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 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

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 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
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.

See what past graduates did

Additional Features:

 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

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