The MSc in Political Communication offers you a thorough and engaging academic analysis of political communication. It enables you to develop an in-depth understanding of how political actors, the media and the public interact in different countries during both elections and day-to-day politics, and how these relationships affect the distribution of power and the nature of democratic politics.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 9 months full-time;

You will study three core courses: two courses in political communication and one in methodology; as well as three optional courses chosen from a range in politics and other selected courses offered at the University. You will also write a dissertation on a political communication topic of your choice, under the guidance of personal supervision by a specialist member of staff.

You will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and take part in project work and case studies.

Core courses

• Media and democracy
• Political institutions, crisis & communication
• Qualitative research methods or social science statistics 1.

Optional courses

• China's international politics
• Chinese politics and society
• Challenges in international politics
• Comparative European politics
• Critical perspectives on human rights
• Ethics of war and peace
• EU in international politics and development
• Human rights and global politics
• Institutions and policies of the European Union
• International relations theory
• International security and global politics
• Internet and civil society
• The media and regime transformation in CEE, Russia and the FSU
• Media, war and security.

You may also choose, with the programme convener's approval, from courses in the other subject areas in the School of Social & Political Sciences. Some courses might not be available every year.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include positions in public relations and communications in government agencies, political parties, charities and international organisations; politics and political consultancy; political journalism; media policy-making; and higher education, including doctoral studies.

Academic entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements are an honours degree at the 2.1/upper second class level or higher or equivalent (e.g. B/3.0 GPA in the undergraduate degree) in politics, law or related social science subject.

We will consider applications from graduates from other fields, but the applicant should submit a statement indicating why they are interested in changing fields or the connection to their previous study. We will also take relevant work experience into account.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc

PgDip