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.
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.
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.
As a student within this program, I have been deeply impressed by the unwavering commitment and assistance provided by the professors. Beyond their expertise in the field, they demonstrate genuine dedication to students’ success by offering support and guidance outside of regular class hours. Their willingness to address queries, offer insights, and furnish resources underscores their commitment to nurturing student development.
View moreIt was a unique experience, when we enter university it is a step towards a new world in our life, it is about taking on responsibilities, it is independence, suddenly we are adults.
The University of Minho is really a second home, I always felt welcomed and that I was part of the community. There are lots of educational offers and opportunities to build our future outside of “classes”, there are extracurricular activities, trainings, academic parties.
An experience that I will keep in my memory not only for the place but also for all the people I met.
The programme of Cultural Studies, by the name itself, indicates the interesting content of the study. I had the opportunity to understand other countrys’ (European and from other continents) cultural structures, dynamics and profiles. Also, it was important to understand the Relations between different countries and how these have developed during times. In this programme, I have also learnt two languages, of my choice, but I would say that it is important to learn one more language at least (3languages). All that I have learnt was theoretical, and I think that this programme is missing some traineeship or project to support and put in practical terms this theory.
View moreAged and stagnant faculty in terms of teaching methodology. Lack of investment related to the internationalization of professional activity and preparation for the global labor market. Unbalanced scale with regard to the theory-practice relationship, prioritizing the theoretical aspect.
View moreThe best years of my life were spent at the University of Minho.
An educational establishment that combines excellent teaching with leisure activities among students, providing them a memorable academic life.
The university is extremely well located, in an area with a lot of commerce, services and access to public transport.
If I could leave any suggestions, it would be in the sense of improving the practical level of teaching, with the aim of creating more real experiences for students.
Overall, the experience of being a student of Universidade do Minho was very positive. The staff is friendly and you can find almost all kind of essential services in the Gualtar campus. All of the campuses are located near public transport services, with good accessibilities. Most of the professors are very experienced in their fields of studies and try to provide tools and knowledge to everyone. A few issues regarding choices of subject areas could be improved. The ‘outside of class’ environment is great, with very interesting extra-curricular activities: volunteer associations, sports teams and music groups that have become a tradition. I only wish the university had more partnerships with companies and organizations so that everyone could have a more practical experience (internships, etc). Nevertheless, the level of education is high and this is a university of excellence. I enjoyed my time at the University of Minho, it was enriching!
View moreOne of the most prestigious universities in Portugal. It has students from all over the world and it has great services and facilities, overall. Highly qualified teachers. Lectures and interesting events going on all the time.
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