Program Overview

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Are you fascinated by the role of data in a politic context? Curious about the wider field of communication, and how it is linked to policy and policy makers? Do you want to explore emerging trends in politics, media, and current affairs? There has never been higher demand for trained specialists with an in-depth understanding of how to work with data and evidence. In our MSc Politics, Communications and Data Analytics you’ll gain rigorous training to better understand how to use data, effectively communicate the implications of data, patterns, associations, and trends, whilst being equipped with a grounded understanding of the greater political and media contexts. Through our course, you will learn the appropriate research methods to grasp cutting-edge international debates in media and politics, gain research skills and investigate the complex world of media, politics and data in various contexts including the Global South. You’ll cover topics including:

• Public Policy
• Media and Politics
• Social Data Science

Through our optional modules, you will be provided with the flexibility to pursue topics around your interests, including:

• Environmental politics
• Conflict
• Terrorism
• United States
• Inequality in Latin America

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are 6th in UK for research power in politics and international studies (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). You’ll benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to teaching with a global approach. Why we're great.

• Gain unrivalled access to the best minds in politics – our department is ranked 6th in UK for research power in politics and international studies (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Understand the world around you using evidence and data, skills in increasingly high demand from employers
• Consolidate an in-depth understanding of political studies and apply your knowledge to contemporary real-world contexts

Our expert staff

Our staff are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media. Our academic staff work on topics ranging from international conflict and violence to British elections, and from the obligations of the younger generation to why authoritarian leaders welcome natural disasters.

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Specialist facilities

Take advantage of our extensive learning resources to assist you in your studies:

• Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political analysis
• ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
• Student societies for politics, debating, and Model UN
• We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
• A programme of seminars and events run by the department

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Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments. After completing your masters, you may wish to extend your knowledge with a research degree – many Essex graduates decide to stay here for further study. Alternatively, our MSc Politics, Communications and Data Analytics is ideal for employment in a wide range of public and private industries, including government agencies, international organisations, consultancies, and NGOs. We also work with the University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.