Political Communication MSc
Media & Democracy POLITIC5011
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Social and Political Sciences
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The course examines the role, impact and sources of power of different types of media in the democratic process. We analyse how information flows and influences contemporary societies, both domestically and internationally, across diverse types of media, platforms, structures, and systems.
Timetable
One hour lecture and one hour seminar, both held weekly for 10 weeks.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The course grade is based on three different pieces of work
- Assessment #1: weekly tasks with peer review (20%)
- Assessment #2: Group presentation (8-10 minutes, 15% group mark) AND ii) an individual reflective report (1200 words - 15% - individual mark). Combined: 30% of the overall mark
- Assessment #3: case study 3,200 words (50%)
Course Aims
The course introduces students to the main theoretical approaches and concepts regarding the role, impact and sources of power of different types of media in the democratic process. We analyse how information flows and influences contemporary societies, both domestically and internationally, across diverse types of media, platforms, structures, and systems. We evaluate existing empirical evidence about the impact of different types of media in political processes, civil society, and public opinion and apply it to a range of case studies and topical issues. The course also introduces students to the links between theory, empirical research and research methodologies in the political communication field.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• To evaluate the main theoretical approaches and empirical evidence regarding the roles, impact and sources of power of different types of media in the democratic process.
• To appraise how information flows and influences contemporary societies, both domestically and internationally, across diverse types of media platforms, structures, and systems.
• To understand the links between theory, empirical research and research methodologies as they apply to the political communication field.
• To apply theories and concepts to case studies and investigate how they manifest empirically
• To demonstrate skills in individual presentational and group analytical work.
• To develop and present clear, analytical and robust analyses and arguments in both written and oral form.