| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-25 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
Organisations of all types operate in an increasingly complex environment marked by hyper-digitalisation, media fragmentation, ambiguous market and political conditions at global levels, and growing public scepticism. As a result, there is growing market demand for communication experts who can help organisations to (re)build trust, enhance reputation and, more in general, realise their strategic goals.
Introduction
The MSc Strategic Communication offers a cross-disciplinary education with a distinctive focus on:
The course combines a range of conceptual knowledge and practical skills which are crucial for successfully and critically engaging in a variety of strategic communication activities, such as defining and effectively sharing the mission, vision and values of an organisation, responding to a crisis, launching new products and services or supporting strategic initiatives like mergers, event promotions, and campaigns for political elections, health prevention or policy change.
You will learn how to define communication issues and objectives in line with organisational goals; to analyse contexts, situations and audiences; to design spoken and written communication that are at the same time sound, persuasive and compliant with legal and ethical requirements; to exploit the potential offered by established communication technologies and new digital media to effectively engage stakeholders.
Practical projects include a variety of activities such as designing and delivering effective public speeches, building digital media campaigns and writing of digital communications for live briefs.
The programme creates many opportunities for interaction with communication experts and leaders enabling you to familiarise yourself with relevant professional contexts and learn more about current challenges in strategic communication practices. Through the final project, you will have the opportunity to develop an empirical or theoretical dissertation or to develop a research project in collaboration with an organisation.
Program Outline
Compulsory modules
FUNDAMENTALS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION (COMM518)
Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1
This module aims at introducing students to the study of strategic communication. The complex notion of strategic communication will be discussed in relation to key concepts which contribute defining and understanding it. The most relevant theoretical perspectives will be introduced along with fundamental concepts which help analysing and critically assess strategic communication phenomena. While several case studies and examples will be examined (including recent events related to COVID-19), this module is mainly conceptual and intends to offer students fundamental theories and analytic instruments, which are necessary for a critical and reflective approach to the field and its professions. Since strategic communication is a multidisciplinary area of study, the module will discuss theories and models originating from different academic traditions such as (strategic) management, discourse studies (including semiotics, pragmatics and rhetoric), public relations, corporate communication, marketing and advertising.
Research Methods for Strategic Communication (COMM523)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
The module gives MSc Strategic Communication students the set of methodological concepts and skills necessary for undertaking scientific research in the field of communication sciences, with special attention to the analysis and evaluation of strategic communication. The module is intended to prepare students for the dissertation and to support them in the different research projects and activities undertaken during the academic year.
Careers and employability
The MSc Strategic Communication programme will provide you with in-depth academic knowledge and practical skills which put you in a unique position to find employment in the private, public and third sectors. Past graduates from this programme have found jobs in different industries including large international firms, PR and communication agencies, and non-profit organisations. The wide array of optional modules allows you to build specialised expertise in different areas such as marketing, artificial intelligence, digital communications and the cultural industries.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.
From education to employment
Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition
Networking events
Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
Meet our Career Coaches
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Employability programmes
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Careers events
Your future
Graduates wishing to continue academic studies will find a supportive and nurturing research environment that prepares them well for doctoral-level research activities. Career pathways that follow this route include employment in higher education (teaching and/or research), or teaching at secondary and further education levels.
The School of the Arts works closely with Careers and Employability at the University to ensure students are provided with opportunities to undertake training to enhance their employability skills, as well as support students seeking to find either work placements during their vacations or full-time work after graduation.
Working in the UK after graduation
The UK is a great place to live and work, so it's no surprise that many international students want to stay after they graduate. A graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for up-to two years after graduation. It's available to students in the UK on a student visa (or Tier 4 [General] student visa). Our careers service is here to support you getting work once you finish studying.
University of Liverpool
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
My qualifications are from:
United States
.
Entry requirements for applicants from the United States
Entry requirements: which qualifications do you need?
Postgraduate Taught
Students offering a bachelor's degree from an American university are welcome to apply for a master's programme. For most programmes we look for a GPA of at least 3.0.
English language requirements
Applicants from your country are assumed to meet all minimum English language requirements. You won’t need any language qualifications to study here or apply for a visa.
More information for visitors from the United States
| Your qualification |
Requirements
About our typical entry requirements |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements |
You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. This degree should be in a communications-related discipline, such as media, communication, linguistics or management. We also encourage applications from graduates who have work experience in a relevant role. You should provide a personal statement with your application. This should demonstrate your interest in the programme and a good understanding of the programme content, as well as outlining your preferred career path in the field of communications. |
| International qualifications |
Entry requirements for applicants from United States. A Pre-Master's course, which prepares international students for postgraduate study with us, is offered by the University of Liverpool International College. If you hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, but don't meet our entry requirements, successfully completing the relevant Pre-Master's pathway means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| English language qualification | Requirements |
|---|---|
| IELTS |
D
View our IELTS academic requirements key. |
| International Baccalaureate |
Standard Level (Grade 5) |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening 19, Writing 21, Reading 19, Speaking 23. |
| INDIA Standard XII | 70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards |
| WAEC | C4-6 |
| Hong Kong use of English AS level | C |
About our entry requirements
Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.
We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.
