Leuphana University of Lüneburg
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
Filter reviews-
Media and ...2 months agoSusanaDECulture & Organisation Program at Leuphana
My experience at Leuphana is based specifically on my Master program: Culture and Organisation:
The good, the positive and the great: Overall my experience in the program was an enriching one, both academically and personally. Its innovative and dynamic approach to learning made most of my classes deeply engaging and thought-provoking. The teachers didn’t just feel like instructors but like mentors, deeply invested in our learning journey. I appreciated the variety of classes and academic directions available, allowing me to explore different aspects such as Queer and Gender Studies, Post-Colonial Studies, Media, and Art. The program leaders were incredibly receptive to student feedback, creating a supportive and collaborative environment. One highlight was the opportunity for collaborative classes with other universities, offering unique and dynamic learning formats, along with the option to pursue a certificate in a Sustainability Certificate parallel to my studies.
The negative, to be improved aspects:
It is a growing program, which comes with a particular set of challenges, yet as mentioned the teachers were very receptive to our concerns and proactive about our thoughts.
A few portion of the teachers were not that engaging or committed to our learning, but this was really the minority. In my experience, it was a bit of a pity since it was an important class but it was balanced with my other amazing teachers.
Even though Leuphana is significantly much better than other universities in terms of being International, there are still some aspects of the university that feel very German and not foreigner or english friendly.
Receiving feedback from our assignments was a bit mixed depending on each teacher. Sometimes I would have prefered a more interactive and transparent feedback experience and not just a grade.In conclusion:
View more
Overall, the program provided me with truly invaluable insights as well as inspiration. It shaped my perspective on various cultural topics profoundly. I also valued the international aspect of the program and its progressive, diverse atmosphere, particularly as a non-German, since it made me feel safe to participate in class and voice any type of questions and concerns. My cohort was particularly a colourful and diverse one and I felt very included and open to collaborate closely with our teachers and the university in many different ways. So would I recommend it? I would wholeheartedly recommend my program to others!Programme: Media and Cultural StudiesDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Luneburg
