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University of Johannesburg - UJ

speciality: Communication

5.0

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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  • Strategic Communications
    avatar
    It Wasn't Just About Memorizing Facts

    Two years out of the game, and the late nights hunched over communication theories at UJ still feel fresh in my mind. Back in 2020, diving into the BA Honours program in Strategic Communication was like stepping into a world of words, persuasion, and the ever-evolving social media landscape.

    The Lecturers were walking encyclopedia of communication theories, made even the most abstract concepts click. Their lectures, peppered with real-world examples and pop culture references, had us dissecting viral campaigns and analyzing political speeches with newfound enthusiasm.

    The program wasn’t just theory though. We rolled up our sleeves for group projects. One semester, we devised a communication strategy for a local company, researching their target audience, crafting compelling messages, and even proposing creative social media campaigns. The pressure was real, but the sense of accomplishment seeing our ideas come to life was unmatched.

    Sure, navigating the never-ending stream of academic articles and perfecting the art of crafting concise research papers wasn’t always a walk in the park.

    Looking back, the UJ program not only equipped me with the theoretical foundation to understand the ever-changing communication landscape, but also cultivated critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze information through a strategic lens. It wasn’t just about memorizing facts; it was about learning to apply your knowledge to real-world situations and develop effective communication strategies.

    While the program focused heavily on the theoretical underpinnings, a stronger emphasis on practical applications, perhaps through industry projects or guest lectures from communication professionals, could have provided a deeper understanding of the current industry landscape.

    Overall, the BA Honours program at UJ was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It ignited a passion for strategic communication that continues to drive me today. It wasn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it was about learning to think critically, communicate effectively, and navigate the ever-dynamic world of communication in a strategic and impactful way.

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    Programme: Strategic Communications
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2020
    Delivery Type: Online
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  • Communication and ...
    Public Relations
    Nokuthula  Innocentia Radebe
    One of the Best

    Having a good experience at the University of Johannesburg is a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence in education. The university provides a dynamic learning environment, world-class faculty, and a diverse student body. My time at UJ was marked by rigorous academics, meaningful extracurricular activities, and a strong sense of community. The university’s emphasis on innovation and inclusivity has not only enriched my academic journey but also prepared me for a promising future. I would definitely recommend UJ to any student wishing to further their studies, as they would experience one of the best education systems that keep evolving with time.

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    Programme: Communication and Public Relations
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2018
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Johannesburg
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  • Communication and ...
    Public Relations
    Lindani
    Exceptional

    I like that UJ is the 2nd best University in Africa as it’s also accommodates everyone race, tribe even financial statuses disadvantaged students. It’s most diverse and offers free opportunities for all students to participate in, I’ll gladly recommend anyone to enroll in University Of Johannesburg.

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    Programme: Communication and Public Relations
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2022
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Johannesburg
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