University of Northampton
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, Film ...22 Nov, 2022ImmanuelINThe best media education I've ever had.
One of my best choices as an overseas student was to attend the University of Northampton. At the university, I’m pursuing a BA in Creative Film, TV, and Digital Media Production. They offer a wide range of services to those of us studying filmmaking. They offer access to a wide range of cameras, lighting, and other audio equipment to us.T hese include digital cinema cameras from RED, Black Magic, Sony, and Canon as well as DSLRs from Canon, Sony, and Nikon. Additionally, the university offers a variety of lighting systems, accessories, and even film editing facilities for the students to use when editing their short films and documentaries. All of our instructors are actively employed in the field, highly motivated, and subject matter experts. This demonstrates that the methods and procedures taught at the institution are current best practises, and it also attests to their friendliness and willingness to assist us. Along with free rentals of filmmaking equipment, each student receives a 3-year membership to Adobe, Microsoft, and LinkedIn training. As a filmmaker, this is significant since it allows me to launch a media firm without incurring any further costs. The University of Northampton also assists us in setting up and acquiring the necessary skills to launch a business while we are enrolled in classes there. The different services offered at our university astounded the students of other highly regarded universities with whom I spoke. Our University of Northampton is welcoming, and I had the opportunity to interact with many students from other nations
View moreProgramme: Media, Film and TelevisionDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Northampton -
Digital Media22 Nov, 2022
StudentGBReal life helpfulI knoww the English I selected odd but true , my experience at first was like most first year students excited and happy for freedom, although frankly I struggled a lot in my second year and hadn’t made friends good for myself. I felt a lot isolated trying to make decisions best for myself and the well being team though I found annoying at first with the weekly phone calls, HELPed sooo much. We would catch up and some weeks she was my only friend, I honestly accept and believe Northampton university care not about only about our grades but about who we are as individuals and embrace it. First year it felt like another mother , but carrying on to graduate and years after I couldn’t have done it without that extra support, and I appreciate all the effort they put in as I didn’t my family support at this time, they made me feel home
View moreProgramme: Digital MediaDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2022Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Northampton -
Digital Media17 Nov, 2022 StudentGBInclusivity
I look how inclusive the university of Northampton is in terms of people of different backgrounds and ages come together to study and spend their free time to be around people with the same passions, I also like how the university reciprocate your energy in terms of being eager to learn as a student and also being eager to teacher as the staff
View moreProgramme: Digital MediaDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2025Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Northampton
