Liverpool John Moores 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
Filter reviews-
Masters in ...11 Feb, 2023ShanzayPKA diverse University.
The university has loads of students from different cultural backgrounds, which shows how this university is quite famous around the globe. The student life is a bit boring, but the staff and faculty are extremely nice and cooperative. You can get almost every type of guidance from anyone in student life building. Their study portal is extremely interactive and user-friendly. However, there should be more work on keeping the students updated on the small gatherings/events happening in the university via their social media.
View moreProgramme: Masters in Mass CommunicationDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2023Delivery Type: BlendedCampus: Liverpool -
Digital Journalism17 Nov, 2022
ViolettaGreat University with practical experienceI truly enjoyed my time whilst studying postgraduate degree at Liverpool John Moores University.
Firstly, I have always dreamt of studying abroad since my school and after completing my bachelor study in Moscow my dream has finally come true. Additionally the city itself is rather inspirational and I am sure it is the perfect place to live and to study.
The faculty at John Moores was so supportive of its students—and even more importantly, the students are supportive of each other.
I loved the practical broadcast modules which we had as if you are planning to work in media it is essential to create and work on your portfolio.
There are plenty of societies for extracurricular activity which can help you to work on your portfolio as well. The society of my choice was Radio society. I simply loved it! It was my first experience working in the booth.
I would recommend this university to anyone who is looking for a place that’s fun and educational!
View moreProgramme: Digital JournalismDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2018Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Liverpool -
Creative Writing28 Apr, 2020
StudentExcellent guest lecturersJohn Moores University offered excellent workshops held by our lecturers and a wide range of guest lecturers as well. Overall, it is a highly professional university to go to, however, I would like to see it develop more of a campus feel and offer a wider range of work rooms as we were often forced into different rooms due to over crowding.
View moreProgramme: Creative WritingDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2020Campus: Liverpool
