Free CPD-accredited course strengthens critical thinking and democratic resilience
Alison has launched a new CPD-accredited course: Political Propaganda and Techniques of Influence. This free online course examines how propaganda operates in political contexts, the psychological and rhetorical techniques used to influence public opinion, and the impact of mass persuasion on democratic societies. As democracies worldwide face growing challenges from misinformation, polarisation, and manipulation of public discourse, the course equips learners with essential critical thinking skills to recognise, analyse, and resist undue influence.
The course explores the historical and modern use of political propaganda, including messaging strategies, emotional appeals, media framing, and the role of ideology and power. Learners gain a deeper understanding of how narratives are constructed to shape beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour, enabling them to engage more thoughtfully with political information and participate more responsibly in civic life.
Protecting Democracy Through Education and Critical Thinking
This course is relevant for a broad audience, including students, educators, journalists, civil servants, activists, and voters seeking to better understand the forces that shape political communication. By strengthening analytical skills and media awareness, the course supports informed decision-making and helps safeguard democratic processes against manipulation and erosion of trust.
Learners can access the course through any desktop browser or by using the Alison App, available on Android and iOS. Flexible study options and a free digital certificate are included.
Why Understanding Political Propaganda Matters Today
Mike Feerick, CEO of Alison, stated: "A healthy democracy depends on an informed and critically engaged public. By understanding how propaganda and influence techniques work, individuals are better equipped to question what they see and hear, resist manipulation, and uphold democratic values. This course empowers learners to think independently in an increasingly complex political information environment."
This launch further expands Alison’s portfolio of civic education, media literacy, and critical thinking courses, reinforcing its commitment to making high-quality education freely accessible and supporting informed participation in society.
To learn more or enrol in the course, visit: https://alison.com/course/political-propaganda-and-techniques-of-influence
Media contact
For further information, contact the media team at [email protected].
About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 45 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of July 23, 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively — at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 5,500 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS), enabling unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workforce Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing, English Language Proficiency, as well as Numeracy, Verbal and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App.
In 2025, Alison is launching a Global Recruitment Service to connect employers directly with skilled, motivated learners. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with full Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
