Program Overview
Edinburgh Napier University's four-year Mass Communications BA (Hons) program equips students with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills for careers in various communication fields, including mass communications, advertising, public relations, and journalism. The program offers three specialized degree strands, including Mass Communications, Advertising & Public Relations, and Mass Communications & Media. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, Live Projects with external organizations, and optional study abroad and placement opportunities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Mass Communications BA (Hons) program at Edinburgh Napier University is a four-year, full-time degree designed to prepare students for careers in various communication fields, including mass communications, advertising, public relations, marketing, journalism, media, and digital communication. The program is professionally recognized by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Develop transferable skills for graduate employment, including critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-based learning, and communication skills.
- Prepare students for postgraduate study or employment in mass communications and the professional and creative communication industries.
- Enhance personal and professional growth and develop interpersonal and networking skills.
Outline:
The program is structured into three degree routes, all sharing the same structure in the first two years. Students choose one of the three degree strands in the third year, allowing for specialization. The three degree strands are:
- Mass Communications: This strand provides a broad foundation in communication theory and practice, covering areas such as media, advertising, public relations, and digital communication.
- Mass Communications, Advertising & Public Relations: This strand focuses on the principles and practices of advertising and public relations, equipping students with the skills to develop effective communication campaigns.
- Mass Communications & Media: This strand explores the role of media in society, examining different media platforms, production techniques, and the impact of media on culture and society.
Course Schedule:
The program is delivered over four years, with students taking a variety of modules each year. Some popular modules include:
Year 1:
- Communication and Practice
- Global Current Affairs
- Being Digital
Year 2:
- Popular Culture
- Social Media and Analytics Project
- Being Digital
Year 3:
- Information, Communication, and Society
- Mass Communications Research Methods
- Branding
Year 4:
- Dissertation
- International & Intercultural Communication
- Mass Communications Major Project
Assessment:
Assessments are designed to reflect the academic and/or professional focus of each module. Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Essays
- Research portfolios
- Learning logs
- Individual and team presentations
- Exams
- Research projects
Teaching:
Students will participate in a variety of learning and teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Team work
- Class discussions
- One-to-one supervision
- Independent study
- Practical projects
- Workshops
Faculty:
Gary Lunt is the Programme Leader for all three degree routes. He has been a tutor at Edinburgh Napier for 20 years and a Programme Leader for 10 years. He has a specific interest in branding and brand management, corporate communication, international and intercultural communication, and communication theory.
Careers:
Graduates of the Mass Communications BA (Hons) program are well-prepared for a range of careers in the communication industry, including:
- Creative industries
- Advertising
- Corporate communications
- Marketing communications
- Public relations
- Public affairs
- Corporate & news media
- Journalism
- Branding
- Brand and reputation management
- Internal and employee communication
Other:
- The program offers an optional placement module in the third year of the Mass Communications, Advertising & Public Relations program.
- There are Live Projects in several third and fourth-year modules across all three degree routes, where small student teams work with external organizations.
- Students have the opportunity to study abroad for the second trimester of the second year.
Students from 2024/25 2025/26 Scotland £1,820 £tba England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £tba Overseas and EU £16,680 £tba Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here. Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
