Communication Studies
Understand the role communications play in our everyday lives, and their influence on people and society through the arts and media. You'll explore the subject through theory and practice and working both creatively and analytically.
The course will give you a thorough understanding of the role communications play in local, national and international settings by teaching you how to think critically about communication in its various forms. It will also introduce you to the varied careers available to graduates and help you decide which interests you most.
The programme includes foundation, core, production and optional modules in performance, audio, imaging and video.
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.
The Communications Studies course is structured around four key elements: foundation modules, core modules, production modules and optional modules.
The foundation modules in Year One provide a basic grounding in the disciplines you’ll need for more advanced work in later years.
Core modules in Years Two and Three help you develop 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 and communication/presentation skills.
With your optional modules, you’ll develop expertise in a number of key areas that reflect your particular aptitudes and aspirations. The optional (non-production) Research Project in the final year is a piece of original academic work.
View the current course structure
We have a unique and vibrant culture on our modern campus close to Dublin city centre. We provide state-of-the-art study facilities for all our courses and everything else you need for a healthy, fun and active student life.
Exceptional Facilities
DCU students enjoy exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our 3 academic campuses. These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and sound studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced laboratories in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and a virtual hospital ward.
A Vibrant, Dynamic Social Environment
Student facilities include a superb sports complex with a 25 metre pool, two libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre. In 2016 we announced plans to invest over €230m in developing new, world-class facilities across our three academic campuses. Already building has begun on an exciting, new €14m Student Centre that will be home to the more than one hundred and twenty student clubs and societies. This commitment to student facilities means that our world-class learning experiences are complemented by a vibrant, dynamic social environment.
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.
DCU student David Atkinson talks about his experience in the Communication Studies undergrad course.
Communications professionals are needed in just about every industry. A Communications graduate can avail of opportunities in a range of sectors in the private, public and not for profit sectors.
Through your Communications Studies degree here in DCU, you will gain strong skills in critical and analytical thinking, the ability to question and understand our societies through media and culture, as well as how to communicate across all forms of media.
This course 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.
Good communications are also essential to leadership positions in any business or sector. The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study.
Career Areas:
- In-House Communications
- Communications Consultancy
- Journalism
- Film-making/TV programming
- Media and Independent Production Companies
- Public Service
- Digital Media Marketing/Advertising
- Event Management
- Public Relations Internal Communications
- Publishing
- NGOs
Requirements
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.
For details of QQI requirements and relevant codes please click here. Simply enter the DC code for the programme you are interested in or if you are not sure of the code enter DC in the Select by Institution option, then click on Go.
Applications are welcomed from students who have studied at Level 6, Level 7 and Level 8 in relevant areas. Please apply directly to DCU using the R10 form. Closing date for applications 1st July.
Such 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.