Public Affairs & Political Communication - Conversion Course - Grangegorman

Course Title: Master of Arts in Public Affairs and Political Communications
What is... Public Affairs and Political Communication?
Public affairs and political communication is a specialisation within strategic communication, focussing on aspects of politics from managing election and referendum campaigns, to party branding strategies, to working for NGOs, charities and not for profit organisations on advocacy and issues-led campaigns. It’s about creating the environment where political dialogue can be fostered, and engagement between citizens and their elected representatives turns ideas to policy and action.

Our MAPAPC graduates understand not only what has to be communicated, but why – and the impact their communications have on the world around us. They operate at the intersection of political strategy, public policy and civic society using a range of tools and techniques to communicate purposefully and responsibly.

At the heart of the course is an internship in the Oireactas under the guidance of a member of the national parliament. Taking place two days a week throughout semesters one and two, students gain unparalleled experience and a head start to their careers in the political sphere.

The MAPAPC is recognised by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (UK) and the Public Relations Society of America, giving our graduates additional recognition in industry.

The course is structured around core concepts, practice-led modules and research leading to a dissertation on a topic of the student’s choosing on which they work with an experienced academic supervisor.

Core concepts
• Public Affairs Theory & Practice 1 and 2
• Political Structures
• Political Marketing
• Corporate Environment and Strategy
• Ethics and Political Process

Practice-led modules
• Internship
• Digital Public Affairs
• TV Production and Presentation
• Public Affairs Writing

Research
• Research Methods
• Dissertation

Minimum Entry Requirements?
Applications are welcome from holders of an honours bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.2, or equivalent, in any discipline. Applicants in the final year of their degree are also welcome.

The course welcomes applications from mature and other applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree and for whom recognition of prior learning, experience and career history will be taken into consideration.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language and who have not undertaken their undergraduate degree through English, should have a minimum IELTS (Academic) average score of 7.5 with no component below 6.0.

Previous experience of public affairs, politics or related work is not necessary, though we’re always pleased to talk with applicants about it.

Qualified candidates will be called for interviews which take place monthly from January to June.

Applications for courses commencing in September 2024 will open in November 2023.

Assessment is undertaken through examinations at the end of each semester in January and May, through project work and class presentations and by means of continual assessment.
The submission of an academic dissertation of between ten and twenty thousand words at the completion of the course in September accounts for thirty per cent of the marks associated with the course.

1 year
Mode of Study: Full Time
Method of Delivery: On-Campus

Schedule
Lectures take place on Mondays and Thursdays in East Quad, City Campus. The internship with a member of the Oireachtas takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in semester one and two.

Commencement Date: September 2024

What are my career opportunities?
MAPAPC graduates are highly in demand for their skills, attributes and, having completed an internship under the guidance of a member of the Oireachtas, their understanding of politics from the front line.

They have found employment in virtually every major public affairs consultancy in Ireland, in in-house departments of state and public bodies, political parties, non-governmental organisations, not for profit organisations, and commercial enterprises. Approximately 30 remain in Leinster House as advisers to current members.

A great many more are recognised leaders in specialised fields in the industry – lobbying, electoral strategy, policy formulation, campaign management – not only in Ireland but in EU-related affairs and further afield. Still others have been elected to public office at local and national level.