Communications???

superdoor

Hey i've got Communications down as my first choice on my CAO. I'm not really sure what i want to do "when i grow up" but i know i'd like something in media. The journalism course seems to much like that is your a journalist forever so i'm not sure? i was hoping communications could gimme a base to work from and time to figure out exactly what i wana do? am i being unrealistic?

And of course anyone doing the course what do you think of it?

Thanks

Defenestrate

I've had the pleasure of meeting a few communications graduates, and what I always say to them is 'Quarter Pounder Meal with Coke please'. :pac:

giveliberty

superdoor wrote: »

Hey i've got Communications down as my first choice on my CAO. I'm not really sure what i want to do "when i grow up" but i know i'd like something in media. The journalism course seems to much like that is your a journalist forever so i'm not sure? i was hoping communications could gimme a base to work from and time to figure out exactly what i wana do? am i being unrealistic?

And of course anyone doing the course what do you think of it?

Thanks

Hey there. First off don't heed that muppet - the jealousy of certain people for communication students knows no bounds in DCU. We tend to enjoy our course as well as learn a lot. Some people can't hack that.

I'm (if I pass everything) will be going into second year next year. Everyone I know who have done this course, throughout all the different years, have no regrets.

So, in terms of course content....it's a Arts Degree so the first year basically is full of arts subjects such as Psychology, Social studies, International Culture and Language etc. One of the unique aspects of this course is the serious lack of exams. Only one exam in first year, and maybe two pop quizzes in Team Dynamics. The rest is project based. You will also find that all the subjects are intertwined, and you will often find yourself lifting various pieces of theory from other subjects and using them across subjects. The course is well structured in this regard.

You will have one more exam in 2nd year, and depending on your choices for the rest of the degree you may not have any other exams.

By the end of March you should really start making up your mind as to what stream you want to take, ie do you want to do video, audio or photography. You should pay attention in Eoin Campbells classes throughout the year, he teaches Digital Media skills, and Introduction to Media Practice. These are both practical subjects on the use of the equipment and the software. Don't miss these classes - you may fall behind, and he doesn't repeat himself. But you will find that your classmates will help you out....and Eoin as much as he tries to play the dismissive, uncaring AV guy....he's not and will help you if you ask him, and he has time.

Just be weary of Social Studies. Des McGuinness is the lecturer - the soundest man to ever grace this earth. You will need to pay attention in this class, to keep up. But your essays will be rather confined so if there is a certain aspect of the subject you find really interesting you will probably be able to write about that. Saying all this, if you keep up, you will not have a problem.....there is nothing hard in it.

Jim Rogers teaches two subjects - Information and Study Skills and Analysing Media Content. Whilst you may find the first pointless, boring etc etc, you will find everything you learn in it very useful. You can tell by the quality of the work in the end of second semester in terms of essays etc who paid attention in this class. Analysing Media Content had everyone enthralled, (its an optional subject for JR students)...since taking this subject I haven't been able to sit and watch a ruddy film in the cinema without analysing them!

Personally I have loved this course. Very interesting and will allow you to spread your net far wider. Don't mistake doing a degree in journalism with a dreary life of journalism - most people in that course don't end of doing it anyway, but the degree has its merits. I have a few friends in JR, and some of them love it, and some of them hate it, but SFA of them think they will do print journalism, even though they for some unknown reason will not get involved in either the paper of the radio station. Oh and just to clarify, a life in journalism is not dreary lol....it is a lot of fun, but an incredible amount of hard work to get into. THen again so is every other job these days. Journalism should be treated as a vocation, but not many see it that way.

There is a thread on here about the degree in communications. You will have to find it, but its mostly just our entire class chatting about looking forward to meeting each other.

There is no subject choice in first year.....you have to do everything. And watch out for lecturers who decide to mark for attendance.

One important thing is to get involved in MPS and The College View, especially if you want to dabble in journalism. MPS run DCUfm - the campus radio station. You are basically expected to get involved in one of these societies in order to fine tune your newly learned skills. A few other important societies for Communication students are Art Soc, Drama Soc, Foto Soc. MPS also run DCUtv. DCUfm is finally off the ground after years of stagnation. 2008/2009 saw its relaunch with brand new software and equipment. It has yet to be awarded a frequency but all in good time. The management are very open to ideas for shows or once offs, so if you think of anything just approach them, but have a good idea of where you want to take the item so they can best advise you. DCUtv is a great way to sink your teeth into video production. It has a new impetus for next year.....so its looking promising. And they are always open to suggestions.

