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.
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.
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.
Following on from an English Literature degree at the University of Sheffield I have really enjoyed studying at Sheffield. The University experience is centred around the student experience especially with the awards winning Students Union providing opportunities for all. The student areas in Sheffield are safe, friendly and full of greenery-an overall pleasant place to live.
In terms of my MA there is a wide array of modules that are so different but at the same time overlap.
Overall, University of Sheffield is great as long as you know what you’re getting into.
When it comes to your course, it differs to your average university course. There’s many opportunities to study abroad, work experience and more through facilities in your own department or through the student union.
The student union has a tight knit and open community that allows you to explore more about yourself. The support you can receive from the university is very overwhelming.
Libraries have a range of facilities readily available – Video editing suits, study rooms, recording studios and being able to rent out materials such as cameras and recording equipment. Through the uni, you gain free access to programmes such as creative suite and more.
The issue is that sometimes there isn’t much space or accessibility can be difficult.
View moreI would recommend the University of Sheffield because the teaching system is quite solid. The modules provided are helping to immerse me in learning political communication from various international events. Except for the teaching structure in my programme, the university also provides a personal care system to students, including personal tutors and other physical health support.
View moreA good university, with a great campus, great facilities, students union with great food options for a variety of different diets.
A well-located university with good access to different university departments.
However, some departments area bit further away.The teaching facilities are good.
View moreThe University of Sheffield is really good at supporting its students. Whether they need help with their mental health or their uni work or day to day life. They have a team of genuine people who actually care about their students.
View moreMA Journalism at the University of Sheffield is ranked number one in the UK. I can access the most advanced educational resources to complete my research and practice in the field of journalism. Our staffs are media employees with multimedia experience. They come from authoritative media such as BBC and The Guardian. They give me a deep understanding of the media industry. My course is very comprehensive in covering what it takes to be a journalist, but it also gave us various ways to develop. The Journalism Department’s career guidance program is very comprehensive. They offer many one-on-one tutoring hours and are committed to getting all students employed after graduation. Our learning environment is perfect, and we can borrow the equipment needed in any form of media.
In addition, as for the dormitory, I live in a student apartment not far from the library, which has very secure access control, including all bills, and provides 24-hour reception service, which provides a lot of convenience for my life.
I would recommend the uni for its superior international experience and exposure to different cultures as well as the hands on learning opportunities. The university has a positive atmosphere and allows students the freedom to pursue hobbies and passions outside the course.
View moreI’m a first-year student. Sheffield’s quite different from where I’ve lived my life, which is why I enjoy it a lot. It’s a city, but it also doesn’t have the hustle-bustle of a big city. The university itself is well-located, I enjoy its integration in the city. The location is excellent, accommodation is nearby.
View moreI like my course and the friendliness of this uni. The lectures are useful and the seminars and workshops are practical, I get to learn the key skills needed for my career in the future. This uni embraces diversity and people here are friendly.
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