Communications students

goodgodholmes

Does anyone know when the module results come out for Communications? I've no exams so I'm being marked on assignments alone this semester. Does anyone know around when these results come out?

Shadowless

Same time as everyone elses ya lazy shower of arty fecks.
Around week 2 of semester 2.
*Grumble Grumble Bloody Exams*

goodgodholmes

you wouldnt be calling us lazy if you could see the great tower of 3000 word essays we've crawled through... i'd prefer exams!

thanks for the info! that's sooner than i thought... eurgh.

gluck!

torregolf

Hello all, would really like to know a little about the Comm course; is it interesting/boring, what parts of it are good, also, final year students, have you jobs in the pipeline? What's the work experience like, do you find your own or does DCU help. Is it very academic?

thanks a mill

Mary

Mad_Max

I don't do the course myself but just thought id give you some reading material for prospective students if you dont have it already.

http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=CS&mode=full

Hope its some help

torregolf

Thanks for that, I have looked at the prospectus, but as you know, sometimes the realities of the course can be different to that described - so would like to hear from some present students - yes, I was at open day, but to be honest, we didn't find it very helpful!

goodgodholmes

Hello, Mary! I'm a first year Communications student and I honestly could not love the course more. It's the only course (that I know of, of the ones my friends are doing) in DCU that has had no dropouts this year in first year. There are some topics we cover in the first semester that didn't really interest me, (e.g. Sociology), but I would honestly say that if your daughter is in any way inclined towards the media, this is the course for her. Most of the acamdemic stuff is in first year, but a lot of it is quite interesting (for example, Psychology) Second and Third years have a lot more practical work. There's a few people in my class who had it as their second or third choice on their CAO, and they all say they're glad they didn't get their other courses, because they love this course so much.

Different people like different aspects of the course, I have found. Some love Psychology, my favourites are Media Practice and Media Tech. The modules change every semester though.

I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in the media. So far, I have found the course to be just as I expected, maybe a little more theory than I would have liked but apparently that's only in first year. The prospectus has been pretty accurate I have found! Aside from the course, DCU is a great college to go to, lovely people and a great atmosphere. The lecturers are really helpful when it come to first year students as well.

So to sum up... from a first year's perspective, I'd say pick Communications!

torregolf

Thank you very much for the reply - this has been really helpful - hopefully the points don't go up too much - best of luck with the rest of the year

jdivision

Some of my mates did CS and since graduating around seven years ago are now involved in:
PR
Marketing
TV presenting
Research
Journalism
Librarian
Advertising
Producing
Teaching (a lot ended up doing primary school teaching)

torregolf

How does this degree compare with others in status - ie are your friends in 'well paid' jobs

jdivision

What's well paid? Everything's relative. Most of them would have postgraduate courses of one sort or another

GavMan

goodgodholmes wrote: »

you wouldnt be calling us lazy if you could see the great tower of 3000 word essays we've crawled through... i'd prefer exams!

CAIS4 had about 10000 words of essays this semester, on top of other assignments, FYP proposals, FYP Functional specs and exam

goodgodholmes

GavMan wrote: »

CAIS4 had about 10000 words of essays this semester, on top of other assignments, FYP proposals, FYP Functional specs and exam

It's not a competition just saying don't appreciate being called lazy because I don't have exams, college is still stressful!

:|

Not as stressful though

sunnyjim

Bahahahaha, a communications student calling college stressful.

Landa2

Ca on average has ~10 modules a year, each of which has ~2 large assignments/essays and an exam at the end...... and communications is stressful....

goodgodholmes

Erm, I'm just stating that I get stressed out by college work! Not trying to compete about whose course is harder than whose... don't all jump on me now saying WELL I HAVE 8000 essays. I'm not saying my course is the hardest, it's not a competition, just that it's not as easy as everyone thinks.

Grudaire

Sorry but it's 12 hours a week... how exactly is that stressful?

