Strategic Communications MA

Program Overview

The Master's Programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London provides a comprehensive understanding of strategic communication in international politics. Students explore key themes, engage in practical exercises, and complete a dissertation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Master's Programme in Strategic Communications

The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Strategic Communication (StratCom) in contemporary international politics, exploring the complex and evolving meaning of this term. Students are equipped to analyze and respond effectively to real-world challenges in this dynamic field.

Outline:

Course Content:

• The course is structured around a series of concrete scenarios reflecting real-world situations that strategic communicators face.
• Students will engage in theoretical discussions, critical analyses, and practical exercises.
• Key themes covered include:
• Origins of Strategic Communication
• Comparisons between StratCom and related fields like political marketing, commercial marketing, branding, and propaganda
• Great-power relations and communication strategies in projecting national interests
• Communication in environmentalism and social movements
• Future possibilities of insurgency and revolution
• Big Data and micro-targeting in modern communications
• Image and visual culture as tools of communication
• Influence of emotions in language and communication

Program Structure:

• The course consists of three required modules and a selection of optional modules.

Modules:

• Required modules:
• Strategic Communication: Theory and Concepts (30 credits)
• Applied Strategic Communication (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules (may vary):

• Propaganda (15 credits)
• Power-Sharing Agreements in Deeply Divided Societies (15 credits)
• Cyber Security: Privacy, Ethics, and Human Rights (15 credits)
• The United States and China (15 credits)
• The War on Terror: Anglo-American Foreign and Security Policy Since 9/11 (30 credits)
• Gender in International Politics and Security (15 credits)
• Comparative Civil Wars (30 credits)
• Negotiation, Mediation, and Dialogue (30 credits)
• Russia and the World (30 credits)

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Individual study
• Self-directed learning activities

Structure of Workload:

• Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
• Students should expect the equivalent workload of:
• 260 hours per 30-credit module
• 588 hours for the 60-credit dissertation module
• Study time and assessment methods may change.

Assessment:

Dissertation Assessment:

• Assessed solely on the 12,000-word dissertation (100%).

Other Assessments:

• Assessment methods vary by module but may include essays, projects, class participation, and/or exams.

Teaching:

• Innovative and dynamic teaching approaches combine face-to-face sessions with digital learning tools and assessments.
• Faculty comprises experts with recognized experience and research in strategic communication.

Other

• The course can also be taken as a joint program between King's College London and Sciences Po.
• Graduates receive dual master's degrees from both institutions, one from the Paris School of International Affairs and the other from King's College London.

Careers:

Employability:

• Graduates pursue diverse careers as Strategic Communicators in various organizations, including:
• Marketing and Communications companies

UK: Full time: MA: £18,258 per year (2024/25); PG Dip: £12,180 per year (2024/25) / MA: £17,220 per year (2023/24); PG Dip: £11,520 per year (2023/24) Part time: MA: £9,129 per year (2024/25); PG Dip: £6,090 per year (2024/25) / MA: £8,610 per year (2023/24); PG Dip: £5,760 per year (2023/24) International: Full time: MA: £33,258 per year (2024/25); PG Dip: £22,176 per year (2024/25) / MA: £31,080 per year (2023/24); PG Dip: £20,760 per year (2023/24) Part time: MA: £16,629 per year (2024/25); PG Dip: £11,088 per year (2024/25) / MA: £15,540 per year (2023/24); PG Dip: £10,380 per year (2023/24) These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions. Deposit Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment. The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000. If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer. If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.