When deciding where to pursue my postgraduate degree, the International Public and Political Communication MA at the University of Sheffield seemed like a great combination of the things that matter to me

Student Oleksandra Makar
Oleksandra Makar
Current student
MA International Public and Political Communication
International Public and Political Communication student, Oleksandra, has found the breadth and depth of the course both engaging and insightful, setting her up well for her next steps in her career.
Student Oleksandra Makar
My undergraduate degree was in International Communication at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. During my studies, I also took part in the Erasmus+ exchange programme and studied International Relations for two semesters at University of Castilla–La Mancha. My undergraduate programme and exchange experience sparked a genuine interest in intercultural communication and its connections with world history, psychology, and, of course, politics.

The IPPC programme felt like a natural continuation of my undergraduate studies

My goal was to deepen my knowledge and develop more specialised and in-depth expertise in political communication. I was also interested in exploring political communication through a different academic lens and experiencing how the field is approached in another educational and cultural context. When deciding where to pursue my postgraduate degree, University of Sheffield seemed like a great combination of the things that matter to me. First of all, the programme itself and its modules, the rankings and the university’s reputation, the expertise of the academic staff, and also the international and intercultural community, the supportive academic environment, and also the fact that Sheffield is a beautiful city to live in!

The modules have been useful in different ways

It is genuinely difficult to say what I have enjoyed most about my course so far, because there's so much! If I had to name three modules, I would probably say Visual Political Communication, Media, Society and International Crises, and Communicating with the Media, although even limiting it to three feels unfair, because each module brought something important to my understanding of the field. I would separately highlight the academic support. It is very noticeable at every level. The lecturers are genuinely invested in students’ progress, and their feedback really helps you see how your work can improve.

I appreciate that this programme is broad and versatile, and I believe the knowledge and skills I have gained here will be valuable across different fields

I have significantly developed my critical thinking skills and an understanding of how to build and defend my arguments in an academically sound way. I have learned to engage more deeply with academic literature, structure my ideas more clearly, and support my analysis with solid evidence. An understanding of how communication works will be useful to me regardless of the career path I choose in the future, whether it be political communication, corporate communication, or public relations.

Sheffield is a wonderful city, and it has truly become a second home for me

There are plenty of opportunities in the city for leisure activities to suit any interest. I regularly take part in different sports activities and often join language and culture exchange events organised by the Students’ Union. I am involved in the Ukrainian Society and have taken part in their conference as well as the trips they organised.  I also really enjoy walking around the city, exploring its architecture and parks, and spending time in the Peak District. 

International Public and Political Communication MA

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2026 start
  • 1 year Full-time

Become an expert in media relations, political marketing and persuasive communication. You'll take part in debates on mis and disinformation, learn how organisations shape their messages to persuade, inform or mislead, and put your knowledge to the test by designing a campaign of your own.

  • Funding available

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