MSc Political Communication and Public Affairs at Queen Margaret University

An MSc for people working in communication or PR, or moving into the field, leading to careers in public affairs, policy communication, campaigning or advocacy. It prepares specialists in the strategic communication function organisations use to manage their relationship with politics and policy making. It can be studied as an MSc (180 credits), PgDip (120 credits) or PgCert.

Faculty: School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management  |  Department: Media, Communications and Public Relations  |  Duration: 1 year full-time (18 months with a January start) or 2-7 years part-time  |  Intake: September 2027; January 2028  |  Study mode: full-time / part-time  |  Location: Musselburgh (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Contemporary Issues in Political Communication, Public Affairs, Research Methods, Industry-based Learning and Professional Development (with a placement or 80 hours of experiential learning), Strategic Communication and Digital Practice, Reputation, Issues and Crisis Management, Digital Communications and Non-fiction Film Production. The MSc includes a 60-credit dissertation.

Career pathways

Roles in public affairs, policy communication, campaigning and advocacy.

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