University of Beira Interior - UBI
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 Sciences3 months agoCatarinaPThands-on approach
The University of Beira Interior, within the scope of the Communication Sciences program, has distinguished itself as a higher education institution committed to providing comprehensive and up-to-date education, preparing students for the dynamic challenges in the field of communication.
What I appreciate most about the academic experience provided by the University of Beira Interior is the balanced combination of theory and practice. The Communication Sciences program not only establishes a solid foundation in theoretical fundamentals but also offers significant practical opportunities. The practical approach is valued from the outset, allowing students to apply the knowledge gained in real-world situations.
Furthermore, the university significantly invests in technological resources and modern infrastructure. State-of-the-art laboratories equipped with tools reflecting the current demands of the communication industry provide students with an environment conducive to the development of practical skills and innovation.
The faculty, composed of highly qualified and experienced professionals in the field, is another strong point of the University of Beira Interior. The diversity of specializations among the professors enriches the learning experience, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of trends and practices in the field of Communication Sciences.
Regarding recommendations, based on my personal experience, I would not hesitate to suggest the University of Beira Interior to any employer who values well-prepared, adaptable, and innovative professionals in the field of communication. The quality of education, infrastructure, and practical guidance offered by the university positions students as competitive professionals capable of contributing effectively in a dynamic and demanding work environment.
View moreProgramme: Communication SciencesDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2021Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Covilha -
Media, Film ...07 Mar, 2019
StudentGreat Student LifeUBI is a community of students, professors and staff. It’s located in a university town, which makes it easier for students to navigate and balance their social and academic life. There is plenty of opportunity for growth, specially being that most students move away from their parents and get to meet people from different backgrounds.
View moreProgramme: Media, Film and TelevisionDegree: Bachelor'sCampus: Covilha -
Communication19 Feb, 2019
RafaelGood Place to StudyBeing a student at UBI is quite a good experience.
The facilities for the Communication Course are really good. Staff and Professors are always available after class for a tutorial time and that’s something really interesting. The course count’s with a good amount of theoretical studies and also some practical activities that can really add up to your experience. Often we have visitors Professors coming from different European and even American Universities, so that brings some freshness for the studies.
The city doesn’t offer much to do. It’s a small city in the countryside of Portugal, so that’s a bit of a payoff one has to have in mind. This means that whenever you need to go to some other country you have to spend around 3 to 5h in train or bus to get either to Porto or Lisbon. The good side of it is that Covilhã is quite a cheap city compared to the two big centres. It’s relatively easy to find accommodation and you certainly will not have to worry about having a car or using public transportation for daily locomotion.
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2020Campus: Covilha
