Communication studies is a study of how we communicate differently to various audiences/users and communities. It understands that communication is social, political, and media-based, and occurs in different contexts. Communication studies is an interdisciplinary major that consists of a number of interrelated subfields: popular communication, science communication, health communication, political communication (including the study of news and journalism), and philosophy of communication. Each subfield explains specific communication problems, but they are linked by a shared set of overlapping academic debates. These debates include: qualitative and quantitative methods (including the effects tradition and audience studies), critical theory, cultural studies, textual analysis, history, creative industries, and media theory (media ecologies and medium theory).
We thus aim:
- to introduce students to as many of the subfields as possible to explore how communication is shaped by and shapes society;
- for students to develop research skills and an overview of key theoretical and methodological debates on historical and contemporary communication practices and technologies;
- for students to develop a working knowledge of the globalised and digitised dynamics of contemporary communication;
- for students to develop a critical understanding of communication technologies and associated practices as key sites for the operation of capitalism and public policy, the mediation of everyday life, the governance of populations, and the production of cultural identity.
What is a BA? General info for new students.
Papers cover topics in:
- Media and intercultural communication
- Digital media and society
- Communication and the city
- Culture, politics, policy and global media
- Strategic communication
- Writing for the media
- Theory and history of communication studies
- Communication research methods
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Communication Studies
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | MFCO 102 Media, Power, Society | 18 |
| MFCO 103 Introduction to Communication Studies | 18 | |
| 200-level | MFCO 202 Theory of Communication Studies | 18 |
Two further papers from 200-level MFCO papers One of ANTH 210, ASIA 201, or GEND 205 may be substituted for one 200-level MFCO paper | 36 | |
| 300-level | MFCO 303 Critical Problems in Communication Studies | 18 |
Three further papers from 300-level MFCO papers One of ANTH 312, ASIA 311, GEND 305, or POLS 315 may be substituted for one 300-level MFCO paper | 54 | |
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. | 198 |
| Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | ||
| Total | 360 |
Graduates work in:
- Journalism
- Teaching
- Advertising
- Government institutions
- Film and television
- Administration
- Policy analysis
- Personnel management
- Social work
- Tourism
- Postgraduate studies