Programme details | |
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Degree: | Bachelor of Science (BSc) |
Discipline: |
Corporate Communication & PR
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Duration: | 36 months |
Study modes: | full-time |
Delivery modes: | on-campus |
University website: | Communication Science |
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Connect our high-tech society as a flexible, futureproof communication expert!
Would you like to know how fake news is spread? How new media applications emerge and affect the user and society as a whole? Why some innovations make it, whereas others fail because of underestimating the impact of reputation and crisis management? Want to create a persuasive app, a 3D environment using virtual reality, or an animation that is able to change the behaviour of its users for the better? Or to discover the extent to which the digital traces we leave behind, both online and offline, can be used to predict our attitudes and behaviour? Hence, are you looking for a modern educational programme that will prepare you academically and practically for an exciting role as connector in the unpredictable, digitalised world of tomorrow? Then the Bachelor’s programme Communication Science is the right place for you.
As a communication scientist, you study human behaviour and interaction in the context of our high-tech digital society. At UT, you do not just immerse yourself in the theory, you also tackle practical challenges. We familiarise you with the bigger challenges of today and tomorrow, and explore the important, pervasive role of communication in solving these issues. Are you an ambitious, forward-looking student eager to make a difference through exciting, sustainable and inclusive communication?
We will equip you to be a communication scientist who can look at communication and relevant international changes from different perspectives. In order to prepare you for the future, we have structured our programme around three contemporary themes: Digital Society, Changing Organisations and Persuasive Tech.
Digital society
Communication and technology are everywhere. We can hardly image a life without internet, apps and social media, such as WhatsApp, Instagram or TikTok. Just think of all the devices in your home that are connected to each other through the Internet of Things. Obviously, digitalisation is hugely influencing our society – with both positive and negative aspects. For example, gaming addiction, fake news, the digital divide and the fading of online privacy are some of the emerging downsides of our increasingly digitalised society. At the same time, communication is more important than ever in today’s digital, international world, offering tremendous opportunities. Courses on this theme centre on discovering ways of ensuring that, in the future, everyone in our society will be able to understand and benefit from new communication possibilities.
Changing organizations
What impact do organisations have on society? Or, vice versa: how do our shifting needs and wants influence organisations? This powerful interaction is the focus of this theme. For companies eager to make a difference in the world, strong, coherent and flexible communication – in crisis situations too – is essential. You will learn how to tackle this in our highly globalised world. One of the things we research is what makes an innovation a success or not. You will also learn more about the importance of being resilient amidst innovation and change. Will you become a director or ‘CEO whisperer’ in a company in which robots and people work together to get the job done?
Persuasive tech
Imagine a roadside billboard that recognises your car, and adapts its advertising to your profile. Or think of apps and wearables that ‘read’ your emotions, and sensors in your smartphone that react to your heart rate and body signals. These are just a few examples of multisensory designs through which technology influences our behaviour. In this theme, we focus on the connection between people, innovation and design. Products and services are increasingly smart and more and more responsive to our senses. How can you make the best possible use of this trend to stimulate desirable behaviour? This theme will help you become a communication professional who knows how to convince people and groups for the better based on multisensory design.
We can think of dozens of reasons why you should sign up for the Bachelor’s programme Communication Science. Here are the five most important ones!
Study at the number one Communication Science programme in the Netherlands
Our programme has been ranked number one from 2018 until 2022 according to the Dutch University Guide (Keuzegids Universiteiten).
This means we are a ‘Top programme’: the best university-level communication programme in the Netherlands. Additionally, the UT is recognised as the best technical university in the Netherlands. With our BMS Lab, DesignLab, Virtual Reality Lab and TechMed Centre, we have high-tech facilities wherein we combine social science research with new technologies. With these world-class facilities, you can directly test your design, concept or prototype with the help of a 3D printer, or, say with Virtual Reality glasses. All in all, the UT is the ideal place to study, experiment and find your path!