FotoSoc are lovely people especially the new sexy chairperson.....so if you have the photography bug, its a great place to develop (get it eh, eh!!!).

One thing about degrees these days, they are rather pointless unless you have great work experience or get a masters. In terms of work experience, Eoin Campbell and Dr. Debbie Ging (the head of the course) are fantastic. They will proactively send you info on various opportunities. But they will also tell you to get involved early in the societies I have outlined above.

Masters are almost a pre-requisite nowadays so you may want to give it some consideration by third year. Don't in anyway think that my doing communications you will limit your options for Masters - past CS students, have said it hasn't in any way limited their choices.

I hope the above is of some help, any more questions, or more specific ones, don't be afraid to ask!!!

superdoor

OK wow thanks for getting back so fast! And with some really good information! Im definatly leaning towards the Communications instead of JR....it does seem a fun course and interesting!

OK some questions then, ive never really done anything with photography and only used the home video camera a few times, that's ok right? And you say the course is project based, what would these projects involve?

Thanks!

giveliberty

You will have more or less the same experience as everyone else so. They teach you from scratch. But it would be a good idea for you to familarise yourself with Mac operations if you are a total PC head. In fact some lecturers recommend that you buy one.....but that is totally up to you.

In terms of the projects, almost all of them are essays or presentations. Just to give you an idea or the 2008/2009 breakdown on mark allocation

Semester 1
Introduction to Media Practice - 100% attendance
Media Technology - 50% online Moodle Quizes, 50% Final web project
Social Studies - 30% Presentation (and attendance) 70% Group Essay
Information & Study Skills - 20% Library Quiz, 30% Learning Diary, 50% Essay Plan
Introduction to Psychology - (i think) 40% Group Presentation 60% Essay
Language, Culture & International Communication - 30% Group Presentation, 70% Essay

Semester 2
Team Dynamics - (I think) 40% Pop Quizes, 60% Team group work (too strange to go into, but everything had merit)
Digital Media Skills - (i think) 20% attendance, 20% Handed up work 60% final video, photo and audio pjt
Analysing Media Content - 50% Group Essay, on Photo, 50% Final individual essay on short film scene
Communication Theory - 50% Article Journal, 50% Final essay
History & Structure of the Media - 20% essay, 80% final 'seen' exam
Perspectives on Culture - 100% essay

These are all from the top of my head. In relation to the final projects in Digital Media Skills, you are given the relevant content. Its not your own material, but you do get to make some of your own material in Semester 1, which was lots of fun. First year is just to familiarise you with the equipment.

When you get into second year if you pick video almost all your project work pertaining to Video Production will be team based and you could be given all sorts of different directions, like to make a short 3 min piece about the emotion sadness. Audio is all individual projects, it could be interviewing a relative or whatever - the head of Audio Production is apparently a legend, and you will learn a lot from her. Photography, not a clue to be honest

Daysha

Here's last year's thread (if you don't mind scrolling through 500+ posts!)

Daysha

But yeah, I'd back up everything giveliberty said. I've just finished 1st year too and I absolutely love it. Should be even better next year when it'll be more focused on your specific areas of interest. Don't get me wrong, I loved trying all 3 different production modules, but there are just one or two lectures I didn't find particularly interesting (Language and Culture course you do in S1 for a start). I know others that really enjoyed it though, so it all depends on yourself.

Actually, one of the best things about the course is seeing the look on other peoples faces when you describe what the course actually entails. Most of them still think I've been making the whole thing up.

giveliberty

Daysha wrote: »

But yeah, I'd back up everything giveliberty said. I've just finished 1st year too and I absolutely love it. Should be even better next year when it'll be more focused on your specific areas of interest. Don't get me wrong, I loved trying all 3 different production modules, but there are just one or two lectures I didn't find particularly interesting (Language and Culture course you do in S1 for a start). I know others that really enjoyed it though, so it all depends on yourself.

