Communications is a universal degree, which explores the traditional forms of communication such as verbal, physical, visual and written communication but also extends beyond that to cover mass communication and social media. There are different types of communications degrees depending on the degree level.
Overall, Communications focuses on teaching effective communication through social media, web, print, mass media and verbal communication. However, there are two types of Communications degrees that exist. For instance, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in the US is focused on preparing students for careers that are connected to writing, marketing, promotions, journalism and public relations. In contrast, Bachelor of Science in Communications is dedicated to the technology used in the science behind modern communication and prepares students for careers in production or sound engineering.
A Communications degree teaches students about how media and communication influences cultures, societies and people’s identities. It involves a significant amount of critical writing and research and covers different disciplines such as journalism, public relations, entertainment production, marketing, event planning and so many more disciplines, which are somehow connected to exchanging information and conveying messages. There are also different specialization options associated with this degree, including political communication, mass media, journalism, health communication, etc.
It is worth noting that a Communications degree has many intersection points with psychology, sociology, linguistics and in some cases politics.
The main benefit of a Communications degree is its universal nature. It applies to almost any subject or professional setting. For example, some of the top careers in the field of Communications include announcers, art directors, editors, broadcast and sound engineering technicians, reporters, correspondents, broadcast analysts, technical writers, writers and authors, interpreters, translators, etc. Therefore, it keeps students’ career options open and doesn’t require them to have a predetermined career path that they want to follow.
Communications degrees prepare students to make an impact from the start of their careers unlike other degrees, which require further training. This is possible thanks to the multitude of professionally accredited degrees in Communications, which develop students’ abilities based on the established standards in the field. Moreover, there are many Communications courses, which offer work placement opportunities that enable students to gain the required professional skills before they have even started their career.
Another benefit associated with Communications degrees is the fact that they develop students’ written and verbal communication skills significantly.
A major advantage of Communications over other degrees is that in most cases there are no prerequisites required to study Communications.
The duration of a Communications degree varies depending on the country and degree level. For example, Higher Education Institutions in the UK offer 3-year Bachelor’s courses. In some cases, the course may extend to four years if students are given the opportunity to spend a year abroad or in industry between the second and third year through a sandwich course. Bachelor’s degrees in Communications in the US usually take around four years to complete.
Over the duration of a Bachelor’s Communications degree, students are expected to learn and be able to apply the established communications theories by developing the technical skills required to work in a professional setting. In the first year of their studies, students learn predominantly how media and communication influences cultures, societies and people’s identities. Optional modules may introduce them to professional communication, journalism, documentary, film-making, marketing, etc. In addition to the introductory topics, this degree allows students to learn about more complex areas of communications such as interpersonal relations, brand management and linguistics at a later stage. For instance, the second and third years enable students to get a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts related to media and culture and develop practical skills in research and communications. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to take optional modules and pursue their interests in different areas related to Communications such as gender, race, youth, culture, digital media, political communication, public relations, etc.
The most common duration of a Master’s degree in Communications is between 1 and 2 years depending on the mode of study (full-time or part-time) and country.
PhD and MPhil degrees in Communications require students to dedicate anywhere between 3 and 6 years to their studies depending on the mode and country of study.
American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is located in a small town Blagoevgrad. I think that its location is amazing as the town is quite and warm, perfect for studying. My main major is Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) and I would say that it is built by amazing professors who know what they are doing. They are great mentor who help you to achieve your goals.
View moreAs a graduate of the Journalism and Mass Communication, and Psychology programs, I found there were some incredibly qualified professors, whose teaching skills compensated for some of the other not-so-great professors. The discrepancy in teaching quality was often quite obvious but it is mostly possible to establish an opinion on professors within the first and second year, and after, structure your program in ways, which would allow you to take classes with your preferred instructors. Overall, I would say, depending on the professors, there are some very useful classes, and some which do not provide much valuable knowledge. I think AUBG really shines in the student experience and the community, which is created in the university. I find it to be a great place to network and build your mindset towards a more global environment, which prepares you to deal with different types of people and cultures later in life.
View moreThe university gave me the needed push in the direction of marketing and human relations that I needed to start my career. The program I was following kickstarted my career by encouraging extraculrricular activities and connections with companies offering internships. The material base and technological advancements provided in most classrooms are maybe the best among universities in Bulgaria. During the pandemic, there was flexibility offered by most of my professors that I could rely on. Overall I am satisfied with the time I spent on my Bachelor’s degree.
View moreStudents, professors, and staff members are the people to make AUBG such a wonderful place to study. From my very first semester, the energy they all have captured me. They are all very polite, helpful, and reliable. You can always ask for advice, attend professors’ office hours for additional consultation or ask an older student for a helping hand. The professors and staff are all professionals and have expertise in their fields which helps students. Lastly, AUBG tries to engage its students and create a community life second to none. It organizes different events, workshops, and celebrates important holidays to build international approval and understanding, knowledge and experience, memories and spirits.
View moreIt is a great community with many opportunities. Everybody here makes it possible for you to succeed in life. There are so many people around you open to communicating and working with you. I very much like how supporting and helping is everybody.
View moreThe best thing about AUBG is the community. Being able to build connections with people from all around the world will prove valuable in the future. The campus creates a friendly environment, offering many opportunities. The professors prove to be helpful and strive for the success of their students.
View moreThe American University in Bulgaria is a place which gathers all the ambitious and inspiring people together. It gives the opportunity to discover new horizons, to connect with amazing people and to develop your skills and potential.
In fact, here you can make your dreams come true. The atmosphere, the professors, the students and all the surroundings in the university can motivate you to become a better version of yourself. Incredible study environment combined with helpful and successful people. The university is the golden chance for anyone who pursues a victorious future.
With all the knowledge, relations and experience which you will gain at the university, you will be confident in the process of turning your dreams into reality. AUBG is the first step to a tremendous success.
I am absolutely satisfied with the university. The campus is picturesque, the people are amazing, classes are small, extracurriculars are various and super helpful, and overall, I love it there. They give scholarships to most students, so the price is not as high. If I were to go back to high school, I’d choose the same university.
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