Politics and the Media

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually-stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are very international with students from all around the globe learning together.

Each module is 150 study hours comprising intensive teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

This course aims to offer students a comprehensive theoretical and practical study of political communications. Facilitating understanding of the key ideas behind theories of propaganda and influence, and how political leaders have utilized these ideas in their campaigns. Offering a critical understanding of strategic communications strategies in various contemporary and historic conflicts and an applied insight into the influence of social media on political communications and information campaigns. Providing students an insight into the manner of how communications strategies can impact security, domestically and internationally, and its link to issues of deception, conspiracy, and subversion. To facilitate critical engagement in the methodological questions associated with the study of propaganda and persuasion. Offering a reflexive understanding of the dynamics of the military-media relationship in times of war, as well as an ability to analyse the impact of persuasive communication techniques on wider domestic and international political decision-making and the ways in which the political establishment strives to control media output.  

Upon completion of the course students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key theories of political communication and propaganda. They will have acquired the ability to critically engage with and evaluate case studies of communication and propaganda and demonstrate an ability to engage critically with the scholarly debates over the nature, role, and impact of various political campaigns. To have developed their analytical and critical skills that are transferable to broader political and security related courses as well as developing more confidence and competence in their academic writing and presentation skills. Students will have gained team-working and cooperation skill from completing group-based tasks.

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

You should ensure that you are eligible to apply before you submit your application by checking our academic and English language entry criteria.

Essay (100%)

Taught on-campus 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday