Social Media and Political Communication
Qualification(s) available: MA
- Entry requirements
- 2:2 (55%)
- Full-time
- 1 year
- Part-time
- Not available
- Location
- Loughborough
- Start date
- October 2023
- Department
- Communication and Media
On this exciting and unique master’s programme you will gain advanced knowledge of how social media shape how political power is exercised in today’s turbulent world. The curriculum blends world-leading scholarly research with case study analyses of how political communication works in the real world.
The digital age has produced some of the most remarkable developments in modern history. The Arab Spring, Occupy, Brexit, the #MeToo movement, the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, the growth of online misinformation and automated propaganda, fierce debates over online "filter bubbles" and fake news, the resurgence of the populist right and a new populist left, the growth of online hate speech, mass microtargeting of political messages via email and social media, and concerns about the growing power of social media platforms, algorithms and big data over the lives of citizens. These developments have sent shockwaves around the world.
Amid the chaos there is now an urgent debate about whether the mass use of social media is leading to new types of politics. Do social media help concentrate power in the hands of a small elite? Or do they help decentralise power and engage ordinary citizens in democratic citizenship? Do social media enable individuals and organisations to express themselves, exchange opinions and coordinate with others? Do they encourage the diffusion of propaganda, false information, incivility and hatred? How do social media shape how political beliefs are formed among mass publics?
On our innovative Social Media and Political Communication master's degree you will conduct advanced, in-depth analysis of the complex relationships between social media, political influence and power. You will weigh up the consequences for democracy by critically examining how social media shape citizens’ knowledge, participation and empowerment.
Taught by pioneering scholars who are genuine world leaders in the field, the programme is ideal if you want to build a career in advocacy, campaign management, digital engagement, political communication consultancy, journalism, government communication, policy analysis, digital advertising, marketing and public relations, or political research, to name but a few.
Alongside the Loughborough Doctoral College training programme, the modules on the MA Social Media and Political Communication also form the perfect foundation for research training during the first year of a PhD in this field funded either by Loughborough’s Online Civic Culture Centre (O3C) (led by Professor Andrew Chadwick), a School of Social Sciences and Humanities Doctoral Studentship, or an ESRC +3 Studentship.
Why you should choose us
Why you should study this degree
- You will benefit from insights from scholars working in a range of different disciplines – communications and media, branding, public relations, political science, international relations and social interaction.
- There is a focus on the communication strategies of corporate, government and third sector organisations, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in these areas.
- Our small class sizes mean that we get to know you and your interests.

Lauren
The greatest skill I have learned is to be highly critical of everything you see on social media. There is so much misinformation and disinformation circling online that I really value this course for teaching how to spot what is factual.
What you'll study
The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2023/24 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated Programme and Module Specifications are made available ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.
Our MA Social Media and Political Communication is designed to give you a systematic and critical awareness of current issues and debates in social media and political communication studies and related disciplines.
Compulsory modules
Social Media and Political Communication
This module examines the impact of social media on political life. By the end of the module students will have an understanding of the key issues around social media as well as a critical perspective on what the term actually means. The approach will be comparative, drawing on examples from around the world, including the developing world, but the principal focus will be on the United States and Britain.
Marketing Politics
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the marketing of politics by exploring and analysing election campaigns from a contemporary as well as an historical perspective. A major focus is on appreciating and understanding the increasingly important role of advertising, public relations and market research techniques, approaches and personnel in attempts to win and maintain voter support for candidates vying for public office. This will be done through close analysis of developments in countries with some of the most high profile elections, notably the United States and United Kingdom. The US hosts a large and globally influential industry of campaign consultants and their impact both at home and abroad will be reviewed and scrutinized. Here particular consideration will be devoted to the ethical and democratic consequences of the growing use of this kind of 'packaged politics'.
Researching Communications 1: Media Users and Cultural Industries
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of methodologies for the analysis of media users and institutions. The module focuses on critically discuss how qualitative and quantitative methodologies are applied, identifying their strengths and shortcomings.
Postgraduate Dissertation
The aim of this module is for the student to develop employability and academic skills relevant to conducting an individual research project and to undertake a piece of research on a communication or cultural topic of their choice, and pursue this research in depth and with rigour. The final project should build on methodological skills developed in earlier modules.
Optional modules (choose one)
Understanding Modern Media
The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of key concepts and advanced debates relevant to the understanding of modern media, with a focus on the role of media and communications systems in both the historical formation of modern societies and their contemporary transformations under the impact of the Internet and digital platforms.
Media & Cultural Industries: Culture, Economy and Policy
The aim of the module is to outline the major conceptual and empirical questions raised by work on the cultural and media industries, media and cultural policy, and on the sociology and anthropology of cultural and media production; to examine the changes that have taken place in the cultural and media industries under the impact of cultural, social, political and technological change since the 1970s and to explore the questions these changes raise for public policy.
Strategic Communication
Digital Economies
This module aims to examine the relationship between new social practices and old economic structures; it offers students an introduction to the economic sociology of digital media.
Compulsory modules
Data, Power and Democracy
This module addresses the ways in which social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp. and Snapchat are changing the ways in which political actors, citizens, and journalists interact with each other, advance their goals, and exercise power. We will engage with contemporary arguments and debates about the democratic implications of social media by drawing on state-of-the-art theory and cutting-edge research, as well as case studies of relevant contemporary events and controversies.
The module will enable students to understand how social media are used by citizens, political actors, and journalists to access, distribute, and coproduce content that is relevant to public affairs and provide opportunities for political learning, persuasion, mobilization, and engagement. It will use both theory and empirical research to shed light on how social media are enhancing and hindering practices and structures of citizenship and democratic politics.
Researching Communications 2: Texts and Digital Platforms
The module is designed to introduce students to research methods that are applied for the analysis of media and communication content and output, both on traditional as well as on new, digital platforms. Apart from providing the students with critical overview and discussion of strengths and weaknesses of these methods, both quantitative and qualitative, the module enables them to explore their practical application in adjacent workshops.
Postgraduate Dissertation
The aim of this module is for the student to develop employability and academic skills relevant to conducting an individual research project and to undertake a piece of research on a communication or cultural topic of their choice, and pursue this research in depth and with rigour. The final project should build on methodological skills developed in earlier modules.
Optional modules (choose two)
The Politics of Representation
The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of current debates and advanced research about the politics of representation and to develop the skills relevant to the analysis of the involvement of media and cultural forms in social inclusion and exclusion.
Strategic Interaction
The aim of this module is to introduce students to domains of strategic communication in the real world in which professional parties, such as crisis negotiators, politicians, and healthcare practitioners, must provide information, make decisions, persuade, and influence others in real time for a range of purposes. The module will explore social interactional research approaches to investigating and understanding what constitutes effective practice, and how communication shapes engagement and behaviour through case studies and recorded live interactions. Students will learn the theory and methods of conversation analysis and how to apply it to diverse settings with the overall aim of understanding and improving the effectiveness of communication in these situations.
Media and Cultural Work: Inequality and Discrimination in the Creative Industries
The aim of this module is to acquire an understanding of the major conceptual and empirical questions raised by research of media and cultural work; the changes that have taken place in media and media cultural work under the impact of technological change, marketisation and internationalisation since the 1970s; the extent and nature of inequalities and discrimination in media and cultural work.
Digital Cultures
This module fosters students' ability to critically analyse current research and advanced scholarship about digital cultures. It familiarises students with major debates, theories and latest studies on issues, such as digital media and identities, communications, intimate relations, health, mental and consumption.
Compulsory modules
Postgraduate Dissertation
The aim of this module is for the student to develop employability and academic skills relevant to conducting an individual research project and to undertake a piece of research on a communication or cultural topic of their choice, and pursue this research in depth and with rigour. The final project should build on methodological skills developed in earlier modules.
How you'll be assessed
You will be assessed through a combination of essays, reports and a student research blog. The final assessment is a poster presentation and a dissertation, based on an original research project carried out with one-to-one guidance from a supervisor.
How you'll study
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent study
- Group work
- Workshops
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
A 2:2 (55%) honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Social Sciences and Humanities, however a large range of other subject areas will be considered .
Afghanistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters | 95% | 85% | 70% |
Albania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
Algeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Argentina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Armenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum | 90% or 3.9 | 80% or 3.5 | 70% or 3.0 |
Australia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, 2B |
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%) |
Austria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree/ Diplomstudium / Magister degree | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% or B or 3.0 (or 2) | 50% or C or 2.7 (or 3) |
Azerbaijan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 80% | 3.5 or 70% |
Bahamas
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bahrain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Bangladesh
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only) | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75 |
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5 |
Belarus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Belgium
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie | 80% or 17 | 70% or 14 | 60% or 12 |
Belize
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Benin
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien |
Bermuda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bolivia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Botswana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60% |
Brazil
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
Brunei
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50%/C/2.7) |
Bulgaria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Burundi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) | 18 | 15/20 (Bien) | 12.5/20 (Assez Bien) |
Cambodia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 years | 90% or 9 or 4.0 | 80% or 8 or 3.5 | 70% or 7 or 3.0 |
Cameroon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise or a 4 year Licence. | 1st or 15/20 or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or 14/20 or Bien (GPA 3.4) | 2:2 or 12.5/20 or Assez Bien (GPA 3.1) |
Canada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0/Percentage | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68% |
Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Chile
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5 |
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:
First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai Rank Top 250 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70% |
Shanghai Rank 251-500 | 88% | 84% | 80% | 78% | 75% |
Shanghai Rank 501+ | 92% | 87% | 84% | 82% | 80% |
Affiliated colleges
The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:
- School of Business and Economics: not considered
- All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Universities given special consideration
Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:
University | Chinese name | Considered inband |
Beijing Film Academy | 北京电影学院 | Top 250 |
Capital University of Physical Education and Sports* | 首都体育学院 | Top 250 |
Central Academy of Drama | 中央戏剧学院 | Top 250 |
Central Academy for Fine Arts | 中央美术学院 | Top 250 |
Central Conservatory of Music | 中央音乐学院 | Top 250 |
China Academy of Art | 中国美术学院 | Top 250 |
China Conservatory of Music
|
中国音乐学院 | Top 250 |
Harbin University of Finance (Harbin Finance University) |
哈尔滨金融学院 | 251-500 |
Northwest University of Political Science and Law | 西北政法大学 | Top 250 |
Shanghai Customs College | 上海海关学院 | Top 250 |
Tianjin Sport University* | 天津体育学院 | Top 250 |
*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.
Colombia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2 |
Costa Rica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75 |
Croatia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
Cuba
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Cyprus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Czech Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
Denmark
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7 |
Dominican Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% | Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82% |
Ecuador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 8.5 / 85% | 8 / 80% | 7 / 70% |
Egypt
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65% |
El Salvador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto | 8.5, 85% | 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno | 6.5, 65% or Bueno |
Estonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or A | 4 or B | 3 or C |
Ethiopia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A/GPA 4.0 | A/GPA 3.5 | B/GPA 2.8 |
Finland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister | 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) | 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) | 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5) |
France
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Georgia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (75%) |
Germany
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
Ghana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Ghana | First | Upper second/60% | Lower second/50% |
Greece
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6 |
TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
Grenada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55% |
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Guatemala
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university) |
Guyana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0 |
Honduras
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70% |
Hong Kong
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Hungary
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Iceland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
India
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Institutions listed on the 65% (First) | 60% (First) | 55% (Upper second) | |
All other Indian institutions | 70% (First with distinction) | 65% (First) | 60% (First) |
Indonesia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sarjana I (S1) from A (or B) accredited Universities | 3.3 (3.5) | 3.0 (3.3) | 2.8 (3.0) |
Iran
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iran | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Iraq
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Ireland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%) |
Israel
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Italy
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 104/110 (or 27) | 100/110 (or 26) |
Ivory Coast
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien) |
Jamaica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2 (GPA 2.0) or C |
Japan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Japan | 85% | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0 |
Jordan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.8 or 65% |
Kazakhstan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80% |
GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.7 | 3.2 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3 |
Kenya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C |
Kosovo
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Kuwait
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Latvia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Lebanon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
American | 90% (3.5) | 80% (3.2) | 70% (2.8) |
French | 18 | 15 | 12 |
Liberia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80% |
Libya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5) |
Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0) |
Lithuania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Luxembourg
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien) |
Macau
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Macedonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Malawi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65% |
Malaysia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classification | First Class | 2.1 | 2.2 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Malta
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%) |
Mauritius
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50% |
Mexico
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Moldova
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Mongolia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0 |
Montenegro
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies | 10 (or 5.0) | 9 (or 4.5) | 8 (or 4.0) |
