Université de Franche-Comté - UFC
speciality:
Communication
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.
1 Student Reviews
-
Communication and ...30 Apr, 2020GraceA university with rich research resources and a conducive learning environment
The existing cultural diversity in the university of Burgundy/ Franche-Comté (Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté) which can be seen in the number of international students enrolled yearly as well as in the cultural activities proposed by the university such as the “Tour du Monde en 80 Plats”, is a strong point for the university. I have attended this event twice and it was a wonderful display of culture. Such diversity in culture may also be attributed to the fact that the institution houses one of the best French language learning centre in the country; the CLA (Centre de Linguistique Appliquée) which permits students to troop in from all parts of the world.
The dynamic nature of lectures also makes the university a great choice for students to explore, with campuses spread across the region; situated in Dijon, Montbéliard, Belford and Besançon and providing a large range of courses. For me, it is always a great experience having lectures in other cities aside Besançon where I live. I think that the location of such campuses in cities that are generally very calm is what makes the institution unique and ideal for learning. Research laboratories especially in the scientific fields allow for research in international languages especially in the English language and this adds value to research. I have taken a number of classes taught in English and they have been great. The major problem I have so far is with accessing books in English but still, this could be seen as a great advantage to those who are studying the French language, as they would have no choice but to read in French most of the time, thus improving their proficiency in the. Well, I was a student at the CLA before enrolling in for my PhD program in Information and Communication Sciences and the teachers at CLA were really awesome! The médiatique is also well equipped.
However, the student life in the university could be beefed up in order to provide for more social interactions and productive engagements. I believe students would profit better from better involvement in social activities. In my case, it has been difficult to interact with fellow students especially those from France. I find the nature in which hostels are built as a contributing factor to the poor levels of interaction. Generally, hostel residents only meet at the kitchen (that’s if they cook) or pass each other in the corridors. Many do not even know who their next-door neighbours are. There are no “common rooms” in every hostel where students could just sit and interact, read magazines or play indoor games, and perform other forms of recreational activity (together). I think there should be a more deliberate effort in creating a more dynamic student life. However, this could also be a cultural issue.
As for my research, it is my 3rd year now and I am privileged to have a study space in my laboratory. Privileged because some researchers I have met in the same university have told me they do not have office space. So far however the only major challenge my colleges and I have had is having to share an access key to the lab. Generally, though, the environment is very conducive for research and I love it.
View moreProgramme: Communication and Media StudiesDegree: PhDCampus: Besançon
