BA in Mass Communications

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Mass Communications program at Edinburgh Napier University equips students with a comprehensive understanding of communication disciplines through a curriculum covering advertising, public relations, branding, and employee communication. Students develop skills in digital content creation, web presence building, and personal branding through diverse assessment methods and engaging teaching styles. The program prepares graduates for careers in the dynamic communication industry, including roles in advertising, public relations, digital content creation, and social media management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Mass Communications degree at Edinburgh Napier University is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of professional communication disciplines and prepare them for a career in the dynamic communication marketplace. The program covers a range of disciplines including Advertising, Public Relations, Branding & Brand Communications, and Employee & Organisational Communication. Students will learn about the basic functions and purpose of these disciplines and how they work together strategically. The program also examines various communication channels, platforms, and methods used in mass communications through analysis and practical work. Students will develop skills in producing digital communication content, establishing a web presence, and building a personal brand.

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: Written assignments that demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Research Portfolios: Collections of research work showcasing the student's research abilities and findings.
• Learning Logs: Reflective journals documenting the student's learning journey and progress.
• Exams: Written assessments testing the student's knowledge and understanding of course material.
• Research Projects: In-depth investigations that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and meet professional standards.

Teaching:

Students will participate in a variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Formal presentations delivered by faculty members to convey key concepts and theories.
• Tutorials: Smaller group sessions led by faculty members or teaching assistants to provide more focused guidance and support.
• Teamwork: Collaborative projects that encourage students to work together, develop teamwork skills, and learn from each other.
• Class Discussions: Interactive sessions where students engage in critical thinking and debate about course topics.
• One-to-One Supervision: Individual meetings with faculty members to provide personalized feedback and guidance.
• Independent Study: Self-directed learning activities that allow students to explore topics in greater depth.
• Practical Projects: Hands-on assignments that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Workshops: Interactive sessions led by experts in specific areas to provide practical skills training.

Careers:

The Mass Communications degree prepares students for a variety of career paths in the communication industry, including:

• Advertising: Working in agencies or in-house departments to develop and execute advertising campaigns.
• Public Relations: Managing relationships with the media and public to build and maintain a positive image for organizations.
• Branding & Brand Communications: Developing and managing brand identities and strategies to create a strong brand presence.
• Employee & Organisational Communication: Communicating effectively with employees and stakeholders to build a strong internal and external culture.
• Digital Content Creation: Producing engaging and effective content for various digital platforms.
• Social Media Management: Managing social media accounts and strategies to build online communities and engage audiences.
• Marketing and Communications: Developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies to promote products and services.

Other:

• The program is recognized by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).
• Edinburgh Napier University is a top 2 UK modern university for Communication and Media studies (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).
• Students may incur additional costs during their education at the University over and above tuition fees in an academic year such as laptops, stationary and additional resources.