Political Communication and Public Affairs

We recognise the growing importance of specialist skills that combine communication with strategic management, and an understanding of public affairs, that is issues of interest to the public. Many organizations, from huge corporations to grassroots organizations, rely on public affairs specialists to be able to conduct their activities, to look after their reputation and, most importantly, to have a say in how the world is shaped by what governments and legislators do.

As you will learn, not all people who do these jobs think of themselves as public affairs specialists, some may be called policy officers, or public engagement managers, but whatever the job title, there are core competencies that you need, and that you will start developing with our help.

The course is suitable if you:

• are interested in public affairs, media, and communication, irrespective of the subjects in which you already have an academic qualification
• already work in a communication or PR role and want to specialize in public affairs and/or
• aim to progress to a research career in communication or strategic communication

• Develop specialist communication skills valued by modern employers in order to manage their political environment and policy issues.
• Earn an internationally postgraduate qualification a university with a track record in delivering specialist communication course recognized by professional bodies (Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Public Relations and Communications Association).
• Tailor your learning to your future career, developing knowledge, skills and learning in a rich and diverse environment from tutors who are internationally published researchers and practitioners with years of professional experience.
• Benefit from the blended learning approach that offers the best of two world: intense classroom interaction and rich online learning environment.

Graduates from this course have gone on to develop their educational practice within their current role, to teach in higher education, to work in practice development and continuing professional development. International students have returned to their home countries to develop education programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Many graduates have gained promoted posts or gained additional  responsibilities as a result of undertaking the course. Some continue further studies through doctoral research (see our PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes).

The University requires all students to demonstrate sufficient academic English language proficiency to undertake and derive full benefit from their chosen programme of study. This page acts a guide to help you meet the English language requirements for your chosen course.

Students who are not a national of a Majority English Speaking Country, as recognised by the UKVI, must meet the English language requirements of their intended programme of study.

There are no placements on this course. Participants are expected to have access to opportunities for teaching in an area of practice that allows them to meet the course outcomes.

Taught Postgraduate Courses

Applying online

You will find all our degree programmes listed on our course information pages. To apply for your chosen programme, click on the “Apply for thisCourse” button which appears top right on each course page.

Each programme will list the entry requirements, available awards, study modes and available start dates.

Select your programme and preferred start date and begin your application.

Application form

On our application form please input your basic details. Be careful spelling your email address as this is how we will contact you about your application in future.

As part of your application on the form, you will need to write a personal statement specific to the course that you are applying. This is your chance to sell yourself through highlighting your experience, suitability and motivators for wanting to join this course at QMU.

You will have the chance to upload supporting documents as part of your application. This is an important part of the admissions process and without seeing supporting documents, tutors will not have enough information to make a decision on your application.

The form allows you to save your application should you wish to complete it later.

Once complete you can submit your application to us and you will receive an automatic acknowledgement email confirming receipt of your application. You will also receive a QMU applicant ID number which you should keep a note of and quote in any correspondence to QMU.

Find your perfect course using our Course A-Z list

Alternatively if you know which course you'd like to apply for, you can apply using our online application form

Supporting documents

As part of your application you will need to submit to us:

• A copy of your degree certificate
• A copy of your academic transcripts
• One or two letters of reference, depending on the course. If you finished your degree within the last three years, we ask for an academic reference. References must be signed, dated and written on letter headed paper or sent directly from a professional email account. You can find more information on how to get references here.

If your documents are in any language other than English then they will need to be accompanied by a formal certified translation into English, by either the awarding institution or a sworn translator.

Students whose first language is not English are required to provide us with proof of their English language ability. More information on how to do this can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you have not yet graduated and don’t have your degree certificate, this can be sent to us at a later date.

Interviews

Some of our courses require interviews as part of the selection process. If your course requires an interview it will be noted on the course page and if successfully chosen we will contact you by email with further instructions and information. Where applicants are unable to attend an interview on campus, it may be possible to arrange a telephone or skype interview.

Deadlines

A number of our most popular courses have set a closing deadline for applications. Where a deadline has been set this will be detailed on the individual course page.

Decisions

You should expect a decision on your application within four weeks of submitting a fully completed application with supporting documents. Where programmes have set closing dates with an equal consideration deadline, decisions will be notified within four weeks of the closing date.