MA in Political Communication (part-time)

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

Dublin City University DCU

Program Overview

The MA in Political Communication at Dublin City University (DCU) is a one‑year, full‑time program that blends theory and practice to explore how media, politics, and the public interact. It suits graduates aiming for careers in political advising, public relations, journalism, or NGO communications, and offers both academic depth and professional exposure through work placements and applied projects.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (full-time)

Students begin with Political Communication 1: Concepts & Issues, which introduces the foundations of political communication, including agenda‑setting, spin, and media framing. Alongside this, Media and Politics in Ireland examines the Irish political media landscape, while Social Media, Journalism & Democracy explores the role of digital platforms in shaping public opinion. The semester also includes Introduction to Research Methods, equipping students with essential skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Year 1 – Semester 2

The focus shifts to applied strategies with Political Communication 2: Campaigns & Strategies, where students study election campaigns, political advertising, and communication planning. Information, Manipulation, and Democracy addresses disinformation, fake news, and propaganda in contemporary politics. Students also complete Research Methodologies and Dissertation Preparation, building the foundation for their independent research project. Optional modules such as Public Relations: Issues and Principles, Data Communication, Media Audiences, or Gender & Sexuality in Digital Culture allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests.

Year 2 (Part-Time)

Students complete a supervised Dissertation, conducting independent research on a political communication topic of their choice. This capstone project allows them to apply theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to real‑world issues, often linked to career ambitions in political advising, media, or advocacy.

Focus Areas

Political communication theory, media and politics in Ireland, campaigns and strategies, disinformation, public relations, digital media, democracy.

Learning Outcomes

Critical understanding of political communication, ability to analyse media and campaign strategies, advanced research skills, practical experience through work placement, transferable skills for careers in politics, media, and NGOs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is a NFQ Level 9 Major Award, fully recognised across Europe and internationally. It aligns with professional pathways in political advising, public relations, journalism, and NGO communications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

DCU’s School of Communications is ranked in the Top 150 globally in QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024), making it the only Irish media/communications school in this category. DCU graduates are highly sought after, with alumni working in government departments, the European Parliament, major PR firms, and nonprofit organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the part‑time MA in Political Communication at Dublin City University gain practical, career‑ready skills by combining academic study with professional engagement. The program is structured to allow working professionals to balance study with employment, while still benefiting from DCU’s strong industry links, applied projects, and access to cutting‑edge communication facilities. You’ll learn not only how political messages are crafted and delivered, but also how to apply these insights in real campaigns, media environments, and public debates.

Experiential Learning

Because the program is designed to bridge theory and practice, you’ll be immersed in applied learning opportunities across two years. From group projects to work placements, you’ll develop hands‑on experience that directly connects to careers in politics, media, and advocacy. Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the part‑time MA Political Communication at DCU:

Industry Work Placement: Students complete a professional placement in a political, media, or NGO organisation, applying classroom learning to real‑world communication challenges.
Group Projects and Campaign Simulations: Modules such as Political Communication 2: Campaigns & Strategies involve collaborative projects where students design and critique campaign strategies, mirroring professional practice.
Digital Tools and Media Platforms: Training includes the use of social media analytics, digital communication platforms, and data visualisation tools, particularly in modules like Social Media, Journalism & Democracy.
Guest Lectures from Senior Practitioners: The program regularly hosts influential guest speakers from politics, journalism, and public relations, giving students direct exposure to current industry practices.
Research Facilities and Libraries: Students have full access to DCU’s O’Reilly Library and digital resources, including political science databases, media archives, and communication research tools.
School of Communications Resources: As part of Ireland’s only communications school ranked in the QS Top 150 globally, students benefit from specialist labs, media studios, and research centres.
Independent Dissertation: Over the two‑year part‑time pathway, students complete a substantial research project, supervised by leading academics, often aligned with professional interests in political advising, media, or advocacy.

This combination of work placement, applied projects, digital tools, and practitioner engagement ensures that part‑time students graduate with both the flexibility to balance professional commitments and the practical expertise to advance their careers in political communication.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Political Communication at Dublin City University (DCU) are well‑positioned to pursue dynamic careers in politics, media, and advocacy. Alumni typically move into roles such as political advisor, public relations consultant, journalist, or communications officer in NGOs and international organisations. The program’s blend of academic depth and professional placement ensures you’ll graduate with both theoretical expertise and practical experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Your qualification from DCU opens doors across Ireland and internationally:

Career Services Support: DCU’s Career Development Service provides tailored coaching, CV workshops, employer networking events, and access to internships and graduate opportunities. Students also benefit from the School of Communications’ industry connections, including guest lectures and placement opportunities with political parties, media outlets, and NGOs.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: DCU consistently ranks among Ireland’s top universities for graduate employability, with over 90% of graduates employed or in further study within nine months. Postgraduates in communications report strong salary outcomes, reflecting high demand for advanced political communication expertise.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program leverages DCU’s partnerships with media organisations, government departments, and NGOs. Students gain exposure through guest lectures from senior practitioners and placements in political offices, PR firms, and advocacy groups.
Long‑Term Accreditation Value: Awarded as a NFQ Level 9 Major Award, the qualification is fully recognised across Europe and internationally, ensuring long‑term career mobility.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into roles with the European Parliament, Irish government departments, major PR consultancies, and international NGOs, where political communication skills are essential.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the MA in Political Communication, students may continue their studies through doctoral research in DCU’s School of Communications. The program’s emphasis on advanced research methods and dissertation work provides a strong foundation for a PhD in Political Communication, Media Studies, or Political Science, enabling graduates to pursue academic careers or high‑level research roles in think tanks and international organisations.