M.A. in Political Communication

Course details

This programme examines the rapidly changing relationship between the media, politics and the public, and considers how their overlapping relations influence democracy and the distribution of power.

You should apply for this programme if you are interested in media coverage of politics, the role of spin, agenda-setting, public relations, political advertising and new media.

You will work with leading academics in the areas of political communication, political science and journalism studies. You will also be exposed to a range of senior influential guest lecturers.

Core modules include: Political Communications; Concepts and Issues; Media and Politics in Ireland; Public Relations; Theories of Communications; Research Methods; Communication Policy.

Optional modules include: Social Media and Democracy; Political Economy of the Media.

Content will be attractive to recent graduates and also those seeking to develop a critical perspective on an existing career.

• To provide students with a conceptual framework to understand the evolution, practice and terminology of political communication;
• To examine the relationship between the media, politics and the public;
• To provide an understanding of how political and public communication informs and sustains democracy and the distribution of power in both national and international contexts;
• To acquire the ability to undertake and communicate original research;

Programme Structure:

Content examines the impact of different political communication strategies on the political process, government, policy-making and also in the non-governmental area.

Although primarily an academic degree, the Programme Chairperson - Prof. Kevin Rafter - is happy to assist students seeking work experience with relevant political and communication organisations.

Lectures are, as far as possible, timetabled between 4pm and 9pm but some attendance outside these hours may be required.

Why DCU:

Why Do this Programme in DCU?

• Long established & highly regarded nationally and internationally;
• Challenging learning environment;
• Taught by a team of experienced, research active lecturers;
• Experienced guest speakers;
• High employment rates for graduates & excellent career progression.

Recent guest speakers have included senior political advisors, Fergus Finlay, Gerard Howlin, Mandy Johnson, Tony Heffernan, RIchard Moore and Mark Mortell. Other speakers included Robert Watt, Secretary-General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; Craig Gordon, Chief Deputy Managing Editor of the Washington based online publisher, Politico; Chris Mullin, former British Labour MP and government minister; Peter Horricks, head of global news at the BBC; and the British political blogger Paul Staines (Guido Fawkes).

Career Prospects:

Positions held by recent graduates include: Director - Fleishman-Hillard; Account director - Murray Consultants'; Account Director - Wilson Hartnell PR; Account Director - Insight PR; Managing DIrector -Montague PR; Policy Director - IBEC; Special Adviser - Minister for Education; Head of Media - Sinn Fein; Chef de Cabinet - Fianna Fail; Press Officer - Labour Party; Head of Media - Fine Gael; Parliamentary Assistants - various TD's; Director of Communications - Garda Siochanna; Press Officer - Department of Finance; Press Officer - Department of the Taoiseach; Head of Communications - Houses of the Oireachtas; Broadcast Manager - Oireachtas TV; Head of Press - Law Society; Director of Advocacy - Focus Ireland; Education and Training Officer - Young Social Innovators; PhD Student - UCC; PhD Student - DCU; Communications Officer - Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants will normally have an honours primary degree or equivalent (2:2) but appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree in accordance with the relevant regulations of the University. Interviews may be held.