Lancaster University
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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Media and ...27 Jun, 2024
StudentGBEnriching Experience at Lancaster UniversityMy overall experience at Lancaster University has been very positive. I studied Media and Cultural Studies, and I thoroughly enjoyed the program. The course content was engaging, and I felt that it provided a solid foundation in the subject.
One of the highlights of my time at Lancaster was the campus atmosphere. The university boasts a diverse and inclusive environment, which made my stay here very enriching. The multicultural setting allowed me to interact with students from various backgrounds, enhancing my overall learning experience.
I would definitely recommend Lancaster University to prospective students. The supportive and vibrant community here is conducive to both academic and personal growth. However, it is worth mentioning that there were a few instances where I felt that some lecturers were overly strict with their grading. This, however, did not significantly detract from my overall positive experience at the university.
View moreProgramme: Media and Cultural StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lancaster -
Media and ...21 Jun, 2024 StudentA Unique and Beautiful Campus Experience
Lancaster University boasts a beautiful and serene campus environment, distinctively managed by its unique collegiate system. The campus is an independent, self-contained area located just 20 minutes from the town, offering a cohesive and immersive university experience unlike many other universities that are spread along busy streets. The well-maintained grounds, combined with the supportive collegiate community, create an ideal setting for both academic and personal growth. I particularly appreciate the complete campus experience and the strong sense of community it fosters.
View moreProgramme: Media and Cultural StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Lancaster -
Communication and ...04 Nov, 2022
NiamhGBMedia and Cultural Studies BA (Hons)My time at Lancaster University was a delightful experience. I studied Media and Cultural Studies BA (Hons), and this past year, I studied the Media and Cultural Studies MA.
Firstly, I was captivated by Lancaster’s campus feel. One essential factor in choosing a university for me was a campus university. Upon arriving on my open day, I first noticed how green the university was. The campus occupies a beautiful 560-acre parkland site, and I loved the look of Lake Carter.
Secondly, I was initially attracted to Lancaster University due to its various course options. Originally, I majored in English Literature in my first year of study. However, Lancaster University allows its first-year students to take one major subject and two minor subjects. Therefore, I choose Media and Sociology as my two minor subjects.
After my first year, I realised I immensely enjoyed the Media and Cultural Studies BA (Hons) course more than my original English Literature major. Thus, I chose to switch majors in my second year.
I am very grateful for this experience, as my time on the Media and Cultural Studies BA (Hons) course has been excellent. This course was a great fit for me, as it combined the two disciplines of Media and Sociology to provide theoretical insights and a wide range of knowledge. Although the course is heavily theoretical, the vast array of modules enabled opportunities to develop my practical media skills. For example, I planned, conceptualised, produced, and edited a podcast from scratch for my undergraduate dissertation. My course thoroughly prepared me for a career in the creative sector.
On top of my academic experience, I loved Lancaster University for its sense of community. As Lancaster University operates by a collegiate system, I was a member of the County College Netball Club and Graduate Netball. My time at university led to me becoming the Media and Communications Officer for the County College Netball Club, and I took part in Roses 2022 (the sporting varsity competition) with Graduate Netball.
Additionally, I worked as a bartender at one of the college campus bars (Grizedale Bar). This was an excellent opportunity to work a part-time job around my Master’s degree, and I have a very strong friendship group with my colleagues. I regularly worked Freshers and end-of-year events during my time at this job.
View moreProgramme: Communication and Media StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2022Delivery Type: BlendedCampus: Lancaster
