Manchester Metropolitan University
MA in International Relations and Global Communications
Manchester, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 21,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
Key Summary
The relationship between politics and communication has never been more dynamic—or more critical—than it is today. Digital media and its various platforms are transforming the terrain of political life. This course invites you to explore these interactions in an interdisciplinary setting, drawing on expertise from politics, international relations, media, and communications.
You'll engage with communications theory, trace the historical development of international relations, and examine the defining issues of contemporary global politics. Alongside this, you'll develop understanding of how emerging technologies are reshaping societies, politics, and individual lives.
The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The course is also available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only).
Features and benefits
- Diverse and dynamic coursework
Engage with a wide range of tasks, from essays and reports to debates, blog posts, and presentations, developing both academic and practical communication skills. - Real world expertise
Learn directly from guest speakers with NGO, political, and activist backgrounds, while building your own portfolio of political communication tools. - Academic excellence
Study in an interdisciplinary environment with leading experts in politics, international relations, communication, journalism, and linguistics, and benefit from access to external workshops, seminars, and talent days. - Public engagement
Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, gaining valuable employability experience and professional confidence. - Global outlook
Join a diverse international student community, building networks and gaining a truly global perspective on contemporary political and communication issues. - Use your voice
Contribute to the Digital Politics blog, writing on topics that interest you while sharpening your communication and publishing skills.
Course information
The MA is available to complete in one year full-time or two years part-time. The course is also available to study on campus (full-time or part-time) or online (part-time only).
Full-time, on campus:
On the full-time campus course, you'll study the core modules, in addition to one option module, as detailed below. After successfully completing all taught modules, you'll work on your dissertation over the summer.
Part-time, on campus or online:
In Year 1 on the part-time course, you'll study The Making of International Relations as a core module in addition to one option module.
In Year 2, you'll study two core units: Issues and Practices in Digital Political Communications and Research Design.
Recent dissertation topics have included:
- Disinformation and Fake News in Myanmar
- US War on Terror in Cinema and Computer Games
- Role of Artificial Intelligence in Counterterrorism
- Digital Diplomacy in Botswana and the UK
- Smart Cities and Citizen Rights in China and the UK
- Analysing Media Influence on Russia's War in Ukraine
- The Rise of Digital Diplomacy in Post-Covid 19 Africa
- Football Sponsorship and Diplomatic Relations
Year 1
MA International Relations and Global Communications is made up of four core modules.
Core modules
- The Making of International Relations
- Issues and Practices in Digital Political Communication
- Research Design
- Dissertation
Option modules
- Digital Living
- EU in Turmoil
- Information and Security
Graduates of this programme are well prepared to progress to doctoral research or to pursue diverse careers across sectors. Potential pathways include roles in government, international organisations, NGOs, policy and advocacy, journalism, media, and globally focused businesses. The programme equips you with the analytical, communication, and research skills to thrive in careers that engage directly with politics, communications, and international affairs.
Direct career paths:
- Communications / Public Affairs Officer (government, NGOs, international bodies)
- Policy Analyst / Researcher in international relations or global policy
- Media or Journalism roles focused on global affairs
- Roles in international organisations, advocacy, or intergovernmental agencies
Transferable roles:
- Corporate Communications or PR
- Digital Marketing / Social Media Strategy
- Consultancy in public policy or strategic communications
- Teaching, academia, or PhD progression
Study
- Full-time 32% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 68% independent study
- Part-time 32% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 68% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination