The Global Media and Politics MA is a fantastic opportunity for you to engage with current debates about the constantly evolving role of media in national and international political life.
Study in a department currently ranked within the world top 75 and 5th in the UK for Communication (Shanghai Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2025).
The course explores different forms of communication in their social, political, and economic contexts, focusing in particular on the relationship between news media, social media, and politics in contemporary societies. It also uncovers the ways in which journalists and politicians attempt to set the political agenda or influence public opinion and also explores the ways in which the audiences, as public and as citizens, are involved in media as consumers and producers.
The programme focuses on theories and debates surrounding:
This course is designed for graduates from relevant fields, such as Politics, International Relations, Communication and Media, Sociology, History, Law, or Journalism. This programme is for you if you want to enhance your career prospects in professional areas like government, media, journalism and public relations, or want to go onto further academic study (PhD).
Departmental support:
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Alongside your two compulsory modules, you will choose two options.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS IN MEDIA & POLITICS (COMM747) | 15 |
| MEDIA AND POLITICS: THEORIES AND CASES A (COMM764) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester 2 consists of one compulsory module and two optional modules. This is followed by the 60-credit dissertation, which will be carried out over the summer/semester 3.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MEDIA AND POLITICS: ECONOMY AND SOCIETY A (COMM762) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (COMM716) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching on the MA Global Media and Politics (MPEM) is delivered through weekly workshops held in person on the Liverpool main campus. These usually last for two to three hours per module and week. Class sizes for Master’s programmes in the Department of Communication and Media tend to be small, but numbers can vary from module to module and from year to year. A typical class in the MA Media and Politics usually includes between seven and 15 students.
The programme is centred on two 30-credit core modules, taught in semester one and semester two, respectively. Also mandatory is a 15-credit module on Research Methods in semester one. Students will select three optional 15-credit modules. We recommend choosing one optional module for semester one and two optional modules for semester two. Students can choose from all postgraduate-level modules offered by the Department of Communication and Media as well as a selection of modules run by the Department of Politics.
You will be assessed mostly by coursework. This will take a number of different forms, including essays, academic posters, group reports, a research proposal, and a master’s dissertation. In addition, students will be assessed by presentations in certain modules. Other assessment formats, such as written or oral exams, may also apply depending on the optional modules selected by the student.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
You will benefit from the expertise and community found within the Department of Communication and Media which is based at 19 Abercromby Square.
Introducing MA Global Media and Politics
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The MA Global Media and Politics will provide you with rigorous academic training in the broad interdisciplinary field of political communication studies with a particular focus on the complex relationships between politics, news media, and social media in national and international political life. The professional skills that you will develop will prepare you for a wide range of potential employment areas.
Given the strong focus on the application of critical reviewing skills, presentation skills, data analysis, theory and data-driven problem solving, teamwork, as well as research design and implementation, the MA is particularly well matched for you if you’re looking to pursue career in social scientific research, professional political communication, news journalism, as well as advocacy and consultancy work.
If you wish to continue your academic studies you will find a supportive and nurturing research environment that prepares you well for doctoral-level research activities. Career pathways that follow this route include employment in higher education (teaching and/or research), or teaching at secondary and further education levels.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We don’t anticipate additional costs to students outside of general study costs.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Politics, International Relations, Communication and Media, Philosophy, Sociology, and Law. On a case-by-case basis, we can also consider degrees in Business, History, English, Criminology, Cultural Studies (including Film and Screen Studies), Anthropology, Journalism, and similar Humanities/Social Science degrees, but only if the degree covered sufficient theoretical, critical, and/or methodological aspects of the respective subject. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 11 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions