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DC604

MA in Political Communication

Course Details

Course Code:
DC604
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Part-Time
Duration
(FT - 1 Year), (PT - 2 years)
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 8452

The MA Political (MAP) Communication programme at DCU offers an interesting mix of academic and professional aspects. It explores how the media, politics and the public interact and how these interactions affect democracy and the distribution of power.

Overview

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This programme is suitable for people who want to work in various communication roles, whether it's in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. It's also a good choice for those who are already working and want to advance their careers. For those looking to enter the job market, the MAP program guarantees a work placement, while those who are already employed (typically part-time students) complete a reflection project.

 

If you're interested in topics like how the media covers politics, the influence of spin, fake news, disinformation, agenda-setting, public relations, political advertising and digital media, this program is a great fit. All the courses combine both theoretical and practical aspects of political communication. Additionally, students will research and write a dissertation on a political communication topic of their choice.

DCU People

Profile picture of Frederieke Roording
Frederieke Roording
Alumni

I chose the MA in Political Communication because of its focus on both theory and practice.


Read more about Frederieke Roording
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Kevin Rafter
Staff

Kevin Rafter is Full Professor of Political Communication at Dublin City University where he has been Head of the School of Communications and Associate Dean for Research.


Read more about Kevin Rafter
Profile picture of Roisin Deasy
Roisin Deasy
Alumni

After four decades working in Leinster House and in high-powered communications roles for government departments, Roisin Deasy admits that opting to do a Master’s in Political Communicati


Read more about Roisin Deasy

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

The MA in Political Communication programme appeals to individuals interested in pursuing careers in various communication sectors, including public, private and nonprofit. It's also beneficial for those who are already employed and seeking career advancement opportunities.

They can be found in roles such as political advisors, policy advisors, and media advisors across all major political parties in Ireland and even in the European Parliament. Additionally, they hold senior positions in numerous government departments and have successful careers in prominent public relations firms as well as in nonprofit and corporate sectors.

  • Politics
  • Public relations
  • Government
  • National and multinational companies
  • Nonprofit organisations
Public Relations
Politician
Government Agency

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

 DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path." 

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications. 

Entry Requirements

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For admission to the MA in Political Communication programme, successful applicants will have:

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent.

OR

• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

 

Programme Structure

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The MA in Political Communication delves into the dynamic and fast-evolving connections between the media, politics and the public. It explores how these interrelationships impact democracy and the distribution of power.

This programme tackles critical issues in today's political communication landscape, including how the media covers politics, fake news, disinformation, the influence of spin, agenda-setting, public relations, political advertising and digital media. It also explores the effects of various political communication strategies on politics, government decision-making, and non-governmental sectors.

Additionally, participants gain insights into the historical aspects of the media in Ireland and other places.

 

Delivery

The full-time programme is delivered over a twelve-month academic year from mid-September in three parts: two twelve-week teaching semesters (mid-September to mid-December; late-January to late-April) consisting of four/five modules per semester; completion of a research dissertation for submission at the end of August.

The programme is also offered on a part-time basis over two academic years.

 

Timetable

Core modules in the two teaching semesters are timetabled from Monday to Thursday, generally between 4pm and 9pm.

Please note this is not an evening programme – attendance outside these core hours is occasionally required but prior notice is provided.

 

Work Placement & New Modules

Please note as part of recent changes this programme now includes a guaranteed work placement for all students (part-time students in employment may opt for a reflective research project). New core modules include ‘Political Communications 2: Campaigns & Strategies’ and ‘Information, Manipulation and Democracy’.

Semester One: Political Communication 1: Concepts & Issues; Media and Politics in Ireland; Social Media, Journalism & Democracy; Introduction to Research Methods.

Semester Two: Political Communication 2:  Campaigns & Strategies; Information, Manipulation, and Democracy; Research Methodologies; Dissertation Preparation. 

Students also pick from optional modules including: Public Relations: Issues and Principles; Data Communication; Media Audiences, Political Economy of the Environment and Gender & Sexuality in Digital Culture.

All taught modules combine political communication theory and practice. Students also prepare a dissertation as a piece of independent academic research in a political communication subject area of their choice.

Why do this programme?

  1. You'll collaborate with experienced academics who are actively involved in research in political communication, political science, and journalism studies.
  2. You'll have the opportunity to learn from guest lecturers with expertise from both national and international industry backgrounds.
  3. All your coursework will involve assignments that are focused on practical, real-world projects rather than traditional exams.
  4. You'll work on a supervised research project (dissertation) on a topic related to political communication that you're passionate about.
  5. Starting in 2024/25, you'll also get the chance to complete an industry work placement with a top communication organisation in Dublin.
  6. This program boasts a strong track record of graduates finding employment in prominent national and international workplaces.

DCU is a relatively new and forward-thinking university with a unique purpose: to make a positive impact on individuals and communities through education, research, and innovation. 

Since it welcomed its first students in 1980, more than 50,000 students have earned their degrees from DCU and have gone on to hold important positions in the business world, contributing to enterprises and organisations on a global scale.

The School of Communications is a globally-oriented institution known for its exceptional teaching and research in the fields of media, communications and journalism. It has a history dating back to 1982 and holds a well-established reputation as the premier centre for communication studies in Ireland. The school has consistently earned a place in the top 150 out of nearly 4,500 universities worldwide in the field of communications, according to the QS World Rankings by Subject.

Those who have completed the MA in Political Communication program have achieved senior roles in various sectors, including politics and public relations. They've also made their mark in government, both at the national and multinational levels, as well as within nonprofit organisations. For a comprehensive list of the current positions held by graduates, you can refer to the 'Careers' section.

Fees and Funding

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Fees

EU Status Fee
€7,900
Non EU Fee.
€17,000
EU Status Fee Part-time
€4,300 Per Annum
Non EU Fee Part time
€8,300 Per Annum

How To Apply

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All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

 

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025.

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Application Queries

For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie


For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme

The programme commences in September 2025.

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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