Actually, one of the best things about the course is seeing the look on other peoples faces when you describe what the course actually entails. Most of them still think I've been making the whole thing up.

My mother asked me if it was a FAS course :)

She honestly didn't think people did these things in university

Diarmsquid

Another CS thread? Class

OP, I'm also heading into my second year of Communications Studies and I'd agree with the two lads. Go for it!

So class, how's the summer going? And is anyone gonna do French next year? I'm very much considering it.

giveliberty

Diarmsquid wrote: »

Another CS thread? Class

OP, I'm also heading into my second year of Communications Studies and I'd agree with the two lads. Go for it!

So class, how's the summer going? And is anyone gonna do French next year? I'm very much considering it.

Hey! God no. Did it for the Leaving Cert - will not be going near that again.I think I will do Crime and the Media for Semester 1 and Comparitive European Politics for Semester 2.

I am so bored since the elections are over. Nothing to do!!!! And silly season will be coming soon so it will be a summer of bordem. Might try and get a job to keep me busy lol.

Diarmsquid

Yeah I did it for the Leaving Cert as well. I really liked it though.

The only thing I'm worried about is that it seems only Intermediate French is available here. Drink has gradually made me forget most of my French since LC.

And yeah, Crime in the Media. Sounds class. I can't wait to walk into a lecture and imagine I'm in an episode of Criminal Minds.

Daysha

I'm confused. How many modules are we choosing for next year? I presume it's 30 credits per semester again, and it says whichever production one we choose is worth 10 of those. There's 10 credits for the 2 compulsory modules too, so that leaves only 2 more modules to fill up the 10 remaining credits. But that means only 5 modules per semester

Whichever it is, I'm not going near any languages.

Diarmsquid

Yeah 30 credits per semester.
5 credits per module (expect the production modules, which are like double modules).

So 5 modules:
2 Compulsory Modules
1 Production Module
2 Others

I'm thinking for Semester 1:
Crime and the Media
French 1

Semester 2:
Public Design (There's no details on the website, but in my mind it's amazing)
French 2

giveliberty

Hmm.....good point well will have to review so

Salbags

Awesomes, jus like Diarmuid said, another CS thread!

I'm still iffy about taking up a language tho... o_O

myk

I know a lot of CS graduates. They are in a whole variety of careers. None of them regret their course choice. Given how you've described your situation, I'd say go for it.

I spent 4 years in DCU and CS seems to be a great course!

superdoor

Hey wow thanks guys, you guys really know how to communicate on these threads(geddit? oi...).

But ya that was my next question what are you CS students looking to do after college? Like what kinda careers would it lead on to?

giveliberty

Well I think I want to do radio, but film has been a growing interest of mine also, but I will want to do a masters as soon as I am finished the BA - most likely the MA in International Relations in DCU.

I'm a mature student, with a background in political communication, so that may well be the area I would would like to end up in.....but you just don't know how things can change and how diversified your interests become in college.

From speaking to others some want to be photo journalists, others want to be documentary makers, some want to host radio shows, or get into TV hosting, some just love the production side of things, and others simply have no clue.....mind you I am sure there are others who have definitive career paths in mind already too.

Diarmsquid

OP, I was kinda like yourself. I knew I wanted to do something in media, but i didn't really know what I wanted to do.

Going into 2nd year, I have a slightly clearer idea. Hopefully something in video production.

superdoor

So no one else know what kinda jobs you can get out of this Communications course?

giveliberty

superdoor wrote: »

So no one else know what kinda jobs you can get out of this Communications course?

DCU did a survey of their previous graduates from communications.

Click on the various links to get the info you want:

http://www.dcu.ie/students/careers/fdr/fdr.php3?fdr_year=2007&programme=CS

Shea O'Meara

giveliberty wrote: »

Hey there. First off don't heed that muppet - the jealousy of certain people for communication students knows no bounds in DCU. We tend to enjoy our course as well as learn a lot. Some people can't hack that.

