Postgraduate taught 

Political Communication MSc

Politics & Communication (Glasgow-Radboud)

Politics & Communication (Glasgow-Radboud)

The MSc in Political Communication (in Glasgow, Scotland, in year 1) and the Master’s in Political Science (Comparative Politics) (in Nijmegen, Netherlands, in year 2) is a dual Master’s degree programme. in Politics and Communication. delivered jointly by the University of Glasgow and Radboud University. This exciting programme will equip you with an advanced understanding of contemporary political issues, along with the skills needed to work and conduct research in political communication.

Why this programme

You will receive an MSc in Political Communication from the University of Glasgow and a Master’s degree in Political Science with a specialisation in Comparative Politics from Radboud University

  • This programme is flexible, incorporating opportunities to study a wide range of issues in comparative politics, international relations and communication.
  • The specialisation in Political Science at Radboud University will enhance your knowledge of political systems, institutions and processes in different parts of the world.
  • The MSc in Political Communication at the University of Glasgow will encourage you to analyse how digital media and communication are affecting politics and society, domestically and internationally.
  • The dual degree will allow you to gain extensive knowledge of politics and communication, with opportunities to focus on areas that particularly interest you.
  • You will be provided with the training necessary to conduct original research and data analysis using qualitative or quantitative methods, which are skills valued by many employers, and good preparation for progression to a doctoral programme.

This dual degree is a two-year programme, with your first year spent studying at the University of Glasgow and the second year at Radboud University. The programme includes courses on the fundamentals of political communication, comparative politics and research methods, alongside optional courses on a wide range of related topics.

This programme consists of a total of 120 EC credits. The dissertation is joint and will be coordinated by both universities.

Programme structure

Year one - Glasgow

Core courses

  • Media and Democracy
  • Political Institutions and Communication
  • Research Design or Qualitative methods in the Social Sciences or Quantitative Data Analysis

NOTE it may be necessary for a student to take both research training courses – depending on previous knowledge/experience

Optional courses

  • Electives to be selected from a different list each year
  • Typical courses offered include Internet and Civil Society, Comparative Public Opinion, Psychology of Political Communication and Media and Conflict Transformation in Divided Societies.

Year two - Radboud

You will take three core courses and three optional courses and complete an MSc dissertation.

Core courses

  • Political Mobilisation in Contemporary Societies: Structure, Identity and Choice
  • Sociology, Philosophy and Ethics of Research
  • Challenges to European Representative Democracy
  • Advanced Research Methods
  • Elective course / Internship
  • The Politics of Reform
  • Deliberative Democracy

How to apply

The application procedure for the dual degree programme starts after you are admitted to the Political Communication programme at the University of Glasgow.

The first step is to apply to the programme at Glasgow, full details are explained on the programme page:

Please contact the Admissions Team if you have any questions regarding the application process.

There are excellent resources at the University of Glasgow with all the relevant links including information on how to apply, scholarships, events, accommodation, information for international students, etc.

When the time comes for you to apply for year 2 at Radboud: full details are explained on the Radboud programme page:

The School of Social & Political Sciences

The University of Glasgow was established in 1451 and is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. We are proud of our diverse University community, and welcome staff and students from 140 different international countries.

The School of Social and Political Sciences is home to world-leading researchers who address the key social and political challenges of our time. We are part of the Russell Group, meaning our teaching approach is research-led and mixes theory with practice. We believe that this truly enriches the learning experience of our students.

Students in the School of Social and Political Sciences can participate in a wide range of extracurricular events and activities that take place throughout the academic year, including regular guest lectures by prominent public figures and employability support sessions. Information about some past events is available at the John Smith Centre.