Morocco
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État,Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion,Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Mozambique
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Licenciatura | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Myanmar (Burma)
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65% |
Namibia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree (post 2008) or Masters | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C |
Nepal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) | 90% or 3.9 GPA | 80% or 3.8 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA |
Netherlands
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6 |
New Zealand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0) |
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0) |
Nicaragua
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Nigeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 4 |
5 point scale | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Norway
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Norway | A | B | C |
Oman
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Pakistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6 |
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters | 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 | 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 | 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6 |
Palestine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree | A / 90% / 3.7 | B+ / 85% / 3.3 | B / 80% / 3.0 |
Panama
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C) |
Papua New Guinea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Paraguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Peru
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Philippines
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0 |
Poland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 / 4+ | 4 |
Portugal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado | 18 | 16 | 14 |
Qatar
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Romania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Russia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Rwanda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%) |
Saudi Arabia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.5 |
Senegal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien |
Serbia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Sierra Leone
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C) |
Singapore
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classification | First | Upper second | Lower second |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Slovakia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D |
Slovenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
University Diplom | 9.5 | 8.5 | 7 |
South Africa
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 70% | 2:2 or 60% |
South Korea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA out of 4.5 | 4.0 / A | 3.5 / B | 3.0 / C+ |
GPA out of 4.3 | 4.0 / A | 3.0 / B | 2.7 / C+ |
Spain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Sri Lanka
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0 |
Sudan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year degree | 1st, 70%, B+ | 2:1, 66% | mid 2:2, 60%, B |
Sweden
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG | B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G |
Switzerland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 6 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3 |
Syria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60% |
Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Taiwan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Category 1 (4 year degree) | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Category 2 (4 year degree) | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Tajikistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Tanzania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Thailand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Trinidad and Tobago
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or B+ or 70% | 2:1 or B or 65% | 2:2 or B- or 60% |
Tunisia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien) |
Turkey
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Turkmenistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Uganda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0 |
Ukraine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
United Arab Emirates
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
United States of America
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Uruguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado (4 year) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Uzbekistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.0 |
Venezuela
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9 |
Vietnam
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
4-point scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Zambia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60% |
Zimbabwe
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60% |
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
2023 - 2024 start
UK fee
£11,100 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£22,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
Your development
The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career.
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate a range of academic and public communication sector case studies and sources and apply these evaluative skills as if working as a professional in the public communication sector.
- Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences in the public communication sector.
- Effectively design online campaigns as if working in the public communication sector.
- Plan, organise and manage, with appropriate supervision, a significant self-directed project.
- Work flexibly, creatively and independently, displaying a high degree of self-direction and initiative.
- Use skills and abilities expected of a professional in the public communication sector.
Your future career
Our Social Media and Political Communication master's is ideal if you want to build a career in advocacy, campaign management, digital engagement, political communication consultancy, journalism, government communication, policy analysis, digital advertising, marketing and public relations, or political research, to name but a few. It is also the perfect foundation for further study toward a PhD in political communication.
Employability is an important part of the curriculum across all of our MA programmes. All students (apart from those taking modules as part of their PhD) will take taught employability sessions which cover finding employment in the communication industries, finding placements, writing CVs and preparing covering letters.
You will also take a Media Landscapes class as part of the dissertation module. In this class visiting speakers working in the media and communications sector will give guest lectures, providing insights into the sector and the roles in which they work. This is also an excellent networking opportunity.
You will have the opportunity to get involved in LSU Media, the Loughborough Students’ Union media centre, which creates a diverse range of original web, video and radio content. The centre is run by students for students and gives those wishing to augment their academic degree the opportunity to develop their vocational skills.
In collaboration with the Academic Language Support Service we have designed a bespoke package of study skills support, which is run through the dissertation module in the first term. It will support you in using and interpreting academic literature, referencing, critical thinking and developing your own writing style.
Our postgraduate communication and media alumni have gone on to enjoy careers within a diverse range of organisations, including:
- ADVENTI Communication
- Bloomberg Businessweek China
- Brightwire News
- China Daily
- Fujian Broadcasting & TV Network Group
- Hakka TV
- Jiangsu Broadcasting Coorporation
- KPMG
- Land Crawford Ltd
- QS Intelligance Unit
- Shanghai Media Group
- Viacom
- Xinhua News Agency
They are employed in a wide variety of roles, such as editor on new media, journalist, marketing coordinator, marketing communication manager, media coordinator, media producer, multi-screen interactive editor, news centre video director, reporter, and writer.
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