I'm (if I pass everything) will be going

'I'm will be going' - Communications 101

superdoor

Oh cool i hadnt seen this before! this is perfect! Wow people really do go into lotsa careers from this....even if one or two are working in tesco :P

But ya thanks guys i think I'll do Communications if i get the points!

giveliberty

Shea O'Meara wrote: »

'I'm will be going' - Communications 101

Ooops. :rolleyes:

That's what happens when you are playing Warhammer on one machine and writing a post on another lol
:):)

-ilikeshorts

Well I'd say people get jobs out of it because I only heard about the degree of an assistant producer on a film set who was on her first year out of college. But I'm still stuck between it and media arts DIT

9wetfckx43j5rg

I'm similar, Got media arts in dit down but cs is my first choice.

Does anyone know what the hours are like a week?

giveliberty

Ezra Few Wage wrote: »

I'm similar, Got media arts in dit down but cs is my first choice.

Does anyone know what the hours are like a week?

Click here for our timetable in first year. Obviously some of the seminars and practicals are split into groups so just select a group and just count that number.

Do not be misled by the low hours. You will be expected to do project work and you will be expected to be practicing on equipment and software, if you don't you may fall behind.

You are also expected to get involved some society work thats media orientated.

stressedcao

do you need to have an outgoing personality to do this course? communications sounds so interesting but im afraid i wont have as much knowledge of the subjectsstudiesas other students

Salbags

stressedcao wrote: »

do you need to have an outgoing personality to do this course? communications sounds so interesting but im afraid i wont have as much knowledge of the subjectsstudiesas other students

Well no, I don't think you need to have an outgoing personality to do this course, but you'll find that most people that pick this course are outgoing, yet then again there are some quiet ones. I'm just finished first year and I found that people in my course were extremely friendly and sociable, so even if you don't feel comfortable approaching other students in the class, chances are they'll come to you and introduce themselves.

And about not having as much knowledge of the subject studies as other students, trust me that's fine. I had no clue about certain subjects nor did several people in my class, but it was grand because they start you off with the basics and then it's further study yourself if needs be. :cool:

stressedcao

thanks for replying so fast.....cao closing date is tues and im in such a pickle..........i always wanted to do teaching but the old lc didnt go too well......i only discovered dis course last week........its sound so good. do u think itsworth the trek from rathfarnham every morning haha! i would be outgoing its just reading about that radio station that broadcast out to 9000 students sounds so scary!!!!!!

giveliberty

stressedcao wrote: »

thanks for replying so fast.....cao closing date is tues and im in such a pickle..........i always wanted to do teaching but the old lc didnt go too well......i only discovered dis course last week........its sound so good. do u think itsworth the trek from rathfarnham every morning haha! i would be outgoing its just reading about that radio station that broadcast out to 9000 students sounds so scary!!!!!!

One of the girls in our class commutes from Dundalk every day! And she loves the course....I am sure you will think its worth it.

You don't have to get involved directly with actual broadcasting. You can get involved in the production and research aspects until you build up confidence!

I'm telling you it will be so worth the commute.

I would also agree with salbags. You do not need any knowledge of the subjects. Everything is thought from scratch. You shouldn't worry. This course attracts outgoing friendly people who will be more than willing to help and drag you to clubs and societies, and let's not forget the reputation CS has for the Class Parties. :cool:

stressedcao

This course attracts outgoing friendly people who will be more than willing to help and drag you to clubs and societies, and let's not forget the reputation CS has for the Class Parties. :cool:[/quote]


ha ha I was on youtube der looking at the clubs and socs it looks savage! the more and more I read about the course the more I want it! plz god the points dont go up!!!

stressedcao

Do you think its important to have some experience in media or filming before doing this course? im not the best with technology

giveliberty

Nope. As said previously everything is thought from scratch. Of course it would be a distinct advantage, but not in first year as the assessments are rather confined to simple equipment operations.

In first year you will use the following software:

• Garageband
• Adobe Photoshop
• Final Cut Express
• MS FrontPage

Every tutorial teaches a new aspect of each piece of software. They teach FrontPage just to give you a grounding in basic website design principles which are basically universal.

If you go on to YouTube and watch some basic tutorial videos you will learn as much in first year. The technical elements start in second year.

