MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at the University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive curriculum design...
MA International Public and Political Communication
Western Bank
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA in International Public and Political Communication at the University of Sheffield focuses on the key aspects of political communication, media strategies, and public diplomacy. Students will explore how political actors, governments, and organizations use communication to influence public opinion, frame political discourse, and mobilize citizens. The program offers a comprehensive approach that includes theoretical insights into the role of media in politics, practical communication skills, and an understanding of global public relations strategies. With a strong emphasis on both academic and practical knowledge, the program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the political communication field, including roles in media, public relations, journalism, and governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA in International Public and Political Communication combines core modules with specialized electives to provide students with a broad yet focused understanding of the field. Key modules include international political communication, media and public relations, political campaigning, and public opinion analysis. Students will examine the role of new media, social media platforms, and traditional mass media in shaping political narratives and public policy. Elective courses may cover topics such as the influence of globalization on political communication, public diplomacy, crisis communication, and the ethics of political messaging. The program also includes practical components such as media training and workshops, giving students the opportunity to develop the communication skills needed in real-world political contexts. The course culminates in a dissertation or research project, allowing students to specialize in a particular area of international political communication.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MA in International Public and Political Communication is centered on understanding how political messages are crafted and consumed across different cultures and political systems. Faculty members at the University of Sheffield conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as political communication, media influence, election campaigns, and public diplomacy. The program emphasizes evidence-based research and encourages students to engage with current issues in political communication through case studies, media analysis, and research projects. Students have the opportunity to contribute original research to the field, exploring topics like the impact of digital media on political engagement, the role of communication in conflict resolution, and the ethics of political advertising.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sheffield has strong ties with various industries, including media organizations, political consultancy firms, and international non-governmental organizations. These connections provide students with valuable opportunities for industry engagement, including internships, work placements, and collaborative projects. Students can gain hands-on experience in political communication and public relations through partnerships with political campaigns, media outlets, and international organizations. These practical experiences enhance students' employability and help them build a professional network in the field of political communication. The university’s active engagement with the industry ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in public relations, political consultancy, government communications, and media organizations.
Global Perspective: The MA in International Public and Political Communication offers a global perspective on political communication, examining how communication strategies are employed in diverse international and cultural settings. Students will explore how political communication varies across different political systems, media landscapes, and cultural contexts. The program includes case studies and examples from around the world, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the global dynamics of political messaging. By examining international political campaigns, media influence, and public diplomacy efforts, students will gain the skills to navigate the complexities of communication in a globalized world. This global perspective prepares graduates to work in international organizations, political campaigns, and global media, where the ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries is essential.
Location
Western Bank
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25060
Postgraduate Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60%-70% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 19 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 19 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 56.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Postgraduate students may be eligible for the following scholarships:
Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is available to UK, EU, and international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
International Merit Postgraduate Taught Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: This scholarship is available to students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee, airfare to and from the UK, and a monthly stipend.
Graduates of the MA International Public and Political Communication program have diverse and promising career prospects in various fields.
International Communication Specialist: Graduates can pursue roles as communication specialists in international organizations, governments, and NGOs, managing communication campaigns and public diplomacy efforts.
Media Relations Manager: With expertise in public and political communication, graduates can work as media relations managers, handling media interactions and crisis communication for political figures and organizations.
Political Analyst: Graduates can explore careers as political analysts, providing insights and analysis of international political events and communication strategies.
Global Public Relations Consultant: The program equips students to work as public relations consultants, advising multinational corporations and governments on global communication strategies.
Academic and Research Roles: Some students may choose to pursue further studies or academic careers, contributing to research and teaching in the field of international public and political communication in universities and research institutions.
