MA in International Relations and Global Communications
Manchester Metropolitan University
Key Information
Campus location
Manchester, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 17,000 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* UK and Channel Island students: £9,000 per year | EU and non-EU International students: £17,000 per year
Introduction
The relationship between politics and communications has never been more dynamic or more important than it is today. Digital media, particularly social media, is fundamentally changing the terrain of politics.
This course allows you to study those interactions within an interdisciplinary environment, drawing on research and expertise from the fields of politics, international relations, information and communications, media and linguistics.
You will study media and communications theory, plus the historical development of international relations and key issues in contemporary global politics, becoming an expert in how new communication technologies shape societies, politics and individual lives.
The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The course is also available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only).
Features and benefits
- An accessible master's degree – suitable for many educational and professional backgrounds.
- Diverse and exciting coursework – you can present your work in a way that suits you, from traditional essays to reports, debates, blog posts and presentations.
- Real-world experience – learn from professional guest speakers from NGOs with political or activist backgrounds, whilst developing your own portfolio of political communication tools.
- Interdisciplinary - study in an interdisciplinary environment, engaging with experts in politics, international relations, communication, journalism and linguistics.
- Academic expertise – you’ll be taught by experienced academics with a wealth of expertise in the fields of research, analysis and publication. You will also have regular access to external workshops, seminars and talent days.
- Public engagement – explore opportunities to practice your academic knowledge in real-life scenarios, working with the public, including young people. This will allow you to gain employability experience in preparation for your graduate career.
- Study in Manchester – one of the UK’s most exciting digital cities is packed with creative companies on the lookout for talented graduates.
- An international perspective - this MA attracts students from all over the world, giving you the opportunity to make international contacts and gain a truly global perspective on the issues covered.
- Internship - you may have the opportunity to work on our Digital Politics blog, writing articles based on your areas of interest whilst building your communication skills.
- Online distance learning - you can study this course part-time through online distance learning, allowing you to study remotely at a time that suits you, from the convenience of your home. Teaching and learning are tailored for distance-learning students; each week there is a set of asynchronous materials to work through and discuss with your peers and tutors. Our distance learning materials have been designed to be interactive and clear and include videocasts, narrated slideshows, digitised readings, interactive quizzes and forum discussions. As well to the tailored unit content, you will have access to our very well-stocked library where you can digitally access copies of professional development books, various chapters and a great number of professional, academic journals.
Admissions
Curriculum
Full-time, on-campus:
Students on the full-time campus course will study the core units, plus three optional units, detailed below. Please note that while you can choose any optional units, we recommend a balance of at least one choice of 'politics' unit and at least one choice of 'communication' unit. After successfully completing all taught units, you will work on your dissertation over the summer.
Part-time, on-campus:
In Year 1, students on the part-time campus course will study the core units: Current Issues in Digital Media and Politics, Putting Communication into Practice, History of International Relations, and Issues in Contemporary Global Politics.
In Year 2 students will study the core unit Masterclass and undertake a Dissertation, plus study three optional units of their choosing.
Part-time, distance learning:
In Year 1 student on the part-time distance learning course will study the core units: Current Issues in Digital Media and Politics, Putting Communication into Practice, History of International Relations, and Issues in Contemporary Global Politics.
In Year 2 students will study the core unit Masterclass and undertake a Dissertation, plus study three fixed optional units: Digital Living, The EU in Turmoil, and Contemporary US Foreign Policy.
Recent dissertation topics have included:
- Disinformation and Fake News in Myanmar
- US War on Terror in Cinema and Computer Games
- Digital Diplomacy in Botswana and the UK
- Smart Cities and Citizen Rights in China and the UK
- Brexit and the Twittersphere
- EU Discourse on the Ebola Crisis and International Aid in Africa
- US Government use of Social Media against ISIS
The programme leader for this course is Dr Adi Kuntsman.
Year 1
Core units
- Current Issues in Digital Media and Politics - explore how digital media and communication affect society and politics.
- Dissertation - undertake an independent research project guided by expert members of staff.
- History of International Relations - interrogate the history of global politics from the 17th century up to the present day.
- Issues in Contemporary Global Politics - understand key debates and problems in today’s global politics.
- Masterclass - engage with case studies of current research in the field of politics and communication.
- Putting Communication into Practice - apply what you have learned to 'real world' briefs.
Optional Units
- Contemporary Us Foreign Policy
- Critical Discourse Analysis
- Digital Art Activism
- Digital Living
- Global Challenges And Global Governance
- Language, Culture And Communication
- Political Economy And Economic Policy Making
- Poverty And Inequality
- Terrorism And Political Violence
- The EU In Turmoil
- The Political Economy Of Climate Crisis
Career Opportunities
Graduates may choose to go on to progress to higher research programmes or seek a wide range of careers within areas such as government, international politics, social and economic organisations, journalism and globally oriented businesses.
Graduates have previously gone into roles including:
- TV News Presenter (Bulgaria);
- Communications Officer for HMRC (UK);
- Policy and Guidance Manager for OFSTED (UK);
- War Room Analyst for the Republican National Committee (USA).