In terms of equipment you will be thought only basic use in first year. You will be able to explore more technical aspects through your membership of MPS or FotoSoc.

fairylove

Hey, I've Communications in DCU down as my number one choice too, can't wait to start! No other course in Ireland really appeals to me as much as this one, it's got a great mix of subjects. I was wondering if it's hard to make friends on the course? I'll be 22 starting it, so won't have any school friends or anything like that there. I'll join clubs and societies and judging by this thread, everyone seems quite friendly so it won't be a problem. Is 80 places the capacity for this course? Is there many presentations as part of it? I dread them but I'll have to bite that bullet quickly! It's off-topic but does anyone know if Howth/Malahide is a popular place for DCU students to live? I'd quite like to live near a beach I think! Is there a regular bus service or do ye think it's be a bit of a trek to college in the morning?

Thanks!

OneArt

I actually hate the whole area of media and journalism (My English teachers told I'm good at it, I just hate it with a passion) but I was vaguely considering this course because of the language option. I'm just curious about whether the language option involves doing an Erasmus year?

giveliberty

fairylove wrote: »

Hey, I've Communications in DCU down as my number one choice too, can't wait to start! No other course in Ireland really appeals to me as much as this one, it's got a great mix of subjects. I was wondering if it's hard to make friends on the course? I'll be 22 starting it, so won't have any school friends or anything like that there. I'll join clubs and societies and judging by this thread, everyone seems quite friendly so it won't be a problem. Is 80 places the capacity for this course? Is there many presentations as part of it? I dread them but I'll have to bite that bullet quickly! It's off-topic but does anyone know if Howth/Malahide is a popular place for DCU students to live? I'd quite like to live near a beach I think! Is there a regular bus service or do ye think it's be a bit of a trek to college in the morning?

Thanks!

80 places, yup. They may allow one or two extra through Access mode, but not through CAO.

Howth/Malahide, just because you want to live beside a beach? Well you could get the dart, and then bus.....It wouldn't be me, doing all that commuting and changing buses.

When it comes to friends unless you are an axe murderer I'm sure you won't have a problem....and age will have nothing to do with it! I'm 27 and I have lots of friends in the class, and some of which I would consider close friends. And there are older in the class, and they are considered some of the coolest people in the class.

You should do what our class did....set up a Communications 1st Yr 2009 thread, and just watch your 'classmates to be' flood to it. Many of us got to know each other through boards.ie before the first day of college, and we had our first class party before our first lecture!

Set up the thread, and you will get to know your class mates, and then you will have no worries!

To OneArt:

If you don't like a certain area do you really think it's wise to go into it? Just because you grade well in something doesn't actually mean you will be good at it practically....and this is a very practical degree.....there is quite a lot of theory in first year, but thereafter it is predominately practical work.

I would worry that the resentful attitude could poison your enjoyment of the course....maybe think about what YOU want to do and select courses that interest YOU first. That is the way you should pick your CAO courses, not what you think you will grade well in, but what you think you will enjoy, have a positive aptitude for and could see you doing in years to come.

The last thing your classmates need, and you, is to have you being resentful and bitter about a course choice you didn't want. There are limited places in the course....don't disappoint someone else if you are selecting this just because a teacher thinks you should. Anyway, a command of the english language will only get you so far in this course. It is important that you have a positive attitude, be willing to try new things, be open to technology, be a critical thinker, have some sort of understanding of popular culture, cultural diversity and how the media operates. Creativity is very important also! Hope I wasn't too harsh

In terms of language, don't know much about it as I personally detest languages diarmsquid might though, he's thinking of doing one. I have a feeling that there is no Erasmus option in this degree but I could be totally wrong.

DCU student

fairylove wrote: »

does anyone know if Howth/Malahide is a popular place for DCU students to live? I'd quite like to live near a beach I think! Is there a regular bus service or do ye think it's be a bit of a trek to college in the morning?

Thanks!

You could try living in Clontarf, right on the coast, also near town and about a 20-minute cycle to DCU

k*

hi i have seven hours to fill out my cao :eek: and dont know if i should do communications or multimedia! can anyone help?:D i have spent a long time thinking about it but i think im more confused now!

giveliberty

I know a few multimedia students, and they seem to enjoy the course, but they do get rather stressful around exam time with projects.

