Communications, Media and Public Policy

This module teaches a mix of practical tools and approaches that can be employed in order to become a more effective policy communicator. It also provides a theoretical and empirical exploration of the changing power dynamics of the media and communications industry in the context of the so-called post truth era.

We will examine how policymakers successfully navigate the twenty-first century influence industry and explains how the influence industry works, how it affects and can also distort policy. We will also examine the issue of ‘post truth’ politics and its impact on policymaking, adopting both a philosophical lens and a more practical one on how policymakers can operate in this new dynamic environment.

Week 1: Effective communications

This week identifies several tools that can improve both your effectiveness as a communicator, as well as how policy itself is talked about and communicated. This includes tools to ask the right question and then structure your answers in an easy to understand way.

Week 2: Navigating the 21st century influence industry

We will examine how you can successfully navigate the twenty-first century influence industry. We will also investigate how the influence industry works and how it can affect and distort policy.

Week 3: Effective communication in a post-truth age

In the final week we will explore the issue of “post truth” politics and its impact on policymaking, taking both a philosophical lens and a more practical one on how policymakers can operate in this new dynamic environment

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Critically apply several techniques to improve the effectiveness of communicating policy ideas. Understand the ecosystem of lobbying and influence on the policymaking process, including the role of national media.
• Be able to critically assess the methods and approach of lobbyists and other policy influencers on policymaking.
• Analyse effective responses to communicating policy in a post-truth era.

This short course is for mid-career professionals. Standard entry requirements are a 2:1 degree plus 3 years of relevant work experience. Applicants without a 2:1 or higher degree are welcome to apply and typically require 5+ years of relevant work experience.

One written assignment, plus participation in webinars and discussion forums.

Our courses offer high levels of interaction with regular points of assessment and feedback. Each four week module is worth five Master's level academic credits and includes three webinars with a King's lecturer and peer group of global professionals.

Format: Fully online, plus 3 x 1-hour weekly webinars, plus one optional induction webinar in the week before the start of teaching and an optional assessment webinar in Week 4.

This course has been designed specifically for an online audience. It uses a range of interactive activities to support learning including discussion forums, online readings, interactive lectures videos and online tutorials.

Tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Module Creators

Professor Jonathan Grant, Professor of Public Policy, King’s College London. Jonathan is the Vice-President/Vice-Principal (Service) at King’s College London. He is Professor of Public Policy in the Policy Institute at King’s. Jonathan was Director of the Policy Institute between February 2014 and 2017.

Dr Martin Moore Senior Lecturer in Political Communication Education. Martin is director of the Centre for the Study of Media, Communication and Power,and a Senior Research Fellow in the Policy Institute at King’s College London. He was previously founding director of the Media Standards Trust (2006-2015) where he directed the Election Unspun project and wrote extensively on the news media and public policy.

Please note that this is only indicative information. Lecturers and course content are subject to change. Please contact us directly for the most recent information.