Communication studies is a broad field of enquiry that investigates communication as a social activity. Communication studies draws on cultural and media studies but also other disciplines including sociology, politics, information technology, psychology, history and linguistics. Communication Studies may be studied as a major, joint or minor component of a Combined Honours Degree.
BA Hons Communication Studies enables students to explore the communications revolution and understand the new communications environment. Participating in this new environment increasingly requires creative and practical skills as well as analytical and theoretical abilities. This programme enables students to demonstrate that they have a combination of skills derived from the study of communication as theory, practice and technology
The degree brings together practice and theory across a broad field of communications research. On the practice side, the programme focuses on developing key skills in communications, media practice and research skills (academic and applied) for the global information age. On the theoretical side, it focuses on relationships between the organisation of communications and media industries and the study of public communication.
It also examines the implications of changes in communications systems and the institutional, economic, technological, political, social and other forces that influence communications. Located within the historical evolution of communication and media studies, the programme combines social science perspectives with cultural theories.
Distinctive attributes of the programme:
The programme integrates theory and practice of communications
It combines both specialised skills using communication technologies with broader vocational communication skills
It fosters critical understanding of the nature and significance of changes affecting public, mediated communications
It offers students a choice of creative and practice-based modules
It combines social science and cultural perspectives and draws on new approaches to studying communication.
It has a strong international and comparative media focus
The degree is designed to offer a range of attractive and valuable combinations with other programmes
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 160 UCAS tariff points from:
A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level 1 may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 40 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.
Overseas Qualifications
The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required. For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk