Universitat Pompeu Fabra - UPF | Latest Reviews | Student Reviews & University Rankings EDUopinions

Universitat Pompeu Fabra - UPF

speciality: Communication

3.8

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.

5 Student Reviews

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  • Journalism
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    Periodisme

    I enjoyed the good learning facilities, some teachers were really professional and helpful – not most of them, though. I enjoyed getting to know other students with similar interests, even though it was difficult to develop “University life” within the university campus, due to the lack of spaces. Also, some subjects had a lack of a practical scope, and should be modernized, in my opinion.

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    Programme: Journalism
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2020
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Barcelona
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  • Journalism
    avatar
    Less theory, more practice

    Overall, I can say I am satisfied with my programme. Through it, I gained part of the communication and language skills I have now. Although I have to say that the rest of them were achieved by practice, and this lacks a little in the programme (I did it by myself in different internships). If I had to change something, I will reduce theoretical lectures and replace them with practical ones. Especially, because some of the courses related to the theory were pretty similar during the years. For me, journalism is more about getting in contact with real world and improving your communication skills in the real field.

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    Programme: Journalism
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2021
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Barcelona
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  • Communication and ...
    Public Relations
    avatar
    Practical learning programmes

    The first thing I liked about the programme was the practical approach to most of the modules, as opposed to heavy theoretical leanings. the school is also located in the centre of Barcelona with modern building architecture. Professors and tutors are knowledgeable and willing to help. It was impossible to get school accommodation as a postgraduate exchange student, which increased the overall cost of living in the city.

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    Programme: Communication and Public Relations
    Degree: Master's
    Graduation: 2022
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Barcelona
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    11 Mar, 2022
    Kavya
    Kavya
    Hi, I received a conditional offer letter for MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations (Joint Degree UPF Barcelona) and I was wondering if I could connect with you so that I could understand the merits and demerits of this program and make an informed decision.
  • Communication
    Mercedes
    An experience to exit the comfort zone

    I chose to study at this university because many friends recommended it to me. I think it has good teachers, the subjects and agendas are updated.
    It is always good to study in some recognized place in the world because that speaks of how well you learn.
    Yes I would recommend it.

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    Programme: Communication
    Degree: Master's
    Campus: Barcelona
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  • Creative Writing
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    Networking Possibilities at UPF

    In my current experience coming to UPF, the first thing I have found out how it prides itself as a university with a vast network of opportunities for its students. More than that, though, it holds a place for students personal and school projects, with online networks to expose and promote them. As such, it carries various platforms for networking online and in person, even if accessing them can sometimes feel like a tricky labyrinth. Nevertheless, they are equipped with an IT center which always helps with any issues on accessing these platforms.
    As to the classes, having small groups of students per program allows more direct interactions with professors and fellow classmates, as well as one-on-one debates and class practices. It often has group exercises directed towards the specific master’s. And as an international student myself, the opportunities to make connections with classmates and professors alike allow for an easier transition into this new experience, as well as my very own online information portal where there are forums with specific guidelines for international students for adapting both to the city and classes.
    All in all, the university provides for its students however it can, has more than one option for current and future job offers and is always willing to provide a helping hand with its team of counsellors and guides.

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    Programme: Creative Writing
    Degree: Master's
    Graduation: 2020
    Campus: Barcelona
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