Program Overview

Communication Studies

Overview

The BA in Communication Studies is a three-year degree that explores the world of communications and develops hands-on media production skills. This course will appeal to you if you are curious and have a strong interest in people, society, and the media. Communication is fundamental to every organisation and sector, and this degree equips you with vital skills in critical and analytical thinking and teaches how to communicate across all forms of media.

Why DCU

• New state of the art media production facilities
• DCU is ranked no.1 in Ireland for Communications and Media Studies
• Learn from leading experts with professional experience in the communications and media industry
• The BA in Communications Studies at DCU is the longest running undergraduate degree of its type

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The BA in Communication Studies will give you a great grounding in communication that will stand you in good stead in many careers, giving you a chance to explore the production side of media and the ability to specialise as you progress in your degree.

Career Areas:

• Media and independent companies
• In-house communications
• Journalism
• Film-making/TV programming
• Public Service
• Marketing/Advertising agency
• Event management
• PR / Public Affairs agency
• Publishing
• Academia
• Research

Career Prospects:

• In-House Communications Specialist
• Communications Consultant
• Journalist
• Content Marketer
• Digital Media Specialist
• TV/Radio Producer
• Programme Researcher
• Event Manager
• Public Relations Consultant
• Internal Communications Specialist
• Copywriter
• Academic

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Cert: Minimum of H4 in English
• GCE A Level: GCE A-Level C English
• FET Level 5: Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU
• Mature Applicants: Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for, academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study, and an ability to engage and succeed on the programme
• Advanced Entry: Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU
• International Applications: International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language

Course Structure

• Year 1:
  • Introduction to Communication Studies
  • Introduction to Social Studies
  • Critical Thinking and Independent Learning
  • Analysing Visual Media Texts
  • Cultural Studies
  • History and Structure of the Media
  • Psychology, Media and Creativity
  • Digital Media Production Skills
• Year 2:
  • Audio Production
  • Photography and Imaging
  • Media Audiences
  • Media Writing and Expression
  • Media and Power
  • Analysing Advertising
  • Crime, Policing and the Media
  • Film History and Theory
  • Theorising Social Media and Everyday Life
  • Sport, Media and Society
  • The Music Industries: Institutions, Technologies and Users
  • Social Class and the Media Perspectives on the Networked Society
  • Women, Feminism and the Creative and Cultural Industries
• Year 3:
  • Applying Communication Theory
  • Video Production
  • Communication, Presentation and Performance
  • Press and Public Relations
  • Media Law
  • Television Drama
  • Dissertation
  • Communication, Media and Cultural Diversity
  • Science, Technology and Society
  • Media, Religion and Society
  • Uaneen Module (Extra-Curricular Activities)
  • Communication, Culture and the Environment

Fees and Funding

• Full time:
  • Student Contribution: €3,043 per annum
  • EU Status Fee: €6,679 per annum
  • Non EU Fee: €16,400 per annum

How To Apply

• Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK): Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
• Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU: Candidates should apply directly to DCU
• Mature Applicants: All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February
• Advanced Entry: Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 5th November to 1st July

Life On Campus

• Clubs & Societies: DCU has over 140 clubs and societies for students
• Student newspaper: The award-winning campus student newspaper, radio and TV stations compliment the skills taught within the programme and offer hands-on, creative outlets for students to apply what they have learned in their lectures
• Media Production Society: The Media Production Society (MPS) has established itself as a cornerstone of DCU society life; operating as a creative and social outlet to a broad variety of students within the university
• Accommodation: DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Student Supports: DCU has a number of academic, professional and social supports for students, including the Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre, The Writing Centre, Maths Learning Centre, and Student Learning

FAQs

• Is DCU all one campus?
  • No, DCU is a multi-campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
  • Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
  • Yes, we have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers
• Does DCU provide accommodation?
  • Yes, DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students