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United States International University Africa - USIU

speciality: Communication

4.8

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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  • Communication
    avatar
    Class relevance to work environment

    United States International University- Africa is a well established school with world class standards for higher learning, social activities such as co curriculum activities and well as expanding circles due to the diversity in culture
    I like the school because there are high standards in terms of learning, behavior, socializing and also freedom of speech exercised in the school
    I would definitely recommend USIU-A

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    Programme: Communication
    Degree: Master's
    Graduation: 2018
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Nairobi
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  • Journalism
    Frank
    Classic and executive hostels

    USIU is an international university located in Nairobi, Kenya. It has international programs and all local and international students are all welcome to study here. The university has the most luxurious hostels that are big enough to house students. They are well maintained and affordable to the students.

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    Programme: Journalism
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2023
    Delivery Type: Online
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  • Journalism
    Ekta
    The Experience

    I loved the program because of how integrated it was. The course entailed a lot of general studies along with the coursework. The general subjects helped me gain a lot of knowledge from the other courses necessary for day-to-day life. For example, we have a senior experience class for general subjects, which we are meant to take in our last year of university. This class helped me prepare for life outside of university earlier than I would have without the course.

    Also, the teachers are very involved with the students. They help you prepare for the outside world from the word go by giving you authentic assignments that help you experience your field. These assignments allow the students to understand their field better and help them decide where their interest lies. For example, in my course, journalism, we had an assignment where we had to design a magazine from scratch. This taught us to create, which is currently very useful in my workspace.

    The university, in general, had constant activities happening, which allowed the student to take part in various extracurricular activities. There were more than 50 clubs within the university for the students to join and participate in by choice. Our clubs were very diverse, be it arts, debates, or sports.

    The university boasts diversity by having above 71 nationalities studying there. Therefore student life is vibrant due to the variety of cultures within the university. To showcase this, we have a cultural event every year, one of the university’s most significant events. We also have very flexible timings for classes which allows students to work or carry out other activities and study.

    The university can indeed be considered an international university due to its facilities and campus. They are like none others in Nairobi. Also, the university has very many career choices, all in one place, giving students more options to choose from.

    Also, the university is beneficial for career prospects. The internship office does send out the different internship or job opportunities. In addition, the university helps you make contacts by introducing successful alumni or business personnel from your field during classes for talks. We also have seminars where prospective employers are invited so students can meet them and make contacts and possibly gain a job.

    Yes, I would recommend this university to others if they want an international experience without going outside of the country. Because the university is a USA curriculum, it boasts a more application-based learning style helping students better experience and understand their field of study.

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    Programme: Journalism
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2021
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Nairobi
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  • Journalism
    avatar
    I would highly recommend USIU-A

    The program gives students a holistic experience of working in the media. No matter your area of concentration, you manage to work in Print, Broadcast and Public Relations. The ratio of students to lecturers allows for special attention to be given to individuals when needed/ requested. The student life is vibrant, lots of activities and events are held throught the year. It is easy to meet new people and make new friendships at campus as you can meet people of all majors in your general elective courses. I would highly recommend this university for the academic experience.

    View more
    Programme: Journalism
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2021
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Nairobi
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  • Journalism
    avatar
    How cool is it!

    USIU is the coolest most prestigious university in Kenya. We are not bragging but it has an international pedigree. My best friend Mark is from Nigeria and he is currently pursuing BSc. Pharmacy. I was curious to know why he opted to leave his home country and he basically said I researched the best institutions to study In East Africa and he found one in USIU. Having known many foreign students I would say I have enjoyed the experience of having a clue and hints of different cultures across our continent. If you want an international experience far away from home then this is the university to join.
    It is situated a few kilometres from the main city Centre, the only downside comes with accommodation since the university can’t offer all students accommodation its up to the students to look for places to reside outside the campus. However, this isn’t a negative altogether because there are several neighbourhoods to reside in depending on your budget not far away from the main campus.

    View more
    Programme: Journalism
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2023
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Nairobi
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