Political Communication MA

Course overview

Become an expert in analysing and crafting messages to persuade and inform, designing campaigns, data-driven problem solving, and conducting research projects.

Homed in the founding school of political communication, this flagship interdisciplinary course will give you a deep understanding of how politicians, the media and citizens interact to influence democratic processes across the globe.

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 in today’s networked world.

Course description

The global media environment is shaped by a flurry of competing messages across multiple outlets and platforms. Our course teaches you to critically dissect which are successful and which benefit democracy. You’ll learn media relations in theory and practice and explore what role AI plays in elections and how populism has become so successful. You’ll put your knowledge to the test by designing your own campaign and practice shaping public opinion.

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 in politics. You’ll tackle big questions like: How can we harness technology for the democratic good? Are alternative media and online political influencers a benefit to democratic politics? 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 such as communication and public opinion, climate communication, visual communication or political reporting. 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.

Course details and modules

Core Modules with Real-World Impact:

Start by mastering the foundations of political communication. Examine the key questions that drive academics and practitioners alike: How do we motivate citizens to vote? Why are populist leaders successful? What are the challenges to democracy of emergent media technologies? Does tabloidization undermine democratic values? You’ll explore recent innovations driven by technological advances, cultural shifts, and political change, and apply these insights by designing your own political campaign.

Specialise in Your Interests:

Choose from a range of optional modules that allow you to tailor the programme to your personal passions and career aspirations. Dive into topics such as framing and agenda setting, public opinion, the power of digital platforms, global migration, climate and sustainability, rhetoric, and identity. These options offer the flexibility to explore the areas that most excite you and align with your career goals.

Transferable Skills and Independent Research:

You’ll gain hands-on research experience and build transferable skills through the Dissertation and Research Methods module. This is your chance to work on a significant independent research project, allowing you to dive deep into a political communication issue that fascinates you. The dissertation is a capstone of your learning, demonstrating your expertise to future employers.

Flexible Study Options:

Whether you choose the full-time or part-time route, this programme is designed to fit around your lifestyle and career ambitions. If you study part-time, you’ll complete the course in two years, with the flexibility to balance work or other commitments.

Have a look at some student work produced on this course.

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed or new ones are being developed to make sure students have the most up-to-date learning experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Political Communication MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Political Communication MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

Our MA in Political Communication offers an interactive and immersive learning experience, combining a variety of teaching methods from lectures to hands-on workshops to support your academic and professional growth.

Key Aspects of Your Learning Journey:

Active, Engaged Learning:

We use a blend of lectures, seminars, and group projects to ensure you receive a well-rounded education. You'll have the opportunity to participate in lively debates, collaborate on real-world projects, and engage in practical exercises that bring theory to life.

Independent Study and Research:

Independent study provides you with the chance to dig deeper into the topics covered in class. With support from international experts, you'll refine your analytical and research skills, develop your own perspectives, and take ownership of your academic journey.

Expert Tutors and Industry Professionals:

Your learning will be guided by internationally leading academics and industry experts. Our faculty members are active researchers at the forefront of media and communication studies, bringing their cutting-edge research into the classroom. You’ll benefit from their deep expertise and insight into the latest trends and debates shaping political communication today.

Real-World Connections:

In addition to our academic staff, you may also learn from industry professionals with years of practical experience. You’ll gain exposure to different perspectives and real-world insights, giving you a more well-rounded understanding of the subject and enhancing your employability.

Collaborative Learning Community:

From fellow students to faculty, you’ll be part of a supportive and stimulating community of scholars, practitioners, and researchers. This collaborative environment ensures you’re constantly challenged, inspired, and connected to some of the brightest minds in the field.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a political communication related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Political Communication related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in political communication, or coming from an area of expertise to which political communication is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

You may be required to submit a translation test for each language combination you wish to study and in each direction. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application.

Political Communication related subjects

• Media-related courses (theory focused)
• Communication studies

Other Areas

• Sociology
• Politics
• Political science
• History
• Journalism
• International relations
• Public administration
• Economics
• Business
• Public policy
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Languages
• Digital media
• Law

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

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).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: campaign communications; political journalism; research assistance; public relations; government communications; advocacy; policy research; social media management; strategic communications; lobbying; digital campaigning; media relations; political consultancy.

Next Steps

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

Support for part-time and mature learners

The Lifelong Learning Centre provides support for mature and part-time learners across the University, including advice on how to apply to university and support throughout your studies.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Media and Communication

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: mediapg@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £12,500 (Total)

International: £29,500 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Head of School Masters Scholarships

We offer scholarships to applicants holding an offer to study a Masters at the School of Media and Communication in the form of tuition fee waivers.

To find out how to apply and to see all funding opportunities, visit our scholarship and funding opportunities page.

Career opportunities

This isn’t a practical training course; it will give you an in-depth understanding of the role and importance of political communication – a sector which is constantly growing.

Our graduates have entered a wide range of related careers in political journalism, government communications, communications analysis and advisory roles for political parties. Others have gone on to work for international organisations and pressure groups.

You’ll also be equipped to continue with further research at PhD level and pursue an academic career.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.