Course summary
This course focuses on the intersection of communication, media, and politics as the area of knowledge fundamental for communicators working across public, private and third-sector organizations as well as a range of economic, social or cultural sectors. Students will develop communication expertise that combines strategic communication with an understanding of policy communication in the contemporary media landscape. The course offers relevant theoretical knowledge and strong vocational skills development for students who wish to enter careers in public affairs, policy communication, campaigning, or advocacy jobs. Communication, media, and culture not only shape people’s lives but are also pivotal to the way in which politics and policymaking work. Companies and brands have recognised this for some time now in their lobbying, advocacy, and social responsibility work. In this age of activism, so have ordinary people when they mobilize to advocate for ways—laws and policies—to change how governments and companies go about their business. There is politics (and policy) in the food we eat, in the education we get, in how we travel, how we build homes, in who makes our clothes and what happens to them when we no longer use them. And this is what this course is about.
Modules
To obtain a PgCert, you will complete: •Contemporary Issues in Political Communication (20 credits) •Public Affairs (20 credits) •Research Methods (20 credits) To then obtain a PgDip, you will select three further 20 credit options, which may include an Industry-based Learning and Professional Development module (this involves a communication placement as well as a choice from a range of other modules in The School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management. 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. The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2021) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.
Assessment method
Students learn from an academic team that includes internationally published researchers and practitioners with years of professional experience. In many modules, students learn alongside and network with practitioners working in communication and public relations roles. Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Teaching involves face-to-face and directed learning as well as your own self-directed activity. Face-to-face teaching is delivered on campus. Core module assessments may include case studies, essays, projects, blogs, proposals, campaign materials and briefing documents of between 1,000 and 5,000 words. There is also a Dissertation (12,000 words). Many of these assessments can contribute to a portfolio that will support your search for employment.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
Entry requirements
Students will normally possess an honours degree or equivalent from a relevant subject area (eg arts, humanities or social sciences). Students without an honours degree may be admitted (subject to interview) to the course if they have other relevant qualifications and appropriate work experience. International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 and no individual component score below 6.0.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | No individual component score below 6.0. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £6500 | Whole course |
| EU | £15500 | Whole course |
| England | £6500 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £6500 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £6500 | Whole course |
| Wales | £6500 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £6500 | Whole course |
| International | £15500 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh
Edinburgh
EH21 6UU