MSc Psychology of Public Communication at London School of Economics and Political Science

Explore the psychology of public communication, from political rhetoric and misinformation to health campaigns, marketing and public relations. The MSc Psychology of Public Communication examines how communication works, why it sometimes fails, and what we can do about it. Based in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, the programme treats communication as a social and cognitive process: how people reason and argue, how they tell and interpret stories, how meaning is negotiated in conversation, and how messages persuade, mislead, or fall flat can all be better understood using the theories and tools of psychological and behavioural sciences.

Department: Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science  |  Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time  |  Study mode: full-time/part-time  |  Intake: 27 September 2027  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The programme centres on three interlinked components: theory, methods and application. During your studies, you'll build working knowledge of the major theories of communication, from classical rhetoric and the psychology of persuasion through to argumentation, the public sphere, dialogue, conversation analysis, narrative, and pragmatics. Compulsory and core courses include Psychological Approaches to Communication, Dissertation.

Career pathways

This programme has a special relationship with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the United Kingdom accreditation body for Communication Professionals. Students who successfully complete the MSc Psychology of Public Communication will be uniquely entitled for a fast route through the professional accreditation process.

Official programme page