Political Communication (MA)

How will I be taught?

You’ll be taught by leading academic researchers and experienced industry professionals who are at the forefront of knowledge and research in political communication.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of larger lectures and smaller, interactive workshops and seminars.

During the dissertation stage, you’ll be allocated a supervisor who is an experienced researcher. They’ll provide guidance, advice and feedback on all elements of the dissertation and support you through to completion.

If English is not your first language, you can access tailored support through our English Language Programme, with dedicated workshops to help you develop confidence in academic writing and speaking.

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop your knowledge and skills through reflective learning and in a collaborative and creative environment, where peer-to-peer interaction is central to your development and the achievement of programme learning outcomes.

How will I be assessed?

Our focus is on developing your skills in critical analysis, academic writing, independent reading, and collaborative working.

Assessment is carried out through a wide range of methods - including essays, presentations and portfolios - ensuring that different abilities and learning preferences are supported. The dissertation – a substantial research project - further enables you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical or real-world contexts. Each module has clearly defined learning outcomes, and assessments are structured to evaluate your knowledge, practical skills, and intellectual competencies.

Initial assessments focus on consolidating foundational knowledge and understanding, while later stages emphasise enhanced skills like critical evaluation, synthesis of complex information, and independent research. Formative activities, which are not formally assessed, provide opportunities for feedback and learning opportunities which can be incorporated into future assessments.

How will I be supported?

We’ll support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of university life -whether it’s managing your timetable, settling in, building academic skills, or accessing wellbeing and specialist services. We also run events and activities to make your experience enjoyable and rewarding.

Academic and pastoral support

Your personal tutor will guide you academically and offer pastoral support. Our expert teaching staff are available through lectures, seminars, one-to-one meetings, email, and office hours. If you’re writing a dissertation, you’ll work closely with a supervisor to shape and refine your project. We also offer other support such as academic writing support with access to the Royal Literary Fellow, an independent writing expert who can guide you in written expression. International students will be supported to develop your writing and speaking skills through dedicated English language support workshops.

Learning resources

Learning Central is your 24/7 online hub for success. It provides module resources, lecture materials, recorded presentations, e-learning tools, discussion boards, and links to external resources.

Feedback and facilities

You’ll receive both summative feedback (feedback on assessed work) and formative feedback (non-assessed but supports your learning and development) from your tutors, guest lectures and peers. Feedback will ensure you understand what you achieved well, what didn’t meet expectations, and clear guidelines on how work can be improved for future assessments. Summative feedback will be given in written form. Formative feedback will include opportunities for face-to-face discussion and evaluation within workshops and peer review. 

You’ll learn in modern facilities with lecture theatres, seminar rooms, an on-site library, quiet study spaces, and collaborative areas—all equipped with digital resources.

University-wide support

University-wide services (co-located in our Centre for Student Life) will help you thrive and includes careers advice, health and wellbeing support, disability support, and financial guidance. You’ll benefit from having a specialist Careers Adviser within the School and have access to the wider Student Futures service, who organise employer events and can support finding work experience, starting a business and applying for jobs.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Critically assess key contemporary debates in media, politics and communication, drawing on and examining a range of academic sources to develop informed positions.
• Systematically examine a variety of research methodologies, relating their application to broad research questions and predicting their potential utility across different research contexts.
• Organise and critique major theoretical approaches to the study of public opinion, associating these with their relationship to traditional and digital media environments.
• Assess and explain the main ways in which political actors interact with legacy and new media, situating these within the broader context of democratic processes.
• Explain and organise the components involved in planning and delivering a political or public communication campaign.

Intellectual Skills:

• Compare and critique different forms of research evidence, integrating them to support reasoned conclusions.
• Apply and develop selected media and communication theories to real-world issues, conveying developing critical insight and associating theory with practice.
• Question and critically examine ethical issues in media and communication research and practice, reflecting on their implications.
• Examine and judge how public opinion is represented in research, distinguishing and relating qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Identify and explain the different communication roles of political actors and the public within democratic contexts, generating relevant examples to support and inform critical analysis.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Design, manage and structure an empirical research project using appropriate methods, extending independent inquiry and compiling findings in a rigorous, coherent format.
• Develop a multi-platform campaign strategy, identifying key stakeholders and target audiences.
• Apply, structure, and defend arguments in political communication using relevant theory and practice, showing critical engagement.
• Conduct and manage primary research using qualitative or quantitative techniques, demonstrating competence in data collection and analysis.
• Generate and structure written or verbal work that conveys evidence-based reasoning in political communication, expressing ideas with clarity, coherence and critical precision.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Examine, organise and critique academic and non-academic sources, separating key themes and ideas and relating these to broader theoretical and empirical debates.
• Foster and manage effective contribution to group tasks, directing independent inquiry and supporting shared goals with developing autonomy and critical self-awareness.
• Communicate and convey ideas with clarity in written and oral formats, modifying and adapting register and approach to inform and engage target audiences effectively.
• Plan, organise, and manage tasks to meet deadlines, developing structured approaches to time management that extend academic and professional capacity.
• Reflect on and evaluate feedback, identifying areas for personal and academic development.