University of Twente
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.
2 Student Reviews
Filter reviews-
Communication Sciences27 Feb, 2019MikhailThe new era of communication
Communication science is an unusual program to be taught in a technical university but this is what makes the experience unique. It gives the students a profound understanding of what communication is and the different fields it is associated with and combines it with a lot of practical assignments that are usually connected with the newest technologies.__ Everything about this program is as mentioned from the university and it is as expected. It is stimulating to be able to learn in such atmosphere. There are a lot of international students with each bringing new and interesting points of view and the professors are specialist who have a great attitude towards the students. __The campus of the university contributes to the whole experience giving access to countless tools to improve the work of the students. It is also in a very beautiful location with a lot of nature around it which at least for me reduces the amount of stress and gives a calmer feeling to the whole university.__Indeed the university and the program have some flaws, which one a larger scale look very minor. Overall the university and my program are something that I would recommend to any of my friends since it is such a great opportunity. It is a place that could open a lot of doors for those who are willing knock on them.
View moreProgramme: Communication SciencesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2021Campus: Enschede -
Communication and ...18 Nov, 2017
StudentUniversity of Hi-tech Human touchMy experience in UT for the past 3years has been inspiring.Since I found my first masters year in a technical programme was very tough and not compatible with my undergraduate studies, I decided to switch to an interesting programme offered by UT in the communication and social sciences. This transition was smooth and less complicated only because of the support and advice from the faculty and counsellors of UT, who are always approachable. Besides the encouraging and helping staff, the other features of UT that need special mentioning is the various student associations and facilities on campus such as the design lab, sports centrum,vestingbar etc that allow interaction between the Dutch and international students. Moreover, the green campus and library offer a peaceful area to study and read. I would definitely recommend UT.
View moreProgramme: Communication and Social SciencesDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2018Campus: Enschede
