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University of Toronto - UofT

speciality: Communication

4.4

What is a Communications degree?

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.

Benefits of a Communications degree

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.

 

Communications degree structure

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.

5 Student Reviews

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  • Media Studies
    Duru
    Media Studies and Studio Art Double Major

    I am a second year student in the Scarborough Campus. My majors allow me to specialize in more in the creative side of the media industry while gaining essential skills to ensure my future goals such as Adobe products. It is a bit far from Toronto and the public transit is overlooked by the government but the education is unmatched.

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    Programme: Media Studies
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2026
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Scarborough
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  • Media Studies
    avatar
    Media Studies

    Overall, I had a good experience in the media studies stream of the major program. Most of professors here are willing to reponse to our questions or concerns patiently and kindly, which is quite good. However, you would encounter several TA or profs who give the grades strictly.

    View more
    Programme: Media Studies
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Scarborough
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  • Communication Design
    Hayley
    Diverse Course Offerings with Industry Specialists

    Weighing in at UofT’s second-largest (or medium) campus, University of Toronto Mississauga is a quiet but modern campus built into blooming nature. With deer, forest trails, and everything within walking distance, this university feels different than any one I’ve visited.

    We often hear about UofT’s rich academic environment and faculty, but it is truly felt as a student at this campus. Staff are not only helpful and wise, but easily reachable and personable given the smaller class sizes. On top of the diverse and specific course offerings, there are plenty of opportunities for research programs, student engagement, employment, and more. The cherry on top is that the facilities are new and spacious, with new buildings even being built at the moment.

    As well, the UTM campus is the perfect size for a student who gets overwhelmed with the hustle-and-bustle of a large, downtown campus. As such, there is a community formed, comprised of a diverse student population from across the globe.

    As for downsides, some students have expressed that the quiet and isolated nature of the campus makes the social side of things harder. What I can speak to, having lived on campus, is that it is easy to meet people if you put yourself out there, just as you need to at any school. Living on campus is definitely a plus, though. As well, some faculty are old-fashioned and rigid. However, my program is more creative and spunky, so most of my professors have been pretty rad.

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    Programme: Communication Design
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2024
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Mississauga
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  • Communication and ...
    Media
    avatar
    CCIT program review

    The Communication, Culture, Information & Technology (CCIT) program at UofT Mississauga is eye-opening and has so many interesting courses that it’s honestly hard to chose! You can personalize your track to focus on areas like marketing, graphic design, or communications theory. All ICCIT students are given free access to Adobe Creative Suite and the professors are supportive and have contributed with great research within this field. Just keep in mind that the CCIT major mut be taken in combination with another major or two minors in order to complete your bachelor’s degree. The University of Toronto as a whole is challenging yet rewarding school with many opportunities if you look for them.

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    Programme: Communication and Media
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Mississauga
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  • Creative Writing
    avatar
    A progressive and international institution

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at The University of Toronto. One of Canada’s oldest institutions, the school provides exceptional programs to some of Canada’s top thinkers. I found the professors to be knowledgeable, understanding and of a progressive mindset. They taught me how to think like a critical thinker while preparing me for life after graduation, which I found extremely valuable. The class sizes were small enough that instructors could address individual concerns and learning styles. The building and grounds are beautiful and provide a peaceful and picturesque setting. I found the financial paperwork and correspondence between myself and the school before attending to be a bit of a frustrating experience. Still, I was able to sort through issues with a friendly and knowledgeable administrative assistant. The students in my program were from all parts of the world, which made school a truly international experience. I was continually inspired by students who I leaned on for both academic and emotional support. I feel confident in my career prospects as I continue to grow as a writer. U of T is considered a highly respected, globally recognized academic institution for a reason, and I would definitely recommend students to apply.

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    Programme: Creative Writing
    Degree: Short Course
    Graduation: 2020
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Toronto
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