LegacyUser

Jesus i just reading this , at the min im doing MINT first year but Commuication sounds great, would one have to be really glod at English to do it . Got B3 In HL English in Leaving

jennZ

Hello!
I'm a 19th Bulgarian who just got her CAO results and frankly.. I am more than confused about them!
First of all, I was really scared how many points I will get since there's no scale for Bulgarian Diplomas (duh!). I put Contemporary Culture and Society as my 1st choice and Communication Studies as my 2nd. I open my CAO profile this morning and what do I see... I've been accepted to Communication Studies!!! Now, how can this happen if the points required fore my 1st choice are less than those required for the 2nd?!?!
At first I thought I'd call CAO and ask them. But now I am starting to thnik that I actually preffer the Communications course more... Media has always been my thing and I am a pro in analysing video/ads/music context. Just don't know how good i can be in creating such.
I am afraid I am more of a theoretical person though and this course would be hard for me.
What do you think about my crazy placement? I would enjoy any comments...

giveliberty

jennZ wrote: »

Hello!
I'm a 19th Bulgarian who just got her CAO results and frankly.. I am more than confused about them!
First of all, I was really scared how many points I will get since there's no scale for Bulgarian Diplomas (duh!). I put Contemporary Culture and Society as my 1st choice and Communication Studies as my 2nd. I open my CAO profile this morning and what do I see... I've been accepted to Communication Studies!!! Now, how can this happen if the points required fore my 1st choice are less than those required for the 2nd?!?!
At first I thought I'd call CAO and ask them. But now I am starting to thnik that I actually preffer the Communications course more... Media has always been my thing and I am a pro in analysing video/ads/music context. Just don't know how good i can be in creating such.
I am afraid I am more of a theoretical person though and this course would be hard for me.
What do you think about my crazy placement? I would enjoy any comments...

Hi jennz:

First off congrats on passing the Leaving Cert. Well Done. Second no point ringing the CAO they wont answer the phone. You will either have to write to them or fax in your query.

Also don't rely on last years points as a guage on points for this year. As a mature students, I am graded differently then you are to get into a course, but I have been through the CAO before, and have helped loads through it too. I had the Contemporary Culture and Society down as well on my CAO but it was my 3rd choice, my first was CS and second was a Sociology Degree in UCD. I really didn't think I would get CS, for a number of reasons, but was so excited when I got an interview, and was offered the place shortly after. I met a number of lecturers including the Course Coordinator who was extremely friendly, jovial and very knowledgeable. All the people who have met who have done the course (or are doing it) have no regrets.
So look forward to seeing you in Sept!

To Mary: If you have a look at the graduate profiles on the DCU website you will be able to get an idea of the different jobs, locations and companies people are working for. TBH a BA in Communications should be seen as a stepping stone rather than the capping stone to a successful career. Depending on what your daughter wants to do with her life either one hell of a portfolio will be required or a post-grad. Personally I already have the portfolio so I'm looking to do a post-grad as well.

Hope these comments are of some help.

torregolf

thanks for reply and helpful comments, my daughter has received offer of communication studies so no doubt will see you sept

goodgodholmes

jennZ wrote: »

Hello!
I'm a 19th Bulgarian who just got her CAO results and frankly.. I am more than confused about them!
First of all, I was really scared how many points I will get since there's no scale for Bulgarian Diplomas (duh!). I put Contemporary Culture and Society as my 1st choice and Communication Studies as my 2nd. I open my CAO profile this morning and what do I see... I've been accepted to Communication Studies!!! Now, how can this happen if the points required fore my 1st choice are less than those required for the 2nd?!?!
At first I thought I'd call CAO and ask them. But now I am starting to thnik that I actually preffer the Communications course more... Media has always been my thing and I am a pro in analysing video/ads/music context. Just don't know how good i can be in creating such.
I am afraid I am more of a theoretical person though and this course would be hard for me.
What do you think about my crazy placement? I would enjoy any comments...

To be honest, there's a lot of analysis type stuff in first year, so you'll sail through first year. When it comes to actually producing media content, I hadn't a clue starting either, I just really wanted to get into it. First year teaches you the basics of media production, and then you choose a production specialty (from Video, Audio, or Photography&Imaging) going into second year, which you specialise in until the end of your degree.

jennZ

Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking and i am willing to take a risk here.... so see ya in september! Now, if only I can get an accommodation as well! haha :P

goodgodholmes

jennZ wrote: »

Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking and i am willing to take a risk here.... so see ya in september! Now, if only I can get an accommodation as well! haha :P

Try Shanowen apartments, I heard somewhere that they're not full yet!

