University of Lagos - UNILAG
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.
8 Student Reviews
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Journalism and ...7 months ago
StudentNGA vibrant university with great opportunities.Studying at the University of Lagos has been a journey of growth and resilience. The lecturers are knowledgeable, though sometimes the system can be bureaucratic. What I love most is the energy on campus, it’s alive with creativity, ambition, and innovation. Being surrounded by driven students has pushed me to think bigger and build real-world skills, especially through student organizations and creative projects.
If you’re self-motivated and willing to make the most of the opportunities available, UNILAG will challenge and prepare you for the future.
View moreProgramme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2027Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lagos -
Journalism and ...7 months ago StudentNGGreat learning space, but facilities can improve.
University of Lagos gave me good lecturers and a chance to meet different people. I liked the quality of teaching, but the lecture halls were sometimes too full and admin processes could be slow. I would still recommend it for students who want strong academics.
View moreProgramme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2029Delivery Type: BlendedCampus: Lagos -
Journalism and ...7 months agoVictoriaNG“UNILAG Experience: Strength and Struggles”
UNILAG, often called the “University of First Choice”,is a place of growth, balancing excellence with struggles. It offers students both opportunities and challenges, thereby leaves students not just with knowledge, but with resilience and life experience.
Strengths:
•Strong academic reputation with experienced lecturers.
•Vibrant campus life filled with events, clubs, and activities.
•Prime location in Lagos, providing access to internships and industries.
•A diverse student community that fosters networking and friendships.Struggles:
View more
•Overcrowded classrooms and hostels due to high student intake.
•Infrastructural challenges and limited facilities.
•Heavy academic workload and pressure.
•Occasional strikes that disrupt the academic calendar.Programme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2026Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lagos -
Journalism and ...9 months ago StudentNGUNILAG: Overrated
The University of Lagos is the right place for ambitious and career driven people due to endless opportunities made available in the university. However, There is no provision for accommodation for the majority. Accommodation is gotten through a ballot system and few people get it. The medical center is well facilitated but the workers there are not the friendliest. The cost of living is quite high too.
View moreProgramme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2025Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lagos -
Journalism and ...21 Jan, 2024 StudentNGClassroom
Yes I’ll recommend my school. The classes are conducive enough for learning and the lecturers are accessible. I’m currently studying mass communication and my major is public relations and advertising.
View moreProgramme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lagos18 Sep, 2024
Folakemi -
Journalism and ...19 Jan, 2024 StudentNGI honestly don't kow
As a student of UNILAG, i have mixed feelings about the institution, on one hand it has given me the best memories and also taught me the greatest lessons.
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One thing this university has taught me is that i am capable of doing anything either academically and other facets of life.Programme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lagos07 Mar, 2025Adewunmi -
Journalism and ...10 Sep, 2023 StudentNGUniversity experience
I would say I chose a program I thought would be a great fit for me when I first applied. Honestly I’ve enjoyed it ever since, I’ve been introduced into a network of students with similar interests and learnt new skills in my time here.
View moreProgramme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2025Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lagos -
Communication02 Apr, 2022 StudentCommunication department review
I had a great time during my program. The lecturers as patient and friendly. The environment is encouraging to learn in. The one on one mentorship offered by the academic advisors was very helpful as well.
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2021Delivery Type: Online
