Communications course DCU

Robyn2311

I just want to know the basics about communications course in dcu? I mean is it photography, acting, social media etc. Thanks:D

XPS

Be under NO illusion. This is not primarily a production degree. This is an arts communication studies degree with a practical element.

When I say 'arts' I mean in the academic sense, not in the finger-painting sense.

You will have 1 class a week in second and third year in production the other modules you will do are mostly theory. However you will learn a lot on the production side, if you do the extra-curricular stuff.

Robyn2311

thanks.. but i wanted plain english-_-

feathz

I did communications....and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

But to answer your question, the three production modules are photography, audio production and video production. You do all of them in first year and pick one to continue on with in second year. They might have added a performance module too, but I'm not too sure about that.

Everything else is theory based. You do all sorts from communication skills to analysing advertising to psychology.

But still....don't do it!

Noodleworm

^ Multimedia does the same, but a bit more technical detail and no performance and a little less theory. Open days coming up, and the website has more details. Do a little research

Robyn2311

but that's completely what i want to do in life.. So do you have any recommendations as to what i could do but involving the same kind of stuff?

The thing about Communications is that there is a lot of Theory Modules.

There is practical work in 2nd & 3rd year.

If you do do Communications, the best thing you can do is join MPS (Media Production Society), join Foto Soc, join Drama Soc. These are all the Societies that will give you the practical experience.

MPS has DCUtv and DCUfm, both will get you hands on experience working with TV/film and audio/radio equipment in different ways.

With film soc, the same applies as regards photography and imaging equipment. These societies also run workshops on using the relevant software for editing audio, video and photography. And this software is all there to use in the rooms reserved solely for School of Communication students.

Drama Soc is a great place to learn the ins and outs of acting and performing.

The layout of Communications has changed in the last year. As opposed to 75 students per year, DCU are now taking in around 90-100. For the 1st year of the course, you take a general approach sampling all the different production modules (video/audio/photo) then at the end of that year you choose one of these and all going well (grades included) you'll get your first preference.

Up until last year you chose of these three. Now you can choose one of four - those three I mentioned or a new Performance strand. This last one ties in more with performing and being in front of the camera so to speak. I've heard good enough things about this one so far this year.

Communication Studies is a great course because it doesn't tie you down to massive academic work, with little end of semester exams with more of a focus towards essays/presentations during the term etc.

The free time allows you to dive head first into the societies I mentioned. You'll find a lot of the Heads of Societies are CS Students. You can literally use that equipment as much as you're able to and learn as much as you want to.

The people that I feel will benefit from CS are the ones who are extremely busy. I've gotten extremely involved and hopefully it'll pay off when I go looking for employment.

My advice is - If you are really passionate about this, then it's the best place in the country to do it. Surprisingly, despite the changes to CS and all of that, it still holds a good reputation for producing a high standard of Graduate. If you want to get really busy and dive into Society Life, then go for it!

You'll find yourself spending more time doing society work than college work. That's the case for me anyways!

CS has its flaws, but it's still a worthwhile degree. Them's my two cents anyways. Sorry for the essay!

Also - Open Day is Friday/Saturday. If you're looking for info, I'd advise coming up and checking the place out for yourself!

RubyRoss

feathz wrote: »

I did communications....and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Why?