Teesside 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.
4 Student Reviews
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Digital Media04 Feb, 2023
AbigailNGTeesside UniversityTeesside University is one of the best university in United Kingdom whose aim is to provide service for the Industry and business which inform students learning and research to support innovation and economic growth
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I will definitely recommend the school to people who are aspiring for the bestProgramme: Digital MediaDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Middlesbrough -
Digital Media06 May, 2022
Sarosh AltafTeesside University's Incredibility by SaroshThe university is quite good overall. Probably the only institution in the UK which is Adobe certified (apologies if I am wrong). The Master’s degree in Digital Media and Communications with placement year has been quite delightful, so far. The placement year is going to commence in a few months. I am quite excited, as the coursework was commendably taught by our competent and diligent professors. The course leader and module tutors of them are quite cooperative. They explained everything brilliantly during my course time. They are quite responsive both in person and by mail. I love the university’s library the most, as it comprises each and every facility that a student can wish for. Be it self-study, silent study, group study, a variety of computer systems, books, or any computer software, they have everything. I would recommend all my friends and the rest of the prospective students to consider Teesside University.
View moreProgramme: Digital MediaDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2023Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Middlesbrough -
Media, Film ...19 Feb, 2020 StudentSporadic Changes
When I first started at Teesside University (in 2016), it was fun. I studied Tv and Film Production, so often we spent time filming and gaining hands-on experience. However, as the years progressed, the course itself got worse; not because of the content, per se, but because of the constant changes in schooling and staff.
In my second year, we moved to the computerised system (and part of the school of computing), which made our timetable terrible. We spent less and less time at uni and gaining those experiences with the equipment, which is a real bummer. It felt as though we had no time to do what we went there to accomplish. In the final year, it got to the point where I was on the bus to uni longer than I was actually in a lecture/seminar.
We had a huge problem with lecturers leaving and being given subs that weren’t really qualified to teach us in certain subjects. One of them was extremely passive-aggressive – which isn’t something you want when you’re stressed about your dissertation.
That aside, the staff, in general, are very nice. One place I like is the student futures gang who have been an absolute lifesaver since graduating. The grounds are kept tidy and the food is nice. There’s a nice selection of stuff available in the SU which is good.
Overall, my experience at Teesside University could have been better, but it was pretty good nonetheless.
View moreProgramme: Media, Film and TelevisionDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2019Campus: Middlesbrough -
Digital Media12 Feb, 2020 JudeTeesside University is set for the Digital Age
Although this institution is located in the North-East of England, which does not get much attention in mainstream politics, it has become the most techno-savvy institution in the United Kingdom. Whatever your course of study is, you are assured of having a digital and up-to-date approach to it.
I liked the affordable tuition and the fact that it was situated far from the distractions of bigger cities. As one who is given to lots of research, this was a plus.
I would gladly recommend Teesside University to anyone who wants to have an affordable higher education that makes them relevant for the ever-evolving labour market
View moreProgramme: Digital MediaDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2021Campus: Middlesbrough
