COURSE OVERVIEW
The relationship between politics and communications has never been more dynamic or more important than it is today. Digital media, particularly social media, is fundamentally changing the terrain of politics.
This course allows you to study those interactions within an interdisciplinary environment, drawing on research and expertise from the fields of politics, international relations, information and communications, media and linguistics.
You will study media and communications theory, plus the historical development of international relations and key issues in contemporary global politics, becoming an expert in how new communication technologies shape societies, politics and individual lives.
The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The course is also available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only).
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- An accessible masters degree – suitable for many educational and professional backgrounds.
- Diverse and exciting coursework – you can present your work in a way that suits you, from traditional essays to reports, debates, blog posts and presentations.
- Real world experience – learn from professional guest speakers from NGOs with political or activist backgrounds, whilst developing your own portfolio of political communication tools.
- Interdisciplinary - study in an interdisciplinary environment, engaging with experts in politics, international relations, communication, journalism and linguistics.
- Academic expertise – you’ll be taught by experienced academics with a wealth of expertise in the fields of research, analysis and publication. You will also have regular access to external workshops, seminars and talent days.
- Public engagement – explore opportunities to practice your academic knowledge in real-life scenarios, working with the public, including young people. This will allow you to gain employability experience in preparation for your graduate career.
- Study in Manchester – one of the UK’s most exciting digital cities is packed with creative companies on the lookout for talented graduates.
- An international perspective - this MA attracts students from all over the world, giving you the opportunity to make international contacts and gain a truly global perspective on the issues covered.
- Internship - you may have the opportunity to work on our writing articles based Digital politics blog, on your areas of interests whilst building your communication skills.
- Online distance learning - you can study this course part-time through online distance learning, allowing you to study remotely at a time that suits you, from the convenience of your home. Teaching and learning is tailored for distance-learning students; each week there is a set of asynchronous materials to work through and discuss with your peers and tutors. Our distance learning materials have been designed to be interactive and clear and include videocasts, narrated slideshows, digitised readings, interactive quizzes and forum discussions. As well as the tailored unit content, you will have access to our very well stocked library where you can digitally access copies of professional development books, various chapters and a great number of professional, academic journals.
COURSE INFORMATION
Full-time, on campus:
Students on the full-time campus course will study the core units, plus three optional units, detailed below. Please note that while you can choose any optional units, we recommend a balance of at least one choice of 'politics' unit and at least one choice of 'communication' unit. After successfully completing all taught units, you will work on your dissertation over the summer.
Part-time, on campus:
In Year 1, students on the part-time campus course will study the core units: Current Issues in Digital Media and Politics, Putting Communication into Practice, History of International Relations, and Issues in Contemporary Global Politics.
In Year 2 students will study the core unit Masterclass and undertake a Dissertation, plus study three optional units of their choosing.
Part-time, distance learning:
In Year 1 students on the part-time distance learning course will study the core units: Current Issues in Digital Media and Politics, Putting Communication into Practice, History of International Relations, and Issues in Contemporary Global Politics.
In Year 2 students will study the core unit Masterclass and undertake a Dissertation, plus study three fixed optional units: Digital Living, The EU in Turmoil, and Contemporary US Foreign Policy.
Recent dissertation topics have included:
- Disinformation and Fake News in Myanmar
- US War on Terror in Cinema and Computer Games
- Digital Diplomacy in Botswana and the UK
- Smart Cities and Citizen Rights in China and the UK
- Brexit and the Twittersphere
- EU Discourse on the Ebola Crisis and International Aid in Africa
- US Government use of Social Media against ISIS
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates may choose to go on to progress to higher research programmes or seek a wide range of careers within areas such as: government, international politics, social and economic organisations, journalism and globally oriented businesses.
Graduates have previously gone into roles including:
- TV News Presenter (Bulgaria);
- Communications Officer for HMRC (UK);
- Policy and Guidance Manager for OFSTED (UK);
- War Room Analyst for the Republican National Committee (USA).
Core units for this course include:
- Current Issues in Digital Media and Politics - explore how digital media and communication affect society and politics.
- Dissertation - undertake an independent research project guided by expert members of staff.
- History of International Relations - interrogate the history of global politics since the 17th century up to the present day.
- Issues in Contemporary Global Politics - understand key debates and problems in today’s global politics.
- Masterclass - engage with case studies of current research in the field of politics and communication.
- Putting Communication into Practice - apply what you have learned to 'real world' briefs.
- CURRENT ISSUES IN DIGITAL MEDIA AND POLITICS
- DISSERTATION
- HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL POLITICS
- MASTERCLASS
- PUTTING COMMUNICATION INTO PRACTICE (15 CREDITS)
* Scholarships available for international students.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.