Well-crafted communications strategies are central to the positioning of international organizations, national governments, and the diverse range of actors composing civil society. As civil society's importance grows globally, understanding its dynamics is increasingly central for anyone who wishes to intervene on its terrain.

The optional development communications track within the Master of Arts in Global Communications (MAGC) explores how civil society actors use communication to achieve their goals. A cutting edge curriculum offers a combination of practical branding, PR, production, and social media courses complemented by crucial theoretical and analytical courses treating actual cases.

 

Theoretical foundation for broad understanding

This track is designed for both professionals seeking broader academic training and new students seeking a range of specific training and broad understanding. Students study specific issues of global civil society relating to broad categories of freedom and expression, advocacy, governance, and the rule of law. The theoretical part of this degree examines issues of power, political and institutional agency, discourse, and mediated communication. Current trends in governance, non-state and civil society organization will be studied.

 

Hands-on training for practical application

In addition to equipping students with new or expanded communications skills, the hands-on practical courses and modules enable students to think critically, on the basis of case studies, about interaction between the State, private business, and the third sector. Themes studied include both internal and external communication in organizations.

Practica have been run outside France in Morocco and India. Students will gain insight into communication between NGO members, within the NGO world and civil society, between NGOs, donors and governments, and between NGOs and the corporate world.

 

Structure of the specialized track

The program requirements for the MA in Global Communications, Development Communications Track are as follows:

  • Four mandatory core courses (16 credits)
  • Four track electives (16 credits)
  • Two open electives (8 credits)
  • Internship or Thesis (8 credits)

 

Coursework and Research Masters

The MA in in Global Communications, Development Communications Track is a 48 credit Coursework and Research Masters that can be completed in one calendar year. The length of the internship or thesis may vary, however—many students choose to take additional time for these components. Coursework and Research Masters at AUP open up international horizons and enable career-transition through an extensive range of classes blending theory and practice. Students develop precision in their problem-solving skills through challenging hands-on modules and the choice of an internship or a personalized research project.

 

Join us

If you’re interested in learning how civil society actors use communications in today’s changing world—and are interested in becoming an active actor in that landscape, too—please don’t hesitate to explore our courses and requirements and meet our accomplished faculty.