Political Communication MA

Course overview

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.

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 communication and public opinion, the power of digital platforms, global migration, 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 to make sure students have the best possible 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

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in one of the following: a (theory focused) media-related course, communication studies, politics or sociology. Applications from those with degrees in other subjects may be considered on an individual basis.

Relevant professional experience will also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

International qualifications

To see equivalent entry requirements for your country, check our international entry requirement directory.

For more information contact the School of Media and Communication admissions team.

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

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

Documents and information you need:

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 2025

This course is taught by

School of Media and Communication

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: mediapg@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,500 (Total)

International: £29,000 (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.