B.A. in Communication Studies (Bachelor Honours Degree) - DCU Prospectus
Prospective Students
B.A. in Communication Studies (Bachelor Honours Degree)
Fact File
B.A. in Communication Studies (Bachelor Honours Degree)
CAO Code: | DC131 |
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Points Last Year: | 435 |
Duration: | 3 yrs |
Type of degree: | Full-time |
Contact: | Dr Des McGuinness, des.mcguinness@dcu.ie Tel: +353 1 700 5369 Room: C131 |
Fee information | Indicative Timetable (Weeks 20-31) |
Programme Overview:
You’re probably an extrovert by nature, but not necessarily so. Undoubtedly you will have an interest in people, the arts or the media, and, if you’re creative, then that will help too as you will be able to imagine the impact of a particular communications strategy or event.
The degree calls for team work 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 and to help you to decide.
Programme Description:
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 helps 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 of communications 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.
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.
Programme 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 lives. To do this, the course is structured around four key elements: foundation modules, core modules, production modules and optional modules.
The foundation elements in Year 1 provide a basic grounding in the disciplines you will need for more advanced work in later years. Core modules in Years 2 and 3 give you an opportunity to acquire skills in research and written expression, together with a critical awareness of developments in the areas of Media and Cultural Studies. The production modules ensure that you develop skills in audio, video or imaging. With your optional modules you will develop expertise in a number of key areas which reflect your particular aptitudes and aspirations. Your dissertation in the final year is a major piece of original work in research or production.
View the subjects currently taught on this course (2009 - 2010)
Entry Requirements:
Leaving CertificateIn 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
FETAC LEVEL 5
Applicants must present any of the following awards with distinctions in any 5 modules associated with that award:
- EMPXX Media Prodcution
- EPJXX Print Journalism
- ERPXX Radio Production
- ETPFPX TV and Film Production
- EMMPX Multimedia Production
- EPAAX Performing Arts Prodcution
Transfer Applicants Applications are welcomed from students who have studied at Level 6 and Level 7 in relevant areas. Such transfer students may be exempt from certain modules.
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. For further information on international applications click here.
How to Apply and Closing Dates
EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5Apply 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
Apply directly to DCU by 15th February. Applications may also be taken up to the 1st July if places have not been allotted.
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
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.Additional Features:
Advanced Photography & Imaging
"Identity Self-Portraits" by Aideen Shannon
The work is an exploration of how identity is constructed socially rather than biologically and how visual media plays a key influential role in this development. The series of images act as a contemporary homage to Cindy Sherman’s pivotal "Untitled Film Stills" series. View project.
Advanced Photography & Imaging
"Interrogating the Flâneur: Visual Lyrics" by Daniel Caulfield-Sriklad
This series documents and performs the character of the flâneur. Vacating the streets of 19th century Paris and the confines of literary and theoretical analysis, he graces the twenty-first century with his presence and ‘mobile gaze’ in contemporary Dublin. View project.
Advanced Photography & Imaging
"Advertising Campaign for Citroen - Leave the Everyday Behind" by Keeto Peterseil
The campaign aims to create a new look for Citroen and place it as an inspirational brand. It suggests that once the consumer has entered the car space, he or she will be able to ‘Leave the Everyday Behind’. View project.
Magazine format Video: Children's Programme
"Kid's Patch"
This well-executed video project portray's a children's entertainment show. Launch video.
Photography & Imaging
"Self-Document" by James Foley
This series of photographs shows what is around me every single day - my adventure with photography and my battle with my creative consciousness. I am never in front of the lens and sometimes I feel trapped behind a viewfinder that will never or can never see my true self. View project.
Advanced Photography & Imaging
"The Lambing" by Tara Walsh
March is a magical time on my father’s farm. Spring begins and the lambing season brings new life and a stream of activity. The blood and the ooze and the gore. The farmer, the ewe and lambs. The movement and the stillness. It’s all over so quickly. March 2009, Donegal. View project.
Documentary
"Breaking the Cycle"
This documentary explores the role of education in combating poverty. Launch video.
What Our Graduates Say
“There is only one course in Ireland where you can write a film script, research the history of graffiti art, shoot in a professional photography studio, study the techniques of film noir, invade a campus armed with video cameras, and broadcast your own radio show live to nine thousand students, all at once. The BA in Communications Studies - there’s simply no other course like it!”
Riona Judge McCormack, BA in Communications Studies 2002-2005