Richmond American University London
MA Communication for Social Change
London, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Jun 2024
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2024
TUITION FEES
GBP 15,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU, international & United States | UK full time: £9,450
Introduction
This program is designed to provide you with professional skills and a critical understanding of how communication and media can drive positive social change.
From climate change to global conflict resolution, poverty to health crises, communication can play a pivotal role in addressing various global challenges today by fostering awareness and collaboration, driving action for social change.
This dynamic, interdisciplinary MA combines public relations, international relations, and media studies through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications such as digital media skills, harnessing the power of communication strategies to drive positive societal transformations and advocate for change.
Graduates from the program will be equipped to pursue a wide variety of careers in political campaigning, media and journalism, public relations, government, and public policy, charities, and non-governmental organizations.
About the MA Communication for Social Change program
This MA Communication for Social Change degree provides a combination of practical and theoretical skills in using and understanding communication for the purpose of social change. Its central tenet is that communication shapes society.
This degree draws from public relations, teaching the fundamentals of persuasion, including politically oriented communication strategies based on considered rationales and measurable outcomes. From international relations, it offers an in-depth understanding of the relationship between media, political institutions, and agents of change.
Through a blend of coursework, case studies, and real-world experiences, students gain a comprehensive understanding of:
- The intersection of politics, media, and communication
- Strategies for effective advocacy and social change
- Ethical considerations in communication
- Analytical skills to decipher complex global challenges
- Digital media tools and their role in shaping public discourse
- Crafting compelling narratives for impactful communication
The intellectual and practical skills gained in this program will allow graduates to work successfully in a variety of communication and research positions, including non-governmental organizations, think tanks, charities, or social movements.
You’ll have a competitive advantage, able to study one program and gain two degrees. An MA at Richmond grants you both a US and UK master's, paving the way for careers on both sides of the Atlantic and internationally.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
A range of scholarships are available for both undergraduate and master's students, see our website for details.
Curriculum
What You Will Study
The structure of the MA gives you the flexibility to design your own degree in line with your personal and career interests. Taught modules are completed in the first two semesters of the degree. In your third semester you will complete your research dissertation and, should you choose to do one, also your internship.
Optional electives include highly topical subjects such as human rights, sustainable development, and international conflict alongside advertising and PR.
Our expert academics are joined by guest speakers, who are leading figures in media, communications, social change, and international relations, sharing their knowledge and experience with our MA students, ensuring you'll be aware of emerging industry trends.
Fall Semester
- Public Relations Practice
- Communication, Society and Change or
- Media, Digital Diplomacy & International Organisation
- Research Methods or Research Methods
Or One Elective
- Advertising and PR in the Marketing Communication Mix
- Sustainable Development and Global Political Economy
- Human Rights and Global Politics
- International Conflict, War, and Peace
Spring Semester
- Professional Digital Media Skills
- Communication, Society and Change or
- Media, Digital Diplomacy & International Organisation
- Research Methods or Research Methods
Or One Elective
- Advertising and PR in the Marketing Communication Mix
- Sustainable Development and Global Political Economy
- Human Rights and Global Politics
- International Conflict, War, and Peace
- Summer Semester
Plus either
- Internship
- Professional Research Project or
- Extended Professional Research Project
In terms of following up with the assessment of student learning and consistent with US liberal arts traditions, our classes rely on the system of continuous assessment on a course-by-course basis and throughout any given semester. This approach often involves the use of term papers, portfolios of work, quizzes, mid-semester, and final exams as well as student presentations and general class discussions. Not every component applies to every course, but most do relate to many of the classes that are offered. Many of our courses involve a site visit or require attendance at a public lecture as well.
Program Outcome
- This program will provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand how communication, media, and digital platforms can empower organizations and communities and bring about social change, creating opportunities for a diverse range of careers
- Experienced teaching – our team has extensive experience in the media, politics, international relations, and in developing social change campaigns
- Students can customize their learning experience by selecting elective courses which are aligned with their interests and career goals
- Learn from a wide range of highly experienced industry professionals (with up to 20 guest speakers over the duration of the program), providing invaluable insights and opportunities for mentoring and support
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Students who have graduated from our master's programmes in communications and the social sciences have gone on to work and study in the following locations:
BP, Coca-Cola Servicios de Colombia, Laura Ashley Foundation, Ogilvy & Mather, Mindshare, Mischief PR, Saatchi & Saatchi, United Nations and the WPP Group.
Further Education
London Business School, London School of Economics, CIM, IDM Parsons School of Design – New York, Central St Martins -UAL.
Program Leaders
Student Testimonials
Program delivery
- 12 or 18 Months (Full-time)
- 2 Years (Part-time)