Study communication abroad

Degree programs in communication come in all shapes and sizes, but they all focus on the ways in which people communicate. This includes examining things like face-to-face interaction, broadcast and online media, and developing practical skills in writing, speaking and producing content.

Communication is an essential skill used across all fields and in all areas of life. It's also an expanding profession, with the way we communicate always evolving and new digital media becoming more and more prominent.

You can study communication programs all over the world, with the US and Australia both popular destinations. By studying abroad you’ll gain a unique perspective on how another country and culture approach communication, giving you a more rounded experience of the subject.

In the US, it’s possible to study communication as a single subject program, where as in many other countries you’ll usually study it alongside something else like media, fashion or marketing.

If you study in the US, you can choose to study communication as a major subject during your four year bachelor’s degree. You’ll also get to choose other minor subjects to study, but you will need to complete a set number of communications credits to get your degree.

You can study communication at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. At bachelor’s level, you will study over three or four years to earn a BA, or some universities offer a BSc if it is combined with a science subject. You can also study for an MA at master’s level over two years, and some universities even offer doctorate programs in communication related subjects.

Teaching on most communications programs is made up of lectures, seminars, group workshops and practical sessions. You’ll be assessed through written assignments, projects and exams, and some programs will also include a final year dissertation.

The precise structure and content of your program will depend on things like the course title, degree level and university you’re studying at. Here are some of subjects and modules you could study on a communication program:

• Communication and marketing
• Introduction to communication theory
• Culture and society
• Global communication
• Media production
• Strategic communication
• Public relations

A degree in communication will give you a wide variety of transferable skills that all employers value. Most organizations rely on internal and external communication, so you won’t be short of options when looking for a career after graduation. Some popular job roles for communication graduates include:

• Human relations manager
• Journalist
• Social media manager
• Communications officer
• Public relations manager
• Marketing manager
• Advertising executive
• Copywriter
• Web content manager

To help you work out which path is right for you, make use of the university’s career services if they have one. They can help you work out which role could suit you and help you find work placements or graduate positions.

If you already know what job you want after university, make sure you choose a degree program that will give you the right skills for that role.