Can't really speak for the course......but communications is great

What are you looking for in a degree?

k*

thanks for getting back to me:). in communications if you take the photography option is that all it is? i really wated to do visual design and communications but didnt have a portfolio on time so im really looking for the closest thing to it

giveliberty

k* wrote: »

thanks for getting back to me:). in communications if you take the photography option is that all it is? i really wated to do visual design and communications but didnt have a portfolio on time so im really looking for the closest thing to it

I know there is a public design subject in second year but truth is I don't know much about even that. I can't really comment tbh as I have no interest in photography so maybe others could comment.

originalname5

Ah here, this is all getting a little too communication propagandy for my liking. Right here's the negative view of communications from the view of somebody who's just finished the course. It's not all it's being cracked up to be from the practical(video radio photography) point of view, as many of the other posters have claimed. Its only one module a semester and there is a lot other boring subjects which the majority of people hate.
I'd put it like this, if you think your the type who is able to go out and teach yourself how to make a radio or tv programme or a kickass photo then by all means go for it, because you won't find another course with so much free time on your hands. If you find it hard to motivate yourself id stay away, because the basic things that they teach you in classes isnt even close to professional standard. What i'm trying to say is that the course itself woefully under prepares you for a life in media, it's up to yourself to teach yourself that!

Shaneod21

Communications is a good course, know a good few doing it!

stainluss

I wouldl ike to go into advertising as a career. Is there much of an advertising element to it? (would there be any better course to prepare you for a career in advertising? I havent found one yet anyway) Also, (sorry if i sound totaly thick) but what the crack with these class parties? Are they house parties with the whole class or something?From the sound of things theres plenty of time for a social life in this course:) Many of my friends are going to colleges closer to home Galway/Limerick.. Would ya have much trouble making friends pretty much from scratch up in DCU?Im a guy but i heard the majority doing this course on avg. are girls? (not complaining:P) Cheers:D

Salbags

stainluss wrote: »

I wouldl ike to go into advertising as a career. Is there much of an advertising element to it? (would there be any better course to prepare you for a career in advertising? I havent found one yet anyway) Also, (sorry if i sound totaly thick) but what the crack with these class parties? Are they house parties with the whole class or something?From the sound of things theres plenty of time for a social life in this course:) Many of my friends are going to colleges closer to home Galway/Limerick.. Would ya have much trouble making friends pretty much from scratch up in DCU?Im a guy but i heard the majority doing this course on avg. are girls? (not complaining:P) Cheers:D

Urm, well i've just finished 1st year communications and tbh, i personally don't think there's much of an advertising element to it. I heard multimedia has more of an advertising element? I could be wrong though, i'll let other people comment on that point.

Ah class parties...... what can i say, they're friggin brilliant! Class reps are usually the ones that organise it, i was a class rep last year with 2 others, we usually based it more on pubs / captain A's first, and then a club. Or some people preferred to predrink with friends who live on campus and then just meet up with the others in the club. House parties do happen too, depending on who has a free gaf and whether they want to be hosting one or not. Usually a class email will be sent and people will be notified prob a week before (sometimes it's rushed and you get less notice but people are still willing to come out).

And as for making friends from scratch, i didn't know anyone from my course apart from one person who i vaguely knew OF through a friend. It not that hard making friends, just get talking to as much people as possible and it'll be fine! And if you're the shy type, other people from your course will most probably approach you first. People in CS are usually extremely friendly and you prob get a few mad ones so it's all good in the hood.

There's also another thread posted that are for Communications 2009 if you want to check there you could meet up with some future CSers

And yes, the majority are girls, but so far there's no lads that i know of that complain about that! The girls on the other hand..... lol only jokin, it's all good craic anyways!

Daysha

Sals right, there's not a very big emphasis on advertising in 1st year. There is an Analysing Advertising module in 2nd year though, so you'll just have to be patient. Actually, one piece of advice I'll give you is don't automatically shut out the modules you don't find particularly interesting. The course is extremely broad (in 1st year particularly), so it's inevitable that you'll find some modules more interesting than others. But they're still worth a shot.