Study on the cutting edge of communication and innovative technology
Communication Science at the UT is very different than it is at other universities. Our programme is the only one that really familiarises you with the latest innovations and their influence – and dependence – on communication. Communication nowadays cannot do without technology, while, conversely, technology offers endless opportunities to improve human contact and interaction. Studying communication in the contemporary context of organisations, design and innovations will give you an edge on tomorrow’s job market.
Learn to tap into new developments with flexibility and skill
Our Bachelor’s programme focuses on both the present and the future. One thing is certain: in the world of communication, everything changes completely almost every ten – or even five – years. Can you handle that? We will prepare you to analyse communication and to understand the impact of technology, so that you can react in a flexible and resilient way to new developments. This will help you to keep any organisation’s communication fresh, focused and relevant.
Become a connecting force in the digital age
Communication has a bonding effect between people, within organisations, and across society. But communication is also very diverse. This is why, by default, we look at challenges from different perspectives. During our programme, one area in which you will experience this is in our coverage of the three core themes: Digital Society, Changing Organisations and Persuasive Tech. Thanks to this broad approach you will understand like no other the pervasive influence of media campaigns, apps or organisational policy, for example. As a connecting link within an organisation, you will be able to transmit complex information and build bridges between departments and with target groups.
Work with international students and companies on tackling today’s global challenges
We link communication theories to the real-life, global challenges of our time. In every module, you work on a team project in which you and your (international) fellow students deal with current issues. We often look at these challenges from the perspective of today’s pursuit of sustainable, societal solutions that make a real difference. And in our programme, you don't just come up with a theoretical approach, but you actually design, make, test and even pitch your ideas to organisations. In the third-year module, Com@Work, you gain practical knowledge of the professional field. You might visit a company you would like to work for, or interview a potential future employer. By the end of this Bachelor’s, you will know your own capabilities, and be able to match them with employers of your interest!
21st-century learning on a superb campus
In addition to thorough professional knowledge and skills, you will develop a broad package of 21st-century skills and personal competences in this programme. Our informal, personal approach is aimed at helping you flourish both professionally and personally. We challenge you to look beyond disciplinary and cultural barriers and to work well together with others, for example, in our strong project-based education. Your years of studying Communication Science at UT you will provide you with an unforgettable student experience – thanks also to our wonderful, green campus and the vibrant student city of Enschede, a city full of knowledge, innovation and fun!
Naturally, we want you to feel that you are in the right place during your studies. With that in mind, we’ve identified five characteristics we see in many of our students. If you recognise these qualities in yourself, or some of them, you can stop doubting doubts as far as we’re concerned: you definitely have the potential to become an excellent communication professional!
You are not afraid of challenges and change, and you are relaxed about uncertainties. You don’t know what the world will look like in ten years’ time, but you think ahead and see new opportunities.
Analysing and interpreting? You enjoy doing both. You eagerly research how communication, in all its possible forms, can make our world more understandable and beautiful.
You’re not necessarily into programming, but the innovations and latest media applications of today certainly interest you. In our Communication Science programme you will develop good communication skills, such as speaking, writing, presenting and analysing, while also gaining in-depth insight into the major role of tech in our society.
You are empathetic. As a communication professional, you will become an important connecting link in and for organisations. An ability to empathise with, and coordinate among, multiple internal and external parties is a major asset.
The organisations of the future are looking for change managers and communication professionals willing to take on strategic roles. Do you see yourself doing that in a few years’ time? Then we will help prepare you academically and professionally.
There are all sorts of possibilities on the job market for communication scientists. Throughout the programme we will prepare you for these possibilities by introducing you to all kinds of possible future jobs. To give you an idea of the possibilities, we’ve listed 12 of the most frequently occurring positions acquired by our Communication Science graduates.
UX (user experience) Designer
Big Data, Search & Conversion Marketer
Campaign Manager
Media Designer
Social Media Agent
Online Privacy Specialist
Marketing & Communication Policy Advisor
Digital Marketing Manager
Public Relations Officer
Crisis Manager
Trend Watcher
Copywriter and SEO Marketer
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