Bachelor's Programme in Social Change and Communication

Study programme code BACSAMKOM

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Higher Education Entrance Qualification

General description and profile of the programme

The Bachelor´s Degree Programme in Social Change and Communication imparts students with fundamental insight into how social scientific knowledge may be actively used in communication processes contributing to societal change, of which globalization is a general theme.

The study program qualifies graduates for careers in the fields of information and communication, communication strategies and public affairs, or public planning.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the study program, students will be able to contribute actively to social change through participating in planning and communication activities. An overall theme is to be able to work with local challenges connected with globalization.

Upon graduation, students will be able to participate in an organization in the following areas:

• Formation of media and communication strategies
• Profiling organisazations
• Development of information material
• Mobilization of various interest groups
• Participation in public planning
• Obtaining involvement of volunteer organizations in public planning
• Promotion of organizational messages
• Obtaining participation of various interest groups and formation of user surveys

Expertise areas comprised of students´ abilities to analyse and appraise the following:

• Patterns of migration and cultural diversification
• Environmental challenges and localization problems
• Political institutions
• International relations
• Global patterns for distribution of wealth
• Historical processes behind conflicts

Teaching methods The objective regarding having a variety of instructional and assessment forms is that students will experience various ways of acquiring knowledge and imparting it to others. Examples of instructional forms are: lectures, group work, seminars and guidance of semester assignments.

Assessment methods

Assessment forms include oral presentations, essay writing, project assignments and at-school examinations.

Student exchange Students can choose to go on exchange as an elective during the third academic year. Please contact the student advisor.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

Successful completion of the study program qualifies graduates for careers within the following areas:

• Information and communication
• Communication strategies and public contact
• Opinion creation and mobilization
• Public planning and participation

Such positions are normally connected with an organization´s public relations department. Volunteer organizations and public agencies are the most relevant places of employment, but private sector organizations are also a possible alternative.

Successful completion of the study programme qualifies graduates for admission to the following master programmes; Master in Communication, Master in Public Policy and Administration and Master in Development Management (see further details below).

The Bachelor´s programe is also suitable as a basis for instructing at the upper secondary school level. By combining the programme with practical-pedagogical education (PPU), students will have fulfilled the requirements for applying for teaching positions in the upper secondary school. Completing the Master´s programme and PPU will qualify graduates for lecturer positions in the upper secondary school.

Other information

The language of instruction is primarily Norwegian, although certain courses during the second and third academic years may be taught in English.

Contact person Hans Kjetil Lysgård