To obtain a PgCert, you will complete:
- Contemporary Issues in Political Communication (20 credits): The aim of this module is to enable students to develop a sound understanding of political communication understood as a range of professional and institutional communication practices operating in contemporary democratic systems of government.
- Public Affairs (20 credits): The aim of this module is to enable students to: develop knowledge of public affairs as a strategic organizational function focused on political environment; develop a sound conceptual framework for professional public affairs practice, combining fields of policy analysis and communication (with special attention to aspects of political communication)
; develop a number of strategic planning and public affairs competencies (research and problem definition, argumentation, campaign planning); and to reflect on public affairs as a professional practice (ethics and regulation).
- Research Methods (20 credits): The module aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the way that research is designed, conducted, and communicated and to use this to develop a viable proposal for future research.
To then obtain a PgDip, you will select three further 20 credit options, which may include:
- Industry-based Learning and Professional Development (20 credits): The module aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the way that research is designed, conducted, and communicated and to use this to develop a viable proposal for future research. It includes a placement.
- Strategic Communication and Digital Practice (20 credits): This modules aims to develop: a critical understanding of the role of strategic communication within wider contexts including business and organisations, agencies, campaign groups and NGOs; a critical understanding of ethics, social responsibility and social justice and how strategic communication can impact on society; and the ability to apply theory to create creative PR campaigns including a range of communication activities and digital tactics.
- Media Theory and Campaigning (20 credits): This modules aims to: provide solid disciplinary orientation to key problems and theories in the field of mass communication and media studies in a historical perspective; introduce persuasion and theories of learning to contribute to students’ ability to engage critically with media campaigning and public communication; enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge to media /public campaigning, both analytically and practically; and enable students to reflect on the ethics of professionalised/expert media and communication practice.
- Digital Communications (20 credits): This modules aims to: enable students to develop a deep and critical understanding of the disruptive and transformative impact of digital technologies on society, business, organisations, and individuals; engage students in critical reflection of theory and practice contributing to their understanding of digital communications strategy and management with specific emphasis on the role of social media; and equip students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills for managing, planning, monitoring, measuring, and evaluating digital communications activities and engagement with stakeholders and online communities.
- News-based Media Content Creation (20 credits): This module will: provide students with a practical understanding of the principal skills, techniques, and practices necessary to manage & create and a digital project; and facilitate critical understanding of the impact of communication practice and the importance of ethical and social responsible objectives through researching, identifying, planning, and implementing a campaign film / photography project.
- Visual Storytelling for Media Campaigns (20 credits): This module aims to: enable students to plan, manage and produce campaign films, appropriate for submission to an organisation, client, or broadcaster; and facilitate critical understanding of narrative techniques.
If undertaking the MSc, you will also complete a Dissertation (60 credits).
Specified module exemptions may be awarded to applicants who already hold CIPR Specialist Public Affairs Diploma and those who join the course from an established pathway.
