Entry requirements

General entry requirements and English level 2, or English 6

Aims

The Bachelor Programme in Media, Communication and Journalism Studies aims to provide a social science education in media and communication studies, addressing also the challenges and opportunities of the digital environment. To fulfil this purpose, the programme combines an education in the foundations of media and communication studies with an introduction to Information Systems and Digital Communication. The programme also provides in-depth scientific studies and practical applications in three optional specialisations: Digital Media Studies, Journalism Studies or Studies in Organisational Communication.

Within the programme, the students will acquire critical theoretical knowledge of the conditions, meanings and use of media, communication and journalism in different contexts, in society at large, but also in the cultural, organisational, political and economic fields of society. Students will also acquire research-based insights into the subject as a scientific discipline, and develop their analytical thinking and scientific skills. The programme also allows students to improve their skills through practice-based projects, always combined with, and strengthened by, scientific reflection. Through the minor in Information Systems, the programme provides additional basic knowledge, skills and abilities, both at the theoretical and practical level, in IT and digital communication. These skills are needed in both education, research and a variety of careers in the contemporary, increasingly digitalised society. With the possibility to choose a specialisation in Digital Media Studies, Journalism Studies or Studies in Organisational Communication, the programme ensures deepening and specialisation in the major subject, and provides the skills and abilities needed for various professions within any of these fields.

The education can be linked to a variety of professional roles and tasks on the labour market in different types of organisations that are looking for media and communication graduates with analytical skills, organisational knowledge and communicational skills. Through collaboration with organisations and various actors outside the university, the possibility to choose courses freely in the open semesters and opportunity to engage in practice and international exchange, the students' opportunities for personal profiling and employability increase.

Learning outcomes

After completing the programme the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media and communication studies, including knowledge of the scientific basis of the field and of the orientation of current research, knowledge of methods applicable to the field, with a specialisation in one of the scientific fields of Digital Media Studies, Journalism Studies or Studies in Organisational Communication.

Skills and Abilities

• search and collect relevant information, evaluate and critically interpret knowledge in relation to a problem, and critically discuss phenomena and issues,
• independently identify, formulate and solve problems within the societal fields of digital media, journalism and organisational communication,
• apply and translate scientific knowledge (including theories) in and for professional practice,
• present and discuss information, problems and solutions, orally, in writing and in other formats, in dialogue with different societal groups and stakeholders,
• demonstrate the skills required to work independently and in groups in the field of study, and
• implement projects and assignments with quality and within given time frames.

Evaluation ability and approach

• make judgments with regard to relevant scientific and social aspects within the area of media and communication studies,
• make judgments with regard to ethical aspects in relation to both academic knowledge and professional practices,
• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and people's responsibility for how it is used,
• identify their own need for further knowledge and to further develop their skills.

Layout of the programme

The programme comprises 180 credits during three years. The courses common to all programme students are the A-, B-, and C-level courses in Media and Communication Studies, as well as the minor in Information Systems.

The programme begins with Media and Communication Studies A, which provides a broad overview of the subject’s themes, debates, and methods. As the programme progresses, students deepen their knowledge and increase their degree of specialization. Before taking the B-level course in Media and Communication Studies, students choose one of three specializations within the main subject area: Digital Media Studies, Journalism Studies, or Organizational Communication. The courses provide the opportunity for in-depth studies and specialization in the chosen field, combining scientific knowledge gathering with transforming that scientific knowledge into practical projects, and with theoretical and ethical reflections on field-specific practices. Both the B- and C-level courses conclude with a thesis, allowing students to further specialize within their chosen specialization.

The programme also includes a minor in Information Systems, providing basic knowledge in the field of IT and digital communication, and tools relevant to the fields of media, communication and journalism. Two semesters within the programme offer students the opportunity to tailor their education by taking elective courses at Uppsala University or other institutions, or alternatively by studying abroad. During the final year, students have the option to complete a workplace-based internship. The internship is connected to the student’s chosen specialization within the main subject area and is conducted under both academic supervision from the university and professional supervision at the workplace.

The types of instruction and examination is varied, student-activating and research based. The courses are variously given as lectures, workshops, seminars and projects. The work is carried out in groups and individually. Assessment on the course is in the form of written and/or oral tests, seminars, workshops, assignments and essays.

Degree

The Bachelor program in Media, Communication and Journalism Studies leads to a Bachelor Degree with a major in Media and Communication studies. A Bachelor degree comprises a total of 180 credits, of which at least 90 credits must be in the major subject, including an independent project of 15 credits. In addition, a minor subject is guaranteed in the Bachelor program by the minor Information Systems.