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.
Western University is a one of a kind experience in Canada. It has a beautiful campus, and the student life is welcoming and extremely fun. The program i am in is Media and Communications, formerly Media, Information, and Technoculture. This degree provides me with theoretical understandings of media industries, as well as writing and project based learning.
View moreI was enrolled in the Media, Information & Technoculture (MIT) program at Western University. Most if not all of the professors who I encountered were very gracious and supportive of their students. There are great career services and in general, the university has great resources for its students. In my third and fourth year of the MIT program, classes were more specialized and focused with smaller class sizes which really allowed me to focus on the career path that I saw for myself as well as creating stronger connections with my professors and my peers. Overall, Western is very community driven. Any student, if you reach out, will be able to find support for any issue they might encounter.
View moreHaving just finished my first year at Western University, I have to say my experience was really good. I chose to go to one of the affiliates and was a little concerned that since this was a smaller school, it would impact my university experience and the quality of student life. I have to say that I was wrong. I cannot recommend going to an affiliate enough. I had the ability to have a smaller learning experience and still choose to be a part of a bigger school community. Having hands-on professors and smaller classes was great for my learning style and still having that ability to go out and have a university-town experience. Cannot recommend it enough.
View moreOverall, the MIT program is as amazing as it is informative. Standing for Media, Information & Technoculture, MIT focuses on analysis, research & theories, and the history of ways that media and institutions affect us, and how we affect the development of different media. As an MIT student, you have the option to take classes within the program that focus on different aspects such as law, business, music, etc. In this format, students can learn how MIT intersects with different programs, and prepare students if they choose to take graduate classes in a different program. Since students have the opportunity to grow within different fields and a variety of internships, there are many career options post-graduation.
While every MIT teacher is very qualified in their field, sometimes the information can be hard to grasp and their delivery (depending on the teacher) can be hard to understand. With that being said, teachers will always host office hours during which the student can ask questions regarding the course.
As for the school overall, I would say it has its ups and downs – it has both a great party scene and great programs. They often prioritize the school over the students (and their safety) and do not make an effort to change how students can be affected in their safety and problems faced by other students/teachers.