Program Overview

MSc Social and Public Communication

The MSc Social and Public Communication programme explores how communication helps build trust and influence in society. It is taught at the UK's top-rated university for psychology and covers the social and psychological aspects of communication, blending theoretical insights with real-world applications.

Introduction

Communication is at the heart of many of today's social issues and challenges, from how we interact on social media to how governments communicate public health messages. To tackle these issues, we need to understand how communication works and why it sometimes fails. This programme examines communication as a performative act, explores how communication shapes social representation, and discovers how turn-taking and dialogue influence outcomes.

Accreditations

The programme is recognised by the professional certification of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in the UK.

Preliminary Readings

• D Hook, B Franks & Martin W. Bauer, "The Social Psychology of Communication" (Palgrave, 2011)

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science and relevant professional experience.
• English language requirements: Higher

Programme Content

• Year 1:
  • Three compulsory courses
  • Dissertation of 10,000 words
  • Courses to the value of one unit from a range of options, including research methods
• Compulsory courses:
  • PB404: The Social Psychology of Communication
  • PB411: Methods for Social Psychology Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
  • PB410: Dissertation
• Optional courses:
  • PB418: Corporate Communications
  • PB458: Dialogue: Conflict and Negotiation

Why Study with Us

• Student stories: Read about the experiences of our students, including Denise Baron and Khatab Alrawhani.
• Meet the department: The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science is a growing community of researchers, academics, and students who explore the human mind and behaviour in a societal context.
• Why LSE: LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research, and we offer a range of programmes and research opportunities.

Your Application

• Overview: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.
• When to apply: Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee: £18,300 (2026/27)
• Overseas student fee: £30,400 (2026/27)
• Fee status: Your tuition fees and eligibility for financial support will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student.
• Scholarships, bursaries, and loans: We offer a range of scholarships and other funding opportunities, including the Graduate Support Scheme and the AKO Master's scholarships.

Learning and Assessment

• How you learn: You will take a number of courses, including half unit courses and full unit courses, and will complete a dissertation.
• How you're assessed: You will be assessed through a range of methods, including coursework and a dissertation.

Graduate Destinations

• Overview: Our students go on to develop exciting careers in the field of professional communication, including journalism, publishing, advertising, public relations, education, and outreach.
• Career support: We offer a range of career support services, including CV workshops, careers fairs, and one-to-one advice sessions.

Related Programmes

• MSc Social and Cultural Psychology
• MSc Strategic Communications and Society
• MSc Media and Communications (Media and Communication Governance)
• MSc Media and Communications
• MSc Media, Communication and Development