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Nottingham Trent University - NTU
speciality: Communication

4.5

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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  • Communications and ...
    Media Studies
    Louis
    NTU school of many possibilities

    I’m currently pursuing an MA in Global Media and Communications—and honestly, if you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be studying this abroad, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, and I have no regrets—just gratitude.

    What really convinced me to pursue this course at my current university was, first of all, the partial scholarship I received as an international student. It wasn’t just about being able to pay tuition—it felt like they saw real potential in my academic journey and believed I was someone worth investing in. That kind of recognition is so motivating, especially when you’re stepping into a new chapter in a completely different country.

    Another thing that stood out to me was how genuinely supportive the lecturers are i special shoutout to Colin Alexander and Angela Robson. It’s very different from what I was used to back home. Here, the focus isn’t just on academics—it’s on you as a person. My lecturers take time to check in, offer career guidance, and have one-on-one conversations where I can speak freely about my experiences, including how I’ve been adjusting as an international student. Even the class schedules were thoughtfully spaced out to give us time to settle in, explore the city, and get our bearings.

    Truthfully, I don’t have any dislikes. Everything from the academic structure to the support system and the diverse, welcoming environment has been better than what I experienced in my home country. It’s made this transition not just manageable, but meaningful—and I’m excited about the direction it’s taking me.

    I would absolutely recommend this university to anyone with an open mind and a genuine curiosity to grow—not just academically, but personally. If you’re ready to challenge your perspective and embrace learning beyond what you already know, this is the place to do it.

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    Programme: Communications and Media Studies
    Degree: Master's
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: Online
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  • Communication and ...
    Media Studies
    avatar
    Nottingham Trent

    With three campuses in Trent, City, Clifton and Blakenhurst, all three campuses are very beautiful and modern. The city campus is my home base and all accommodation and the city center are within walking distance. Newton’s building is very impressive and the doctor and tutor are very friendly and willing to answer questions and assist. I have had a great experience so far. They improved my academic and professional skills. The university offers many opportunities to help you improve your social and professional skills and the subjects taught are of great interest.

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    Programme: Communication and Media Studies
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2021
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Nottingham
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  • Communication and ...
    Media Studies
    Emmanuel
    Quality Hand's On

    I like. NTU has Good teaching methodology, quality training programs are well organized, buildings and training facilities are well maintained and modern. There are good clubs and societies that students can join. The library is well equipped and the study facilities are good.

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    Programme: Communication and Media Studies
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2021
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Nottingham
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  • Communication and ...
    Media Studies
    avatar
    Competence of teaching and campus life

    This University provided an excellent course and executed with proficient and experienced staff. There was a lot of face to face teaching and input. The campus life at the Clifton site was great fun and welcoming. The city itself was great for students with lots of great nightlife and entertainment.
    The only negative is that the University is not as highly regarded as it should be .
    I have no hesitation in recommending it to any undergraduate. It helped me to achieve a 2:1 in my degree and gave me the attributes to go and pursue a job in my chosen career in film and television. A 32 year career which is still ongoing. Also I still have the three best friends that I met on my first day at Nottingham Trent.

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    Programme: Communication and Media Studies
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 1988
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Nottingham
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