I'll see you in the Henry Grattan alright (which will be your home in DCU for the next 3 years), but I won't be in your class, I'm going into 2nd year.

Daysha

Got accepted into Communications there myself this morning, couldn't be happier tbh, since I only scrapped in by the skin of my teeth

giveliberty

deise59 wrote: »

Got accepted into Communications there myself this morning, couldn't be happier tbh, since I only scrapped in by the skin of my teeth

Congrats desie. See you in Sept!

goodgodholmes

It's the new class CS1!

Weird that I'll be CS2... doesn't have the same ring to it.

You'll have a great year, with the hilarious Des McGuinness for Sociology... he's unintentionally funny!

CS students are generally all a bit quirky, mad group of people! Awww I'd love to be going into first year again...

jenfiction

I accepted Communication studies too. Can't wait for September

Phlann

I wasn't in Communications but I shared a few modules with the CS students in first year. Two points:

1. Des McGuinness is your new favourite person. Seriously, it's impossible not to like him.

2. Comms has ridiculous numbers of hot chicks.

goodgodholmes

Phlann wrote: »

I wasn't in Communications but I shared a few modules with the CS students in first year. Two points:

1. Des McGuinness is your new favourite person. Seriously, it's impossible not to like him.

2. Comms has ridiculous numbers of hot chicks.

why thank you

jennZ

hahah, yes actually, what's the ration btw girls & boys. In my last 5 years, I had only 4 girls in the class (I was doing computer science, duh!) so I am kind of curious now.

Aaaah congrats to everyone, I am so excited I think I won't be able to sleep tonight! Again!

Daysha

Phlann wrote: »

2. Comms has ridiculous numbers of hot chicks.

Well that's me sold! :pac:

Really cool to see so many of us future commers here already. How many 1st years are there altogether?

goodgodholmes

jennZ wrote: »

hahah, yes actually, what's the ration btw girls & boys. In my last 5 years, I had only 4 girls in the class (I was doing computer science, duh!) so I am kind of curious now.

Aaaah congrats to everyone, I am so excited I think I won't be able to sleep tonight! Again!

Ridiculously high proportion of girls. I'm only one year ahead and I believe we have 10 guys out of 80 students. I believe there were about 12 guys in the year ahead of me. Generally it's around that number.

If you're looking to score, you'll be looking to clubs&socs!

goodgodholmes

deise59 wrote: »

Well that's me sold! :pac:

Really cool to see so many of us future commers here already. How many 1st years are there altogether?

There were 80 in my class. (just finished 1st year) but you're combined with Journalism and Multimedia for the vast majority of first year lectures.

jennZ

just 10?!?!? oh great, now I'll be on the other side but well, as you said clubs&socs are always available

No wonder there are a lot of hot chicks if there are 70 of them!

Daysha

Damn, I'm getting excited now

And while I'm at it, what did you think was the best module over the year, and whats the best thing in general about the course?

giveliberty

And is it true we will have bugger all exams to do?

Diarmsquid

Another CS1 here!

I'm so psyched. I always kinda though when I was reading the prospectus and all that the course sounded a bit to good to be true, but everyone here seems to be mad about it.

So psyched.

giveliberty

Diarmsquid wrote: »

Another CS1 here!

I'm so psyched. I always kinda though when I was reading the prospectus and all that the course sounded a bit to good to be true, but everyone here seems to be mad about it.

So psyched.

Its very cool that we can at least get to know people before walking in the door of the first class through this.

Daysha

lol, I can just imagine a little boardsie clique forming out of this!

goodgodholmes

giveliberty wrote: »

And is it true we will have bugger all exams to do?

Yup, it's all continuous assessment. There are no exams in the first semester so you literally have 2 months off for Christmas

There's only one exam in the second semester, in Media History, and they give you the exam paper weeks in advance!!!

goodgodholmes

Diarmsquid wrote: »

Another CS1 here!

I'm so psyched. I always kinda though when I was reading the prospectus and all that the course sounded a bit to good to be true, but everyone here seems to be mad about it.

