PGCert in Political Communications draft
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
| 2023-05-02 | - |
| 2023-09-26 | 2023-07-17 |
| 2024-01-16 | - |
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.
Goldsmiths, University of London
Overview:
Goldsmiths, University of London is a public research university located in South East London. It is known for its progressive teaching and world-leading research, particularly in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university prides itself on fostering a space for self-discovery and offers a single-site campus experience.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
Goldsmiths provides a range of support services for students, including a library, IT support, and a dedicated Graduate School for postgraduate research students.Learning Resources:
The university offers access to the Learn.gold virtual learning environment (VLE) and the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC).Campus Life:
Goldsmiths offers a vibrant campus experience with accommodation options, campus tours, and opportunities to connect with students through the Unibuddy platform.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Goldsmiths offers a unique campus experience in the heart of South East London. Students can explore the campus through virtual tours and learn about the local area through area guides. The university also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Progressive Teaching:
Goldsmiths is known for its innovative and forward-thinking teaching methods.World-Leading Research:
The university boasts a strong research reputation, particularly in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.Vibrant Campus Community:
Goldsmiths fosters a diverse and inclusive campus community with a strong sense of belonging.Career Success:
A high percentage of Goldsmiths graduates move on to highly-skilled work after their studies.Academic Programs:
Goldsmiths offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
Fine Art, Design, Music, Theatre, Film, and MediaHumanities:
English, History, Philosophy, Languages, and LiteratureSocial Sciences:
Sociology, Psychology, Politics, and EconomicsComputing:
Computer Science, Digital Media, and Information TechnologyOther:
Entry Requirements:
For EU home students:
- A first degree of at least upper second class standard (or equivalent).
For international overseas students outside the EU:
- A first degree of at least upper second class standard (or equivalent).
- IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0.
General requirements:
- Applicants should have a strong interest in political communication and related fields.
- They should be able to demonstrate their ability to think critically and analytically.
- They should have good communication and research skills.
- A personal statement that outlines the applicant's academic goals and experience in relevant fields.
- Two references, preferably from academic or professional sources.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants who are not native English speakers must have an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0. # However, it is always best to check the specific entry requirements for the year you are applying.
