University of California Los Angeles - UCLA
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.
5 Student Reviews
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Communication11 months ago
StudentUSQuality educationOver here at this university, the quality of education is great, the teaching and learning process is wonderful, ranging from conducive classrooms, to great laboratories and library services, the school is great
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Los Angeles, California -
Communication12 months ago StudentUSAtmosphere
The Atmosphere at UCLA is incredible. I absolutely love being on campus and interacting with all my classmates and professors. My classes are for the most part engaging and well thought out. The location is also a plus as it is in a beautiful part of LA. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone thinking about applying!
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Los Angeles, California -
Communication06 Oct, 2022
DanielUSUCLA Sculpture GardenLove this campus and its architecture. Interesting place! It’s full of rowdy students, myself included, and the staff is great. The Murphy Sculpture Garden is part of UCLA and contains dozens of beautiful sculptures, such as Augustin Rodin’s Man in Motion. Famous Royce Hall and Powell Library are just steps away from Jones. Some art and architecture, indeed!
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2024Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Los Angeles, California -
Communication30 Sep, 2022 FidelioStudents life
UCLA is a great place to meet people. Because everyone here is so friendly and there are always social gatherings you can attend to connect with the locals. It was a respected institution and I never got bored with the course.I used to live in the Westwood area. It’s a great city for students. The UCLA campus is also very fulfilling. The beaches of Santa Monica and Venice offer a wide range of shopping and leisure activities.
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2018Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Los Angeles, California -
Communication06 Jul, 2020RynaThe campus, diversity of students and quality of education
UCLA has been the best experience of my life so far. It has a beautiful campus set in the heart of the city of Los Angeles, yet still gives students a feel of campus life. There are over a 1000 student-run organisations on campus, so everyone can find a community and a sense of belonging within such a large university. You are also surrounded by driven students and are forced to challenge yourself academically while receiving quality education from very renowned professors. The school spirit within the Bruin community from attending football games to being proud of the amazing innovation at UCLA is truly special.
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2021Campus: Los Angeles, California
