Course Overview
The synthetic media threat landscape divides into six documented categories: grey zone warfare, espionage and surveillance, military deception, domestic political manipulation, non-consensual intimate media, and financial crime. State-affiliated influence operations have targeted elections in Europe, Taiwan, and across Asia, manipulating voter behaviour and public trust through coordinated synthetic media campaigns that spread faster than any fact-checking system can respond. Criminal justice is also affected: video and audio evidence once considered reliable is now potentially fabricated.
Over two mentor-led days, participants examine how state-sponsored synthetic media campaigns operate and scale, apply media provenance verification tools and C2PA standards to authenticate digital content, design rapid-response debunking workflows for use before narratives embed in public discourse, and build a synthetic media monitoring capability for their institution or organisation.
The programme concludes with a timed counter-disinformation capstone: monitor a simulated synthetic media campaign, identify it using OSINT tools, verify its origins forensically, and design a counter-narrative response within a defined window. This course is aligned with C2PA content provenance standards, NCSC disinformation guidance, and UK government strategic communications best practice for elections and public communications.
Hands-On Learning
Media forensics and provenance verification tool practicals, deepfake detection on campaign content, OSINT social media monitoring exercises, and a timed synthetic media campaign detection and counter-narrative capstone.
Mentor-Led Sessions
Practitioner-led analysis of state-affiliated influence operations targeting European elections, the Ukrainian athletes deepfake incident, and media forensics methodology with live commentary on 2025-2026 campaign examples.
Career-Ready Skills
State-sponsored synthetic media campaign identification, media provenance verification using C2PA, rapid-response counter-disinformation workflow design, OSINT campaign monitoring, and election integrity threat awareness.
Learning Outcomes
Identify state-sponsored synthetic media campaigns targeting elections and public institutions using OSINT monitoring.
Apply media provenance verification tools and C2PA standards to authenticate digital content authenticity.
Design rapid-response workflows for debunking synthetic disinformation before narratives embed in public discourse.
Advise government, electoral, and institutional communications on synthetic media risk and response options.
Build and operate a synthetic media monitoring capability appropriate to your institution's threat exposure.
Navigate the legal and criminal justice implications of synthetic media in election and institutional contexts.
Design a counter-narrative exercise to test institutional synthetic media resilience before a real campaign occurs.
Prerequisites
Professional experience in government communications, election administration, media organisations, journalism, or national security communications.
Basic familiarity with social media platforms and digital communications in a professional or public-facing context.
No prior knowledge of synthetic media technology or forensic analysis methodology is required.
Detailed Syllabus
Step-by-step learning journey from basics to professional practice
Topics Covered
- Pre-reading: C2PA content provenance standard overview and NCSC disinformation guidance for public institutions
- Introduction to media forensics tools: deepfake detection platforms and OSINT verification tools
- Accessing the simulated synthetic media campaign dataset and forensic analysis lab environment
- Course objectives, participant role mapping, and synthetic media threat exposure self-assessment
Skills You'll Gain
Master these in-demand skills through hands-on practice
Career Progression
A clear view of the roles this programme supports, what typically comes next, and where learners progress over time
Ways to Learn
Choose the learning format that works best for you and your team
Live Online
Instructor-Led Training
Join live instructor-led sessions from anywhere. Interactive, engaging, and flexible.
- Live instructor interaction (real-time)
- Trainer-led walkthroughs and real examples
- Guided resources and session notes provided
- Structured Q&A and practical discussion
Price per person
Group enrolments and early planning options available.
All prices are exclusive of VAT where applicable. Group enrolments and custom packages available on request.
Prefer a Faster, Personalised Route into IT?
Not everyone learns best in a group. If you want focused guidance, faster clarity, and confidence you can use on the job, our 1-to-1 Fast-Track Training gives you private, mentor-led support tailored to your experience and goals.
"Many learners choose 1-to-1 when they want understanding, not memorisation."
Exam & Certification Information
Everything you need to know about the certification exams
Important Information
You will receive an Xcademia certificate of completion based on participation and successful completion of labs and scenario simulations.
Credential
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of Synthetic Media, Propaganda and Election Integrity Defence, learners receive an Xcademia Certificate of Completion. This standalone certificate is issued directly by Xcademia and is aligned with globally recognised frameworks and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this course
Government communications teams, election administrators, media organisations, journalism teams, and national security communications staff who need to understand and counter state-sponsored synthetic media and propaganda campaigns.
Ready to Start Your Learning Journey?
Take the next step in your professional development