Middlesex University - MDX
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-
Journalism and ...05 Oct, 2022
MajdaGBA great university with even better lecturers.My experience at Middlesex University was one of the best experiences I had in my whole academic process.
This university’s journalism and communication programmes not only prepared me to submit well-researched written material in high-pressure situations but also to review and edit assignments and articles to ensure content is comprehensive and concise. During the course, I have also been able to develop myself in other aspects, like significantly improving my English language skills and feeling more confident about my chosen career.
The lecturers and academic staff at this university are very professional, knowledgeable, always willing to help and ready to bring out the best in you.
On the other hand, I also had the luck of working with great people and colleagues throughout my time there, who I am sure will be great talents shortly.
The resources, equipment, meeting rooms, and classrooms were, in my opinion, designed not only to have a great time and experiment but also to help and increase knowledge in depth.
In closing, Middlesex University helped me to educate myself in the best way, and they will make every effort to help every student grow, evolve and succeed. If you are looking to develop your professional career and are thinking about a course, I would highly recommend this university to any student from all over the world as they simply cannot go wrong with it.
View moreProgramme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2021Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: London -
Digital Journalism09 May, 2022GraceA highly supportive learning environment
The Course content was excellently planned to reflect the practical side as well as the theoretical side. Staff are always very warm and supportive. They always try to carry everyone along with exciting class activities. The University is loaded with many helpful and supportive packages, for example, MDX Works helping with career support, the mental health unit and also the finance team who are always ready to assist students who get caught up in financial hurdles. Generally, MDX is an all-round, perfect student support system!
View moreProgramme: Digital JournalismDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2021Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: London -
Journalism and ...12 Jul, 2020
StudentUniversity EnvironmentThis is the perfect place for college students. There are always various events going on every week and the coursework is rigorous. The university is quite diverse and will give you a better feel for people that come from different backgrounds and cultures. Classes are large, but there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed.
View moreProgramme: Journalism and Mass CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2020Campus: Dubai
