Understanding the Course:

People, Society, Media - it's a world of communications.

Understanding Communications

Think of the many ways in which we communicate: we communicate with each other (inter-personal communication); companies and public bodies use communications to operate effectively (organisational communication); and then there's the media, which help us to understand so much of what goes on around us.

The BA in Communication Studies will give you a thorough understanding of the role communications play in local, national and international settings by developing your creative, analytical and problem-solving skills. It will also equip you to gather, evaluate and use information through various media.

The BA in Communications Studies will now contain an additional fourth strand in Years Two and Three. These modules are: Introduction to Performance, Puppetry and Communication, Rhetoric and Persuasion, and The Human Voice.

If you are coming to us as a mature student, you will have an interest in communications and the sort of life experience that will enable you to contribute as much to the course as you will get from it.

About You:

You're probably an extrovert by nature, but not necessarily so. Undoubtedly you will have an interest in people, the arts or the media. If you're creative, that will help too, as you will be able to imagine the impact of a particular communications strategy or event.

The degree calls for the ability to work as a member of a team as well as the motivation and self-confidence to work alone. At this stage, you may not know what career interests you most and Communication Studies is designed to show you the world of communications to help you decide.

Why should I choose DCU?

The BA in Communications Studies is a tested way of exploring the world of communication while also learning the basics of media production. As the longest running undergraduate course of its type it offers you a combination of academic and media production and performance modules, informed by a theoretical understanding of communication, media and society.

Course Structure:

The purpose of the course is to help you understand contemporary communication theory and practice. In other words, how communication works and how it affects your daily life. The course is structured around four key elements: foundation modules, core modules, production modules and optional modules.

The foundation elements in Year One provide a basic grounding in the disciplines you will need for more advanced work in later years. Core modules in Years Two and Three give you an opportunity to acquire skills in research and written expression, together with a critical awareness of developments in the areas of communication, media and cultural studies.

The production modules ensure that you develop skills in audio, video, imaging or performance (you will specialise in one of these four strands only). The new performance strand focuses on the part played by human performance in effective communication, providing students with an appreciation of the skills needed to create, analyse and direct performances of their own or of others. With your optional modules, you will develop expertise in a number of key areas that reflect your particular aptitudes and aspirations. The Research Project in the final year is a piece of original academic work.

The Programme Chair for Communications Studies is Dr Mark O'Brien
The student advisor for all years of the Communications Studies programme is Dr. Des McGuinness.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Why DCU?

• Explore the world of communication while also learning the basics of media production.
• Benefit from a performance strand which runs parallel to the existing production modules in audio, imaging and video.
• Become a part of the longest running undergraduate degree of its type in Ireland, with a reputation for academic and creative excellence.
• Learn from teaching staff who possess a broad range of professional experiences developed within the fields of electronic and print media as well as academic research and teaching.
• Gain employment in key positions in private and public communication institutions, both in Ireland and abroad.

What Our Graduates Say

"After completing the BA in Communication Studies, I realise that I have learned so many things. Besides my own academic and technical achievements, I have also realised many of my personal goals and aspirations. I have changed throughout the three years and have grown as a person. This is not an exaggeration! If you would like to do a course where you can bring your own life experience to the table and learn from an amazing group of students and teachers alike, this is for you. This course was everything I was hoping for and so much more!" Mark Devine, Mature Student, BA in Communication Studies 2011

"There is one course in Ireland that offers not just an academic education, but also professional and personal growth. From developing your own photos to scriptwriting, performing, public relations and current affairs, there is something for everyone. Your talent is there to be used, so explore your imagination, originality and creativity with the BA in Communications. Nobody has ever regretted taking this course." Jackie Fox, BA in Communication Studies 2011

Career Prospects:

There are many exciting employment opportunities in the public and private sectors. These include work in media and independent production companies, advertising, public relations, market research, publishing, event management, arts administration, government services and local administration, as well as academic research or further study.

Future Careers

• Media producer
• Advertising executive
• Public Relations manager
• Event manager
• Research consultant

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

HC3 English

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level C English

• EMPXX Media Prodcution
• EPJXX Print Journalism
• ERPXX Radio Production
• ETPFPX TV and Film Production
• EMMPX Multimedia Production
• EPAAX Performing Arts Prodcution

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) www.cao.ie by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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