MSc Social and Public Communication

About the MSc programme

The MSc Social and Public Communication explores communication as a social psychological process central to the conduct of everyday life, in public as well as in private. Communication is both the foundation of social life as well as a professional activity to influence and persuade, to gain advantage, to build and sustain a community of trust, and to reach a common understanding on a controversial issue. You will be provided with an overview of theories of communication that enable you to analyse communication events and the practical dilemmas faced by those working in different domains of public communication.

The programme is not simply a training programme in social marketing but an academic, research based degree which will enable you, through a range of compulsory and topical courses to engage critically with existing tools of analysis, evaluation and design of communication endeavours. We offer a comparative approach, with a focus on clear language across a range of domains where public communication is pivotal. The programme is exclusively recognised by the professional certification of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in the UK.

Programme details

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc Social and Public Communication in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates find excellent employment and career opportunities in a range of sectors of the communications industry including consultancy, journalism, publishing, advertising, public relations, education and outreach, and in international organisations. Several former graduates have created their own business.