MSc Politics and Communication

About the MSc programme

This programme offers an intensive, year-long exploration of the relations between politics, media and communications. It aims to provide:

• An advanced understanding of theoretical and applied knowledge in the intersecting fields of politics and communication research.
• The flexibility to pursue particular topics of interest in the fields of media, politics and communication, culminating in an independent research project in politics and communications.
• The opportunity to take courses taught in the Department of Government, as part of the programme options.
• An ideal preparation for research work and employment in media, politics, communication and related fields.

We attract students from a diverse range of backgrounds, often including professional experience working in media and communications related fields. Indeed, the opportunity for cross-cultural meetings and exchange of ideas among the student body is a valuable feature of studying at LSE.

You should have at least an upper second class honours degree or its equivalent in a social science subject. We particularly welcome applications from those with professional experience in the media and communication fields and, in this case, we would accept a degree in other subjects. Exceptionally we may consider professional experience instead of a first degree.

The Department of Media and Communications requires applicants in receipt of a conditional offer to meet those conditions before registration and before the start of the Michaelmas term.

On graduating, our students enter a variety of careers in the UK and abroad, including broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in both public and private sectors. See lse.ac.uk/media@lse/alumni|

Teaching and assessment

The programme consists of four units, including required and optional courses and the dissertation. Courses typically involve a combination of lectures and seminars. The Methods of Research course is taught as a series of lectures and practical classes. You will be examined by written examinations, research assignments, essays related to courses and the dissertation, which must be submitted in September.

The programme runs for a full calendar year. Formal teaching is usually completed by the end of the Lent term. Examinations for all courses are generally held during May and June. The remaining months are set aside for students to complete their dissertations, and it is not normally essential for students to remain in London during these months.

Part-time students will normally take and be examined in courses to the value of two units in each year of study.  In the first year, these two units, selected in discussion with the student's academic adviser, will usually include the compulsory theoretical course(s) and one or more option course(s).  The methods course(s) and the dissertation are then usually taken in the second year, together with the remaining option course(s).  Students may be permitted to vary the courses to be taken in each year with the approval of their academic adviser.

Please note that we do not provide a practical training in journalism, production, campaigning or media management. 

Compulsory courses

(* half unit)

• Political Communication*
• Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications (Key concepts and interdisciplinary approaches)*
• Methods of Research in Media and Communications (including Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis)* 
• Democracy and the Media*
• Dissertation

Options

Choose to the value of one unit:  

• Mediated Resistance and Citizens*
• The Audience in Media and Communications*
• Contemporary Issues in Media and Communications Regulation*
• International Media and the Global South*
• Media and Communications Governance* 
• Information, Communication and Knowledge Systems*
• Democracy in East and South-East Asia*
• Citizens' Political Behaviour in Europe: Elections, Public Opinion and Identity*
• Nationalism
• Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications II (Processes of communication in modern life)*
• Modern Campaigning Politics*
• Critical Studies in Media and Journalism*
• Global Media Industries* 
• Interpersonal Mediated Communication*
• Media, Technology and Everyday Life*
• Film Theory and World Cinema* 
• Any other half unit paper which is offered in the School at master's level, subject to the consent of the student's teachers

Please refer to the School's policy on course capping: lse.ac.uk/courseCapping|

Please note that the availability of option courses is dependent upon a number of factors and thus neither the School nor the Department of Media and Communications can guarantee that all options will be available each year.