Università degli Studi di Firenze - UNIFI
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.
4 Student Reviews
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Communication5 months ago
StudentITSome very good things, many not so goodI lived in Pisa while i was studying, so I don’t know so much about uni-life and services. My review is only focused on the subjcets and the teachers. I studied Communication (laurea magistrale) Some of them were very intersting ( epecially comunicazione generativa e linguaggio inclusivo), but most were not so important for the core of my course. Labs were very interesting, but they were too superficial and theorical. In general, the courses were too short (3 months) and superficial. Don’t expect courses about digital communication: that’s a big weak point
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Florence -
Communication and ...20 Jan, 2025 StudentVibrant student experience
Università degli Studi di Firenze offers a vibrant student experience, with diverse societies and numerous networking opportunities for academic, professional, and social growth. I appreciate the comprehensive support system, encompassing financial assistance, mental health resources, and career guidance. Additionally, approachable tutors provide personalized guidance and promptly address student concerns.
View moreProgramme: Communication and Social SciencesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2026Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Florence -
Media and ...28 Apr, 2022 StudentHumanities for communication
I attended the three-year degree course in humanities for communication with the aim of increasing my knowledge in the field of media studies and communication in general. The choice was rewarded in didactic terms as the courses offered by the University of Florence during the entire 3-year university period allowed me to acquire technical-practical skills aimed at facilitating entry into the working world of information and communication. The whole is largely conveyed by highlighting the humanistic part of communication. It is a type of university that I, therefore, recommend to all those who are passionate about the world of communication. The course will allow you to expand your knowledge in this vast area.
View moreProgramme: Media and Communications ScienceDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2019Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Florence -
Communication and ...05 Apr, 2022 StudentVariety of courses
I like the variety of the courses. What I don’t like is the fact that the way of teaching is not interactive at all. They should give more importance to the English language, especially because with this degree you could potentially work with other countries.
View moreProgramme: Communication and Social SciencesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2023Delivery Type: BlendedCampus: Florence
