INTRA Programme MA Political Communications

Programme Objective

This programme examines the rapidly changing relationship between the media, politics and the public, and consider how their overlapping relations influence democracy and the distribution of power.

Programme Overview

The programme deals with major issues in the contemporary political communication arena including media coverage of politics, the role of spin, agenda-setting, public relations, political advertising, and digital media.  Modules examine the impact of different political communication strategies on the political process, government policymaking and in the non-governmental area.

Participants are also exposed to the history of the media in Ireland and elsewhere. All taught modules combine political communication theory and practice. Students also prepare a dissertation as a piece of independent academic research in a political communication subject area of their choice.

Work Areas

This programme will interest those looking to work in the wider communications sector in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and those interested in media coverage of politics, the role of spin, fake news, disinformation, agenda-setting, public relations, political advertising and digital media. 

Graduates of the programme currently hold senior positions in the worlds of politics and public relations as well as in government, national and multinational companies, and the not-for-profit sectors.

Our graduates are found in political, policy and media advisory roles in all the main political parties in Ireland and in the European Parliament and also work as senior officials in many government departments. They are also pursuing successful careers in leading public relations companies and across the not-for-profit and corporate sectors.

INTRA (INtegrated TRAining) Work Placements

In this module students apply knowledge and skills learned during the MA Political Communication Programme in an employment environment and critically reflect on their experience.

INTRA formally integrates the student's academic study with closely co-ordinated realistic jobs, based on the work abilities of the student and the objectives of each programme. The student develops an understanding of the professional, practical world of industry. The blending of theory and practice also increases student motivation and allows a clearer view of a career path. 

Students will typically be based in a workplace relevant to the MA Political Communication programme for a two-three month period any time between January - August.  Flexibility can be given in terms hours/days per week to suit both the employers¡¯ and students¡¯ schedules.

Course Modules

If you would be interested in hiring from this programme, please get in touch.