So psyched.

Diarmsquid, I'm going into 2nd year and I can tell you for a fact that it's as good as it sounds! OK you get the odd dud module, like Communication Theory, but it's generally amazing! There's 13 lecture hours a week in first year, Fridays off... sweet.

cristobal

Communications blows. seriously. I'm a 3rd year and its a waste of your time. I honest to god haven't learned anything I didn't already know.

And no, 2nd and 3rd year doesn't get more practical work. its pretty much the same the whole way through. Prepare to be surrounded by idiots too. "whats abu ghraib? a curry?"...

giveliberty

goodgodholmes wrote: »

Yup, it's all continuous assessment. There are no exams in the first semester so you literally have 2 months off for Christmas

There's only one exam in the second semester, in Media History, and they give you the exam paper weeks in advance!!!

That kinda feels wrong....LOL....but I'm sure I'll get over it.

Quick question:

How essential is a laptop on this course? Mac or PC???

goodgodholmes

giveliberty wrote: »

That kinda feels wrong....LOL....but I'm sure I'll get over it.

Quick question:

How essential is a laptop on this course? Mac or PC???

Not very. I got through first year without one fine, but I bought one for second year cos it's convenient to have your own editing suite so you're not restricted to the labs in college for your production work.

And if you're getting one, get a Mac. PCs are crap for CS stuff.

giveliberty

when you say editing software are you talking about design, video or sound? I already have CS3 on my laptop but have been thinking of buying a new one

goodgodholmes

giveliberty wrote: »

when you say editing software are you talking about design, video or sound? I already have CS3 on my laptop but have been thinking of buying a new one

Depends on your specialty. Photoshop is generally used mostly by students who specialise in imaging, whereas stuff like Dreamweaver and Illustrator is usually only used by Multimedia students.

I'm hoping to specialise in Video in second year, so I have Final Cut Pro on my Mac. I think Audio specialists use ProTools.

You shouldn't splash out on these programs in first year, but it might be a good idea to consider them for your specialty when you get to 2nd year.

giveliberty

goodgodholmes wrote: »

Depends on your specialty. Photoshop is generally used mostly by students who specialise in imaging, whereas stuff like Dreamweaver and Illustrator is usually only used by Multimedia students.

I'm hoping to specialise in Video in second year, so I have Final Cut Pro on my Mac. I think Audio specialists use ProTools.

You shouldn't splash out on these programs in first year, but it might be a good idea to consider them for your specialty when you get to 2nd year.

Much appreciated. What's the story with course specific societies on campus? Are there any you'd reccommend?

goodgodholmes

giveliberty wrote: »

Much appreciated. What's the story with course specific societies on campus? Are there any you'd reccommend?

One society is a haven for CS, Journalism and MMA students, and other students who aren't in the Communications school... and that would be the Media Production Society (known as MPS). It's great to get involved in, has it's own radio station (where you can try your hand at presenting live campus radio!). A lot of MPS members would be involved in other societies as well, making videos for them etc. MPS collaborates with other societies a good bit. MPS is a CS student's dream, it's a chance to put what you're learning into practice without the pressure of getting it right, like there is in class. MPS is kind of the only course-specific one.

On another note, I totally recommend Drama. I spent most of my year this year involved in Drama-related stuff, it really is the most fun thing to do with a day ever! You make millions of friends through rehearsals for shows etc.

CS students are in a lucky position. The course is light on hours, and the lecturers say that it's vital that, for work in the media industry, you are well aware of what's going on in the world etc. They say that getting involved in clubs and socs makes you a better rounded student, and consequently, more prepared employee. For this reason, CS, JR and MMA students have a light course load to free up time for clubs and socs activity, which I would definitely recommend you do. In Orientation and Fresher's Week, you're going to hear no end of people telling yo to get involved in Clubs and Socs, and it's for a reason! It's important you really get involved, no matter what clubs or socs you join, not just pay the 4 euro on Clubs & Socs day and then never do anything about it. Joing, and really getting involved in Clubs & Socs in college may be the best thing you ever do!

I'll shut up now.

rugbug86

Were MPS not inactive last year with the exception of the ear-drum-bursting radio station?