MSc Social and Public Communication

Communication is at the heart of many of today’s social issues and challenges – from how we interact on social media to how governments communicate public health messages. To tackle these issues, we need to understand how communication works and why it sometimes fails.

This programme, taught at our campus in London, covers the social and psychological aspects of communication, blending theoretical insights with real-world applications. We examine communication as a performative act, explore how communication shapes social representation, and discover how turn-taking and dialogue influence outcomes.

Through theory, intervention testing and practical analysis, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the diverse roles of communication.

You’ll gain the skills and expertise to tackle communication challenges and design interventions in a range of settings. Our students employ various techniques in their research, from field studies to in-depth interviews, machine learning and computational approaches to communication. We have close links with the LSE Behavioural Lab – so students can use facilities for eye tracking, virtual and augmented reality, experimental design, focus groups and other research.

Our graduates have gone on to work in diverse fields, such as PR, marketing, government and NGOs.

The programme is recognised by the professional certification of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in the UK.

• D Hook, B Franks & Martin W. Bauer The Social Psychology of Communication (Palgrave, 2011)

The Social Psychology of Communication is the first comprehensive introduction to social psychological perspectives on communication. This accessible guide provides an overview of key theoretical approaches from a variety of different perspectives (including cognitive, developmental and evolutionary psychology) as well as practical guidance on how to implement communication interventions in differing contexts such as health, science, religion and politics.

You'll take three compulsory courses, will complete a dissertation of 10,000 words, and will choose courses to the value of one unit from a range of options including research methods.

Watch a video for the Social Psychology of Communication course

Browse examples of previous PBS dissertations

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science is a growing community of researchers, academics and students who explore the human mind and behaviour in a societal context.

From our early beginnings as a group of researchers studying psychology and society 50 years ago, the department is now home to an interdisciplinary faculty team conducting wide-ranging research.

Today, our research spans:

• social psychology
• behavioural economics
• political psychology
• organisational culture
• consumer behaviour
• public engagement
• community development
• global health, happiness and well-being
• planetary health.

Our research is connected with what is happening in the world today. The outputs impact policy, business and society at large. This focus on real-world issues sets our department, and LSE, apart from other institutions and our students inform and inspire the direction of our work.

We offer various taught programmes and research opportunities, ranging from our BSc in Psychological and Behavioural Science to doctoral training – all with an emphasis on practical, policy-related issues.

By maintaining this focus on real-world issues and societal impact, our department leads the way with innovative research in the field, the lab and everywhere in between.

So, whether you want to study, research or teach, you’ll find a supportive and inspirational community where you can contribute to global debates and change.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose
• two academic references
• CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Contact us

Contact Postgraduate Programme Manager Louise Millar at pbs.msc@lse.ac.uk.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others.

You'll be summatively assessed according to various elements of teaching including a required dissertation. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide. You'll be allocated a dissertation supervisor who will provide formative feedback on the following coursework:

1. A Dissertation Plan
2. A Dissertation Progress Report and Dissertation.

This programme has a special relationship with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the United Kingdom accreditation body for Communication Professionals. Students who successfully complete the MSc Social and Public Communication will be uniquely entitled for a fast route through the professional accreditation process. No other MSc programme in or outside LSE is offered this professional recognition.

Our students go on to develop exciting careers in the field of professional communication such as journalism, publishing, advertising, public relations, education and outreach, and in international organisations. Some have founded their own PR companies. Others, inspired by the theories and research they have learned during their MSc, decide to pursue a PhD.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.