University of Aveiro
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.
3 Student Reviews
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Communication and ...3 months ago
StudentPTCommunityGreat unniversity, with a huge campus. Everyone is connected and that’s why it has a great community. The professores are open minded and try to help you as much as they can.
Everything is well organized, specially for the new students.
View moreProgramme: Communication and MediaDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2017Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Aveiro -
Digital Communication ...5 months ago StudentPTMy experience at University of Aveiro
I’m finishing my Master’s degree in Audiovisual Communication for New Media at the University of Aveiro. Before the Master’s, I also completed my Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia and Communication Technologies at UA. In my first year, the course was still called New Communication Technologies, but the name changed in my second year.
Overall, I felt that the course evolved a lot from the first to the second year. In the beginning, there was a strong focus on design and audiovisual work, and in the following years, the emphasis shifted more towards programming. Since I’ve always identified more with the creative side video, photography, and social media management the last two years were a bit more challenging for me. The degree involves a lot of group projects, probably around 90%, which isn’t always easy since everyone thinks differently. Still, I understand the value of that, as teamwork is essential in this field and reflects real professional practice.
The Master’s, on the other hand, has been an incredible experience. It’s much more focused on the audiovisual area, which is exactly what I love. Even the group projects went really well, and the course is very practical. There are also collaborations with RTP, which brings students closer to the job market and gives a real boost to our professional journey. Of course, in the first year there are some topics that had already been covered during the Bachelor’s, but they’re useful for introducing new perspectives on the field.
The University of Aveiro is a lively and dynamic place where there’s always something happening. I remember that when I first found out I had been accepted to Aveiro, I was a bit upset it was my fourth choice, and I was afraid of living far from home and my friends. But now, I honestly couldn’t imagine studying anywhere else. I feel happy, fulfilled, and deeply grateful for everything I’ve experienced here.So, come to UA 🤍
View moreProgramme: Digital Communication + Audiovisual CommunicationDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2025Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Aveiro -
Multimedia04 Jul, 2020 StudentGood University
I spent 6 years living and studying at the University of Aveiro and was really good personally and professionally. The campus is really amazing and connects students from different courses, which means that it´s even easier to meet people with different backgrounds and there I made friends for life. Education is great, I left the university completely ready to achieve my career goals.
View moreProgramme: MultimediaDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2018Campus: Aveiro
