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DC131

Communication Studies

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC131
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
400
Duration:
3 yr
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 8355

Overview

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If you’re interested in communications and media, then DCU is THE place for you! Through the BA in Communications Studies degree here in DCU, you can explore the world of communications while also learning essential basics of media production. This three-year degree 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. 

Mix of theory and practice

The course is a mix of theory and practice - it combines an understanding of communication, media and society with best practice in media production. You’ll learn about different types of communication ranging from organisational communication to public relations, advertising and information campaigns. You’ll also learn about the role of media and social media, at home and abroad, as well as gaining hands-on experience in the creative and production side with practical classes in video production, photography and imaging, digital media production and audio production.

Follow your passion

As well as taking core foundational and production modules, you can choose from a selection of optional modules in your degree. This allows you to follow your passion and develop expertise in a number of key areas that reflect your aptitudes. Optional modules on offer include Crime, Policing and the Media; Television Drama; Media Law and Press and Public Relations.

Teamwork and self-motivation

The degree calls for the ability to both work as a member of a team and have the self-motivation to work alone. So if you’re flexible and multi-skilled, this course will be right up your street!

DCU People

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Enda Lynch
Alumni

DCU alumnus Enda Lynch is the Marketing and Sponsorship Manager with Munster Rugby and here is what he has to say about DCU’s BA in Communication studies:


Read more about Enda Lynch
Profile image of Sinead Mooney
Sinead Mooney
Student

"I chose Communication Studies because I knew I had a broad range of interest in all things media."


Read more about Sinead Mooney
Profile picture of Roderick Flynn
Roderick Flynn
Staff

Hi I’m Roderick Flynn and I’m the Programme Chair of the BA in Communication Studies. Thinking back to my own beginnings, I was a so-so student until I discovered media and communications.


Read more about Roderick Flynn

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

If you’re not sure of the career direction you wish to pursue, that’s okay! 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.  

This course will help you become an excellent communicator and develop your creative, analytical and problem solving skills, all of which are highly transferable across any industry.

The degree offers great flexibility for your future career that will allow you to work and live anywhere, move between sectors and follow your passion whether that's in a creative role, involvement in a political campaign or fundraising for a not for profit organisation; among many other jobs and careers. This degree also provides a strong foundation for further study.

 

  • 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
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

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

 

Entry Requirements

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

Minimum of H4 in English.

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

GCE A-Level C English.

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

 

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

 

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

 

 

Applications are welcomed from students who have studied at Level 6, Level 7 and Level 8 in relevant areas. Transfer students may be exempt from certain modules. 

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. For further information on international applications click here.

Course Structure

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In the first year of this degree, we’ll teach you the basics of communication studies and introduce you to topics such as the History and Structure of the Media; Psychology, Media and Creativity; and Digital Media Production Skills, to name a few. In Years Two and Three, we’ll help you develop a critical awareness of developments in the areas of communication, media and cultural studies. Throughout the degree you’ll also take production modules to ensure that you develop skills in audio, video, imaging and communication/presentation skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a selection of optional modules and develop expertise in those areas. In your final year, you’ll complete a written dissertation - this is your final project that showcases all you’ve learned and the skills you have acquired over the course of your studies.

What Will I Study?

While content of the course may change over time, these modules are indicative of what you will be studying in each year. 

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

For more information on the course structure click here

Fees and Funding

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Fees

Student Contribution
€3,043 per annum
EU Status Fee
€6,679 per annum
Non EU Fee
€16,000 per annum

How To Apply

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Applicants presenting EU School Leaving/FETAC Level 5 examinations: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May.

To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide 

  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here.

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 6th November to 1st July.

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie

Life On Campus

Life on Campus

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

Since its foundation in 1985, 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. It gives members a chance to gain practical experience in their chosen field of media and collaborate with other, like-minded creatives on the society’s blog, on DCUtv and DCUfm. 

 

DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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