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.
I am only in my second year right now, and becoming a part of the journalism school at Carleton was the best decision I ever made. It is such a unique program and gives students the ability to genuinely understand the interworkings of a newsroom.
View moreCarleton University is a great University with a wide range of undergraduate programs. The university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and its cooperative education programs. You may appreciate Carleton’s multicultural and inclusive environment, where international students often find support through various services and programs. As well as the university’s efforts to foster a global communit.
View moreMy personal experience is more focused on the Journalism & Humanities program I attended but Carleton University in general has very strong faculties with members who are well-connected in the industry and help students develop networks and find job opportunities after graduation. My specific program is well known for synergizing strengths of Humanities education like deep analysis, critical understanding, historical insight, and creative reflection to enrich and complement training in Journalistic forms.
Carleton University location in Ottawa is a great advantage for student life. This capital city offers a vibrant cultural and social scene as well as many opportunities for internships and networking. It is also close to many government institutions, research centers, and international organizations, providing unique access to important resources and experiences.
While I do truly love my program, some classes seem to overlap content. I understand this could be to enforce certain research techniques or skills. However, the courses seem easier when I am not being exposed to completely new content.
View moreThe students and faculty at Carleton have been great. There are many ways to get involved with peers and to connect with professors. The campus is laid out well and is nicely condensed. The school wasn’t great at communicating details about the previous TA and CI strike, which was frustrating.
View moreCarleton University is a campus that is full of life and culture, it is pretty diverse in their clubs and programs meaning that they will have something for everyone. What I liked about this university was the fact that eventhough a lot of students started university within a time that was very difficult and limited social interaction, they still found a way to make students feel welcomed and and connected whether it was on or off campus. Once everything reopened they managed to do the same thing which was promote inclusivity and keep the students involved and connected with each other. I like that no matter where you are on campus, there is a sense of community and belonging, whether it is in your program, or in clubs or alliances that you join, which is something I would recommend doing. If you enjoy something, or have a passion and there is a club on campus, join it. It will help you connect with others who are like minded and will keep you in a social setting, plus you will be doing something that you love.
View moreThe Communication and Media Studies program is a great place for students who aren’t quite sure what type of career they want post graduation, but knows they want to work in this general industry. The first 2 years start off broad, and the courses get more specific as you go up each year, to help narrow down your interests.
View moreIn my opinion, Carleton university is a great school; it is a very diverse and accepting school that showcases the beauty of learning. They have outstanding professors who treat their students with kindness and want the best for them. The campus is beautiful; the only dislike is the constant construction which sometimes disrupts class time. Overall, I would recommend Carleton university.
View moreI believe Carleton University is an ideal university for students searching for a school with comfortable classes, highly educated lecturers, and comfortable residence spaces. Carleton University is also cost friendly and is established within a safe environment.
View moreI don’t care about what other people might say about my university, but I can assure you that it is a top-notch institution. Sometimes I think it’s superior to a lot of Canadian universities. The greatest university in Canada for journalism is Carleton University, where I study journalism. The food is excellent, and the campus is lovely. The university is amazing overall, the pizza in the food court is heaven, as is the mango smoothie, the teachers are helpful, the campus atmosphere is great with the exception of a very small number of toxic individuals, and the location is superb. What more do you require? You won’t have to worry if you have decent grades; you may enjoy your life here.
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