Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in Communication Studies (2023–2026)

Knowledge

On successful completion of the course, students should

• have knowledge of how texts and media can be used in different communication processes
• be familiar with relevant and current R&D activity within the subject area
• be able to compare relevant communication situations and events

Skills

On successful completion of the course, students should

• be able to demonstrate critical and creative judgement related to their own and others' communicative processes
• be able to carry out communication projects from idea to finished product within a variety of media
• be able to assess communication strategies in a variety of contexts and genres
• be able to plan and carry out a minor R&D project

General competences

On successful completion of the course, students should

• be able to discuss with colleagues the importance of linguistics, media and social conditions for achieving successful communication
• have insight into media's role in society and culture
• be able to work with ethical problems concerning information and communication, both related to individuals and professional situations
• be familiar with new thinking and innovation within the field of communication

Students will also acquire knowledge, skills and general competencies related to their chosen minor subject.

The programme gives an introduction to the most central issues of communication, media and text in a humanistic perspective. The programme will develop both theoretical, analytical and practical competence. Students study texts in a broad sense, within different genres and media, and are trained to become conscious producers of text and information. Students work with both analytic and practical forms of expression within web-based, audiovisual and print media.

The correlation between verbal and visual communication is studied in this programme, and knowledge of textual genres is discussed in connection with knowledge regarding how the media uses technology. The objective is that students will acquire knowledge of the relationship between expression, content and medium, and thus be capable of critically and reflectively carrying out a communication process from the concept stage to a finished media product. The study programme will also provide students with an introduction to relevant research and development work being undertaken in this area.

There are two programme options:

• Communication and Media
• Media Production

The programme option Communication and Media has a more theoretical approach whereas the programme option Media Production gives more space for practical work, especially within video production.

The programme is a bachelor programme with a major subject. The major subject includes 90 ECTS credits. 30 ECTS credits are supplementary courses (level 2).

The following courses are compulsory for all students:

• KOM109 Digital Presentation
• KOM205 Journalism and press-related PR
• KOM206 Strategic Communications
• KOM209 Introduction to Media and Communication Research Methods
• KOM208 Bachelor's Thesis

The following courses are a part of the programme option in Communication and Media:

• KOM111 Media and Society
  KOM112 Interpersonal Communication

The following courses are a part of the programme option in Media Production:

• KOM110 Sound and Video
  KOM113 TV Production

Within the elective component, the 3rd year, of the study programme, students may choose between several subjects such as languages, literature, social studies, fine arts, management and ICT. Choose either a one-year study programme (60 ECTS credits), two minor subject components/electives (30 ECTS credits each) or one 30 ECTS credits component and 30 ECTS credits of freely chosen courses. International exchange is a good alternative to the minor, either one semester or two semesters

Media and communication competence is decisive for success in reaching the UN’s sustainable development goals which are “the world’s common work plan to exterminate poverty, fight inequality, and end climate change within 2030”. Consequently, most of the courses in the programme will promote competencies relevant for sustainable development goals, both through theoretical and practical approaches to media and communication.

The programme introduces global perspectives through lectures, assignments, literature and guest lecturers. The language of instruction is Norwegian.

Student exchange: International exchange is a good alternative to the minor, either one semester or two semesters. An exchange period abroad is relevant for the communication programme as it will present new perspectives on and experiences with communication internationally. The international office prepares for student exchange through mobility programmes like Erasmus+ and Nordplus, and through UiA’s programme for student exchange. Check our website: https://www.uia.no/en/student/go-on-exchange

The programme prepares students for working in different professions where communication through different media occurs, eg. public and private communication operations, communication consultancy, PR, promotion, journalism and other professions related to media, as well as teaching.

The programme qualifies graduates for admission to a number of Master's degree programmes, depending on the choice of courses and specific admission requirements. The University of Agder offers a Master's Programme in Social Communication.