Media, Campaigning and Social Change PG Diploma

University of Westminster, London

This innovative post graduate qualification aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to develop and analyse campaigns and activism for progressive social change, with a focus on the role of communications and the media.

This is the only postgraduate programme of its kind and has a flexible delivery to suit both full-time and part-time students. Our alumni work in not-for-profit organisations around the world.

Our students learn how to design a campaign, as well as broader theories around storytelling, theories of change, power and values that underpin this practice.

The course builds on our close, long-standing connections with leading campaigners and communicators in London's vibrant social change sector. An advisory panel, with representatives from Friends of the Earth, Save the Children, Advocacy Hub, Tearfund, FairSay and The National Council of Voluntary Organisations, help us to teach you the skill sets in demand and to deliver an exciting learning experience, for example through live briefs and guest speakers. A limited number of work placements or internships are usually available.

The course is aimed at those with some experience or interest in social change, the media, and communications or campaigns within not-for-profit organisations. During the course you will improve your practical skills, develop a deep understanding of the theories and frameworks that underpin and shape campaign communications, and enjoy the space to reflect critically on current and past practice. It is designed to help you start, or progress, a career in charity, pressure group or public sector campaign communications. It may also be of interest to those working in corporate social responsibility. Our alumni work in a range of senior campaign and communications roles in charities, NGOs, agencies, think tanks and government departments.

The course team has experience both in developing social change campaigns and in academic research into the connections between media, campaigning and social change. The course is jointly led by Dr Anastasia Kavada and Michaela O’Brien, with additional teaching by practitioners and members of our internationally renowned Communication and Media Research Institute. Core modules are taught primarily at our campuses in the West End of London, while optional modules may also be taught at the Harrow campus.