MA International Political Communication

at Bournemouth University

Core units
 

• Social Theory & Political Communication: This unit highlights the wider theoretical underpinnings of analysis of political communication and provides an introduction to the broader contextual and conceptual basis in which political communication is conducted. 

• The Psychodynamics of Emotion & Political Culture: Applying a psychosocial approach that combines theories and methods from psychoanalysis, cultural and media studies and political sociology you will explore the cultural and emotional processes that shape our relationship to politics in the late modern, media age. 

• Methods of Inquiry in the Social Sciences & Humanities: Drawing on your previous research knowledge and experience, the unit offers you a broad grounding in methods and processes of social science research and prepares you with the understanding and skills needed to rigorously design, conduct, report and evaluate research.  

• Political Communication & Campaigning: This unit provides an overview and critical appraisal of the academic study of political marketing, campaigning and reporting in the context of a diversified and international media environment. You will explore the historical development of political communication, by political parties, by mainstream media and via social media.

• Public Diplomacy & International Relation: This unit offers a multi-disciplinary perspective on public diplomacy as an emerging field of study and practice at the intersection of international relations, communications, history, public relations and media studies. Making sense of contemporary debates and global trends is at the forefront of the unit that also takes a historical approach to support you in developing an in-depth, nuanced understanding of events and crises of the day. 

• Discourse, Rhetoric & Power: During this unit you will explore the intimate relationship in politics between discourse, rhetoric, and power. Its core aim is to expose the political character of social relations and practices by discovering the centrality of rhetoric and the construction of meaning in their constitution, institutionalisation, and contestation.

• Final Project: You will critically apply the principles and techniques of systematic research to produce a piece of scholarly research in order to facilitate academic and professional thinking in the field of political communication. This unit will be underpinned by previous learning in Methods of Inquiry in the Social Sciences and Humanities in which you will have developed advanced knowledge and skills in research design, application and analysis.

The normal requirements for embarking upon a postgraduate taught degree are:
 

• A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 or equivalent 

If you lack the formal academic qualifications needed to enter a postgraduate or post-experience degree, there are several alternative routes to follow - some based on experience. 

​Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:
 

• Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty.
• Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses.
• Accommodation and living costs. 
• Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately.
• Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. 
• Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable).
• Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study.
• SportBU membership.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

Industries worked in
 

• National and Local government

• Political parties

• Unions

• Charities and NGOs

• Public affairs

• International organisations

• Journalism

• Communication/ Advertising

• PR/ lobbying

• Teaching/ academia