Newcastle 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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Media and ...12 Nov, 2022
StudentNewcastle University is a world class universityNewcastle University is a university that deserves to be selected. With a strong academic environment, high-quality lectures and committed faculty, studying here is an excellent decision for me. It is also in a great location for a good balance of study and lifestyle. The strength of the university can be shown by its constantly increasing rankings. I would recommend future students to study at Newcastle University.
View moreProgramme: Media and Cultural StudiesDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2022Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Newcastle -
Communication and ...09 Nov, 2022 StudentGood experience
Teaches me how to write news release and know more about media. Class includes lectures and seminar which I think is very useful. Lectures teaches us basic knowledge about our field and seminars gave us more chances to check if we really Handel that knowledge.
View moreProgramme: Communication and Public RelationsDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2022Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Newcastle -
Media and ...03 Oct, 2022 StudentNewcastle University review
Newcastle University is an excellent university in a excellent city. On my course in particular, the experience with professors and seminar leaders has been very positive, and both the learning environment and the environment of the university site are very accommodating. The reason this review is 4 stars rather than 5 stars is due to some ways the Covid-19 pandemic affected my experience, and how the university could have handled this better. This was, of course, an unprecedented event that the university couldn’t necessarily have done anything better with. My in-person experience with this uni has overall been very positive.
View moreProgramme: Media and Cultural StudiesDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2023Delivery Type: BlendedCampus: Newcastle -
Media, Film ...23 Feb, 2020NiyaMotivating environment
I love Newcastle University because of its cultural diversity and friendliness. Being a student here is like being part of one big family.
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The facilities are new and modern, giving you the comfort and motivation to work hard.
My course is Film and Media and it is exactly what I expected. The perfect combination of theory and practice. The lecturers are always willing to help and give feedback on both university and independent work and my coursemates are open-minded, ambitious people.
One thing I am most impressed about is the opportunities that this university provides. There are many societies, events, and sports clubs, which help you find more people with the same interests and in this way help you develop new skills, and create.Programme: Media, Film and TelevisionDegree: Bachelor'sCampus: Newcastle
