MA International Political Communication

At BU, this MA isn’t just about theory and lectures — you’ll gain practical, real‑world insight into how media, politics, communication and global affairs intertwine, using the school’s resources, research networks, and a curriculum grounded in contemporary political communication practice. You will engage with live political communication issues, examine real campaigns, learn research methods, and build analytical and communication skills that are directly relevant to NGOs, media, diplomacy, policy‑making or political consultancy.

Here’s how the experiential learning plays out in concrete ways:

• Interaction with active researchers and research centre — Students on the programme engage with the Centre for Comparative Politics & Media Research (CCPMR) at BU, giving you exposure to ongoing research on global political communication and media — a great chance to contribute to or observe real‑time studies. 

• Guest lectures and industry/practitioner input — The course features regular guest lectures from professionals in NGOs, political consultancies, public diplomacy, media, and communications — exposing you to real-world practice, current challenges, and networking opportunities. 

• Practical, applied modules alongside theory — As part of the curriculum you study units such as Political Communication & Campaigning, Public Diplomacy & International Relations, Discourse, Rhetoric & Power, Psychodynamics of Emotion & Political Culture — giving you opportunity to analyse and work on real political communication phenomena: campaigns, media messaging, diplomatic discourse, cultural and emotional aspects of politics. 

• Research skills with social science methods — The course includes a module on Methods of Inquiry in the Social Sciences & Humanities, which equips you with rigorous research design, data collection, analysis and critical evaluation — useful if you want to work in policy‑making, think tanks, NGOs, or continue to PhD level.

• International and global scope — Because the programme is “international” in focus, you analyse political communication not just in one country but globally: digital campaigning, transnational social movements, media systems across countries — a valuable asset if you plan a career beyond the UK. Opportunity for employability‑ and career‑oriented skills — Through what BU calls their “Graduate Skills Programme,” you develop professional communication, analytical, and presentation skills that are valuable for jobs in media, political consultancy, public diplomacy, journalism, NGOs, and global affairs.

Graduates of MA International Political Communication typically go on to roles such as policy analyst, political communications specialist, public affairs officer, journalist or researcher — offering a strong foundation for work in government, NGOs, media outlets, think‑tanks or corporate/public relations. With strong analytical, communication and research skills developed during the programme, you’ll be well‑positioned for both professional and academic careers in political communication, international relations and media.

Future Progression & Opportunities:

• University services & professional preparation: Through BU’s ties with various political organisations, international NGOs, communication consultancies and pressure groups — and the involvement of the university’s Centre for Comparative Politics & Media Research — you benefit from opportunities to engage in real‑world research and projects.

• Comprehensive curriculum for real‑world issues: The course covers key areas such as political journalism, digital campaigning, international relations & diplomacy, political marketing, media effects, social theory, and political psychology / sociology. This equips you with up‑to-date knowledge about how political communication works globally — a skillset relevant for many contemporary roles.

• Graduate Skills & Employability Focus: BU emphasises professional and transferable skills via its Graduate Skills Programme, preparing you for strategic communication, research and analysis roles in political or corporate contexts. 

• Career Outcomes & Destinations: Possible career paths include: Policy / Public Affairs Officer, Political / Corporate Communications Specialist, Communications Consultant for NGOs or International Organisations, Political Journalist or Media Analyst, Lobbyist or Campaign Strategist, Researcher in think‑tanks or academic institutions. 

• Salary & Early‑Career Outlook (UK reference): According to publicly available data, 15 months after graduation the median salary for this degree is approx £24,000.  While this may vary depending on employer, location and sector — it gives a baseline for entry-level roles.

• Global and Long‑Term Relevance: Because the degree combines political science, media studies, international relations and critical communication theory — and because BU’s staff have international research connections — your qualification remains relevant for global organisations, NGOs, international media or diplomacy‑related work.

Further Academic Progression:
You could continue toward a research‑oriented path — for example an MPhil or PhD in Political Communication, International Relations / Diplomacy Studies, Media & Communication, or Political Sociology — which can open doors to academic, policy research or think‑tank roles. Alternatively, you could complement the MA with professional certifications (e.g. in public relations, public affairs, media analytics) or pursue further study in related fields (e.g. public policy, global governance, journalism) to broaden your career options.