BA (Hons) International Communications Studies
Course outline
This interdisciplinary degree programme aims to develop a soundly based understanding of the various factors which influence the way communications now take place in an increasingly interconnected world at the same time as giving an insight into the skills and knowledge required by the contemporary international communications industries. As such, the programme provides students with an opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, including contemporary mass media, journalism, new digital communications, the history of European and American societies, communications theory, the psychology of communications, arts and communications and cultural studies. In addition, the study of a European language (French, Spanish or German) or Japanese from beginners' to advanced level will form a core element in years 2 to 4. Students will also have an opportunity to enrich their studies by taking modules offered by International Studies and International Business.
Case study
» View a case study relating to this course|
Course structure
In order to graduate with a degree in International Communications Studies, students must obtain a minimum of 260 credits in modules offered by the BA in International Communications Studies with additional credits obtained through optional modules offered by other BA programmes based in Ningbo.
Year 1 (Preliminary Year)
The first year comprises a special programme of English for Academic Purposes designed by staff from the highly experienced Centre of English Language Learning (CELE) at the University of Nottingham. This is carefully integrated with the content programmes offered by each academic division so as to prepare students fully for years 2-4 of the degree. Three of the content modules on year 1 are specifically related top the study of communications: British Media and Culture; British Film and Society; and Inter-Cultural Communications.
-Please click Preliminary Year or more detials.
Year 2 (Qualifying Year)
In this first year of specialist study there are core modules covering communications theory; the psychology of communications; communications and society; cultural studies; Eastern and Western European societies; film cultures and narratives as well as arts and communications. These ten-credit modules are structured around a student-centred learning approach to learning with extensive reading set alongside practical exercises intended to familiarize students with contemporary communications theory and practice. These modules will also give you an opportunity to practice the study skills needed for more independent research later on in your degree. You will also begin your language studies (Spanish, French, German or Japanese), which are designed to foster the multi-lingual communication skills needed to be successful in the international arena today.
Year 3 (Part I)
During this year, you will build on the skills and knowledge you have acquired so far by applying them to a more in-depth study of issues relating to contemporary international communications. Topics include globalization, new communications technologies and the news media. You will also continue your language studies at a second higher level in (Spanish, French, German or Japanese).
- Please click Exchange and Study Abroad Programme| for more details.
Year 4 (Part II)
Besides taught modules the focus of your study in this final year is an individual dissertation project. This is on a topic of your own choice and consists of guided research spread over the whole academic year. You will also complete your language training with a third more advanced level in (Spanish, French, German or Japanese).
Modules
Year 2 Semester 1
|
Code
|
Title
|
Credits
|
|
CS1911
|
Communication and Technology
|
20
|
|
CS1901
|
Media and Society
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Languages for Beginners 1a (French, German, Spanish or Japanese)
|
20
|
Year 2 Semester 2
|
Code
|
Title
|
Credits
|
|
CS1902
|
Communication and Culture
|
20
|
|
CS1912
|
Cultures of Everyday Life
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Languages for Beginners 1b (French, German, Spanish or Japanese)
|
20
|
Year 3 Semester 1
|
Code
|
Title
|
Credits
|
|
CS2911
|
Researching Communications 1
|
10
|
|
N/A
|
Language Intermediate 2a (20 credits, as per choice in qualifying year)
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Optional modules
|
30
|
Year 3 Semester 2
|
Code
|
Title
|
Credits
|
|
CS2912
|
Researching Communications 2
|
10
|
|
N/A
|
Language Intermediate 2b (20 credits, as per choice in qualifying year)
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Optional Modules
|
30
|
Year 4 Semester 1
|
Code
|
Title
|
Credits
|
|
CS3411
|
BA International Communications Dissertation: Part 1
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Language Advanced 3a (as per choice in Qualifying Year)
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Optional Modules
|
20
|
Year 4 Semester 2
|
Code
|
Title
|
Credits
|
|
CS3412
|
BA International Communications Dissertation: Part 2
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Language Advanced 3b (as per choice in Qualifying Year)
|
20
|
|
N/A
|
Optional Modules
|
20
|
Detailed Module Information: Online Module Catalogue|. Please search by Module name or Module code. For further information, Please contact the Head of the Division of International Communications, Adrian Hadland, via email: Adrian.hadland@nottingham.edu.cn|