have ever actively enjoyed coursework. The assignments were interesting, topical, current and I could easily see how I could apply the theory in a career.

I enjoyed the diverse choice of subjects and the links that had been created with other schools in the University. I took the opportunity to study a law school subject, which ended up adding a lot of value to my dissertation.

I also appreciated the social and academic events that the school hosted. Since graduating, I have taken the opportunity to attend some of these events as alumni.

I liked everyone from across the school. I made some great friends. We were also an international bunch, which broadened my horizons and (will) give me bed and board in numerous cities from across the globe if I want it. So many of them loved Glasgow so much they have already been back to stay (with me) many times. Having lived in Glasgow my whole life – I can honestly say that my time at the University of Glasgow studying Political Communication was one of the best years I have ever had in the city (if not the best).

Chris Graham, Scotland, MSc Political Communication

The MSc Political Communication was very useful for me; as a journalist the core module in the first term made me look at the stories and headlines I edit from a different perspective. I’m questioning my bosses a little more about the way stories are written and presented ... It also expanded my knowledge on international affairs, particularly the second term options, so now I can understand the context of the stories I’m editing and also spot important world stories when they happen, which is crucial when deciding what to put on the world news pages. Furthermore, the research skills may well come in useful if I decide to change careers ... I’ve looked at jobs in political PR and the skills I learned in the first term are essential. Finally, Sarah and Ana were extremely helpful and friendly (and understanding!) which made a huge difference.

Donald Graham, Scotland, MSc Political Communication

I really enjoyed studying for Masters at Glasgow.  One of the best features of the program is the ability to study new areas in the second semester, from internet civil society to freedom of expression.  This means that before starting your dissertation you can explore new areas with students from different backgrounds, which can really help in determining what research you may want to do in the summer.
Glasgow is a great city to study in, and attracts a fantastic range people.  Friends made while studying in Glasgow came from all over the world, with each bringing their own unique experiences and qualities. This can mean not only do make some great new mates, but they can really help you understand how things differ abroad, which is really helpful on a course with an international aspect.

Marcus Khan, Australia, MSc Political Communication

Having worked for several years in post conflict countries for the UN and International NGOs in the area of Media and Politics, the Political Communication MSc provided me with both an opportunity to reflect on my experiences as well as gain a broader scope of knowledge by being introduced to relevant academic literature. Furthermore, in addition to the core courses, I felt that I greatly benefited from the electives comprising of other Politics MSc's offered. I would not have otherwise been exposed to such knowledge which indirectly relates to my current work. However, the most beneficial aspect of the course was the fact that it was comprised of both students and lecturers from all parts of the world who brought with them a range of experiences and perspectives from varied industries relating to the media and politics arena

Elizabeth McLaughlin, Scotland, MSc Political Communication

I chose the MSc in Political Communication for two reasons. Firstly, Glasgow University has a fantastic reputation for teaching excellence and there is a lot of prestige attached to a degree from the ancient institution and secondly having spent 22 years as a working journalist (with a keen interest in politics) I felt the course would excite, inform and serve me well in an area I have spent most of my working life.
The course was intense, taxing but extremely enjoyable and the modules I studied were well taught, interesting and helped to further my knowledge of political communication as well as the world of academic research. The teaching staff were supportive – critical at times too – but always positive and although the dissertation was challenging and exhausting there was always words of encouragement and the feeling of satisfaction when I had finished it, is one I will never forget.
As for the future? I have started work on a PhD, which I would never have considered if it hadn’t been for the positive experiences at Glasgow University and the encouragement from Sarah and Ana and hopefully a full time academic career beckons in the not-to-distant future

Laura Pous Trull, Catalonia (Spain), MSc Political Communication

The MSc in Political Communication was a great opportunity to improve and specialise my knowledge about communication and politics. The teaching was perfect, and the readings were always interesting. Glasgow is a great city for students, and people are terribly friendly. The master gave me an opportunity to learn more about the political and media system of another country, and has actually been very useful for getting my new job, as I'm now UK Correspondent for a Catalan news agency. I especially liked the Political Communication seminars, as they allowed us to know a bit more about the professional side of our studies.

Nate Prosser, Canada, MSc Political Communication

I found the MSc in Political Communications to be a challenging and fulfilling course, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. The main components always generate a fascinating and thoughtful discussion that will stick with you for days afterwards, and the electives allow you to delve deeper into your interests and apply what you’ve learned, and approach other disciplines from a different angle. The range of topics you can cover, from the Internet to the Press in international conflicts to elections, is staggering and really allows you to find something you can enjoy and sink you teeth into when it comes time for the dissertation. This Masters was a fantastic opportunity with a fantastic group of people, staff and students alike, that I highly recommend.

Lucy Richmond, Scotland, MSc Political Communication

After studying politics as an undergraduate, I was really keen to explore in more detail the nuanced relationship between politics and the media, and so the Masters in Political Communication at Glasgow University was perfect. Through challenging readings,  insightful discussion and first-rate teaching, the course gave me a solid background to political marketing, and a sophisticated understanding of political journalism – both of which that have been invaluable in my current job working as a research and communications assistant for an MSP. The freedom in the second semester to broaden your study from courses ranging from US foreign policy to sexuality, allows one to apply a theoretical understanding of the media to a variety of academic fields; I was particularly grateful of the opportunity to explore the relationship between media, politics and gender.  Glasgow attracts excellent (and friendly!) students from all over the world, and with great shopping and nightlife, it is an ideal city in which to study.

Filippo Trevisan, Italy, MSc Political Communication

As a graduate in International Relations and Diplomacy, I particularly appreciated the comparative aspect of the course - comparisons between different democratic systems were particularly stimulating. Lecturers here are of the highest level, and critical thinking, discussion and feedback are constantly encouraged. All my expectations were matched and this is one of the reasons that recently prompted me to apply for a PhD on media and politics. Finally, being the UK's second media centre after London, Glasgow is a great place to study political communication and have the concrete opportunity to test what you are learning.

Marek Zemanik, Slovakia, MSc Political Communication

I have always believed that an ideal university degree should be interesting, challenging and stimulating. It should, however, also be enjoyable and provide you with tools you can impress with in the future. The MSc in Political Communication ticks all the boxes. Let me pinpoint a few highlights. The flexibility of this degree means you can pick courses you are interested in from an extensive range – making for a much more interesting and enjoyable time studying. The in-class discussions I had with my classmates were always stimulating and exciting – the wide variety of our backgrounds ensures this. But most of all, both Ana Langer and Sarah Oates [the programme's directors] are, in a word, fantastic. Experts in their field, very organised and knowledgeable and at the same time helpful and supportive with a friendliness that I have found to be pretty rare. All of the above helped me to get a job at the Scottish Parliament and even though I am not a fan of the phrase ‘dream-job’, it is on the tip of my tongue. Many changes enter my mind in hindsight, but the MSc in Political Communication will always remain one of the best choices I ever made.