Political Communication MA

University of Leeds

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 mediaCraft the messages of organisations to persuade and informBecome a critical expert on misinformation, populism and polarisationWhat 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. FacilitiesYou’ll have access to our podcasting studio and professional television and radio studios and newsroom and to professional-grade broadcasting equipment should you wish to create your own project. You'll also have access to Helix, the University's learning innovation hub. Helix offers cutting-edge digital provision, including immersive technologies, multimedia production studios, as well as a physical makerspace.