PGCert in Political Communications draft

Program Overview

This Postgraduate Certificate in Political Communications equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between political actors, communication industries, and the public. It covers various levels of political communication, from national to local, and explores traditional and alternative communication channels. The program provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in public relations, government communication, political campaigning, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The program will provide students with:

• Knowledge of the history and development of political communications with an international emphasis
• An awareness of both dominant and alternative models of interaction between political actors, communicators and the public

In addition, the program will also provide students with practical skills and insights that will enable them to:

• Undertake a range of tasks in relation to the planning and commissioning of political communications work from within various public and private bodies
• Commission political communications work from within public and private sector bodies or on behalf of clients
• Analyse political communications activity from and academic and journalistic perspectives.

This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in political communication, including:

• Public relations
• Government communication
• Political campaigning
• Policy analysis
• Journalism
• Academia

Outline:

The Postgraduate Certificate in Political Communications is a three-term program (September-June) that can be completed on a part-time basis. The program consists of two compulsory modules and one optional module.

Compulsory Modules:

• The Structure of Contemporary Political Communications (30 credits): This module examines the main theories and concepts of political communication, focusing on the role of the media, political institutions, and social movements.
• Critical Perspectives on Political Communications (30 credits): This module explores critical approaches to political communication, including feminist, postcolonial, and Marxist perspectives.

Optional Modules:

Students can choose one of the following optional modules:

• Campaign Skills (30 credits): This module provides students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to work in political campaigns.
• Political Communication and Public Policy (30 credits): This module examines the role of communication in shaping public policy.
• Media and Democracy (30 credits): This module explores the relationship between the media and democracy.

Assessment:

The program is assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework may include essays, presentations, and group projects. Examinations will take the form of unseen written papers.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active academics from the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. The department is ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (3rd in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.

Careers:

Graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate in Political Communications have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including:

• Public relations officers
• Government communications officers
• Political campaigners
• Policy analysts
• Journalists
• Academics

Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of individual students.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the Goldsmiths Political Communication Society.
• The program is located in the heart of London, providing students with access to a wide range of resources and opportunities.
The program may be subject to change.