I know myself I didn't care for anything to do with international cultures, but you'll have 2 modules to study in that area. Even though it's still not my favourite subject in the world, I'm still glad I was able to check it out and give it a go.

You really won't have a problem fitting in and making friends though. I was practically starting from scratch too and now it's just like I'm back in secondary school with the lads again. Plus they'll be tons of opportunities turning the year to get on with your new class peeps, whether it be nights out or any of the group assignments that crop up.

giveliberty

originalname5 wrote: »

Ah here, this is all getting a little too communication propagandy for my liking. Right here's the negative view of communications from the view of somebody who's just finished the course. It's not all it's being cracked up to be from the practical(video radio photography) point of view, as many of the other posters have claimed. Its only one module a semester and there is a lot other boring subjects which the majority of people hate.
I'd put it like this, if you think your the type who is able to go out and teach yourself how to make a radio or tv programme or a kickass photo then by all means go for it, because you won't find another course with so much free time on your hands. If you find it hard to motivate yourself id stay away, because the basic things that they teach you in classes isnt even close to professional standard. What i'm trying to say is that the course itself woefully under prepares you for a life in media, it's up to yourself to teach yourself that!

I would actually agree with the above, but then again I didn't enter this course with any delusion as to what I was getting myself into. The BA in Communication Studies is NOT a course that teaches you all you need to know about the three production streams. Nor does it claim too.....you only need to read the subject description to figure this out. It is after all a ARTS Degree. The Arts subjects that are thought are very important in terms of becoming a Researcher on Radio or Television, which is important as often you will start of in this level in the media. More importantly the Arts subjects equip you to apply for Masters programmes. This degree does not confine you like others may, and you may find that you will want to broaden your horizons beyond your production element making you far more desirable to potential employers. How could that be a bad thing?

Seriously DCU should be paying me for this!!!!!!!

Our Lecturers always warned us this year that they were equiping us with BASIC skills, and we were to take our own initiative to further develop them and post-grad opportunities would arm you better still.

Anyone who does their research into this course should know that the BA in Communication Studies does not puport to be a fountain of all knowledge pertaining to a particular stream.

If you are looking to get spoon fed this is not the course for you, you will only end up bitter and resentful about it. If you are hardworking and able to use your own initiative then go for it!

Salbags

giveliberty wrote: »

I would actually agree with the above, but then again I didn't enter this course with any delusion as to what I was getting myself into. The BA in Communication Studies is NOT a course that teaches you all you need to know about the three production streams. Nor does it claim too.....you only need to read the subject description to figure this out. It is after all a ARTS Degree. The Arts subjects that are thought are very important in terms of becoming a Researcher on Radio or Television, which is important as often you will start of in this level in the media. More importantly the Arts subjects equip you to apply for Masters programmes. This degree does not confine you like others may, and you may find that you will want to broaden your horizons beyond your production element making you far more desirable to potential employers. How could that be a bad thing?

Seriously DCU should be paying me for this!!!!!!!

Our Lecturers always warned us this year that they were equiping us with BASIC skills, and we were to take our own initiative to further develop them and post-grad opportunities would arm you better still.

Anyone who does their research into this course should know that the BA in Communication Studies does not puport to be a fountain of all knowledge pertaining to a particular stream.

If you are looking to get spoon fed this is not the course for you, you will only end up bitter and resentful about it. If you are hardworking and able to use your own initiative then go for it!

lol yeah, i think we should pass on the message to Ferdi :pac:

But giveliberty's right, we were told that we're being taught BASIC skills, you gotta develop these skills yourself afterwards.

stainluss

Salbags wrote: »

you gotta develop these skills yourself afterwards.

like making video/radio shows from your own ideas and that sort of craic?

Salbags

stainluss wrote: »

like making video/radio shows from your own ideas and that sort of craic?

Well usually video and radio shows are your own ideas anyway, however some base it on ideas that other people came up with.

Also for example, whether it be garageband (the programme for audio), final cut express (the programme for video) or photoshop (the programme for photography) you have an interest in working with, you'll simply be taught the basics during the year. To improve on these basic skills and learn more about the programmes and other things you can do (which may not necessarily be taught by the lecturer), you must spend your own time working on it and discover and learn new things via practice. Hope that makes sense and hope it helps!