University of Cape Coast - UCC
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.
7 Student Reviews
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Information and ...11 months ago
EmmanuelGHAcademic excellence and reputationI have a fair and honest opinion about the University of Cape Coast. I would recommend the University of Cape Coast to anyone looking to enhance their academic performance for the future because of its robust programs and academic discipline. What I did not like about the university was its limited social life and academic stress.
View moreProgramme: Information and Communication Systems EngineeringDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2025Delivery Type: BlendedCampus: Cape Coast -
Communication Studies04 Jan, 2025
StudentGHI would give it a 4 starThe University is a renowned and very goal oriented ,the only problem is that it lacks in a few practical aspects . I read communication studies and I believe such a course should not be all about sitting in class to study but making it more practical. Apart from that ,every other thing is on point .
View moreProgramme: Communication StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2027Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Cape Coast -
Communication Studies12 Dec, 2022 Winniefred F.GHExcellence
The University of Cape Coast has helped me embrace excellence and make it a goal to pursue it. The social experience, meeting deadlines and the friendliness of lecturers gave the me the necessary encouragement to go on and made it all worthwhile in the end.
View moreProgramme: Communication StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2021Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Cape Coast -
Communication Studies04 Nov, 2022 HolaGHAcademics
believe UCC is one of the best schools you can find in our continent. I like the natural zeal that pushes you to do more when you happen to find yourself in the school environment.
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I like the passion most of the lecturers have in teaching.
I would commend this school anytimeProgramme: Communication StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2022Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Cape Coast -
Communication Studies03 Nov, 2022 DominicGHAccommodation issue and students performance
University of competitive choice cannot be left out when talking about good schools in Africa. I am a communication student with the passion of being a journalist and ucc is the right school for me but the issue of accommodation is overwhelming. Students’ accommodation has been identified as one of the important components in schools. The availability of hostels, adequate lecture halls and libraries enable students to thrive well in their academics
View moreProgramme: Communication StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2021Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Cape Coast -
Communication Studies23 Oct, 2022 StudentGHThe University of Cape Coast
The University of Cape Coast can be described as one of the best universities in the country. It offers different courses suitable for every programme. In my opinion the courses offered are relevant and knowledge gained can be easily applied in practical by students. The school also offer affordable accomodation for students. In all I would recommend the university for everyone who is seeking admission into the university.
View moreProgramme: Communication StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2020Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Cape Coast -
Communication Studies22 Oct, 2022 StudentGHEducation at UCC
The University has a good environment for all courses. Each faculty has dedicated spaces where one has lectures either collectively or as individuals. I enjoyed some practical sessions of some of my courses, and some lectures which were made flexible by the lecturers. Others however came with some amounts of pressure and series of unannounced quizzes.
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For group discussions and studies, the summer huts located across the campus provide spaces for those, alongside the lecture halls.
Security is assured, however every student has to be extra vigilant especially when on parts of the the campus that are linked with small towns.
Overall, I believe to enjoy the best of courses, one has to choose a course he or she loves and interested in pursuing to ensure greater success.Programme: Communication StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2021Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Cape Coast
