Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Social Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Social Studies

Course Title

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Social Studies

MQF Level

6

Duration and Credits

3 Years

180 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time

Information for International applicants

Communication Studies

An Intermediate Level pass in English.


Communication Studies

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course. Once announced, this date cannot be changed. The closing date for receipt of applications from applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' is 31 August 2024 at 2pm.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.


Social Studies

Applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' are required to sit for an interview, held on a date which will be announced in due course. Once announced, this date cannot be changed. The closing date for receipt of applications from applicants in terms of the 'maturity (adult learners) clause' is 31 August 2024 at 2pm.

Applicants may also be required to submit a Learning Portfolio. Further information about the Portfolio will be forwarded to applicants.

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.


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Applications for our February and October intakes have been officially open since the third week in November. You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

Communication Studies

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.

The programme of study in Communication Studies will provide you with an introduction to a selection of compulsory and elective units that are offered in communication studies as a main area. Throughout the 3-year programme, you will gain knowledge and skills in a variety of topics that will accompany your main area of studies, while also providing transferable skills for your daily personal and professional practice. Some of the topics range from Reflective Writing, Journalism, English Rhetoric, and Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication, to Philosophical Approaches to Communication and Culture, Media Aesthetics, Audio Production and Website Creation, to name a few. During the final semester of the joint area, the topics studied will culminate into a synoptic exam that will assess your acquired skill and intellect.


Social Studies

Applicants wishing to join the part-time mode must submit their application as full-time, and then include a note in the comments box of the application form, denoting their preference to be considered for the part-time option. Such requests will be considered by the Board of the Faculty.

In the programme of study in Social Studies, we provide you with a transdisciplinary holistic approach towards the field and its means of integration in the modern world we inhabit. By taking a local and international perspective, you will learn about the interrelating and causal relationship between geography, history, political and social science and the humanities in our society. You will be integrated in a broad spectrum of fields and will acquire knowledge on areas ranging from bioethics and warfare to anthropology of migration and cultural criticism. We also encourage you to participate in the Erasmus+ mobility programme for a more diverse and multicultural learning experience.


Communication and Academic Skills Programme

The communication and academic skills programme complements students’ main course of study. It introduces them to writing and presenting as situated within academic contexts sensitive to specific disciplines and develops their competences for future careers.

Communication Studies

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to register for 4 ECTS credits from the Support elective study-units and 8 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
ELP1164 Reflective Writing: An Introduction 2 ECTS    
MCS1000 Aspects of Communications 4 ECTS    
MCS1021 Human Communication 4 ECTS    
 
Support Elective Units
 
SOC1040 Sociology and Communications 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
MCS1010 Introduction to Film Studies 4 ECTS    
MCS1030 Journalism 1 4 ECTS    
MCS1040 Visual Communications and Graphic Design 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MCS1311 Methods of Inquiry 4 ECTS    
 
Support Elective Units
 
ELP1206 English Rhetoric and Writing Skills for Media and Communications Students 4 ECTS    
MAL1211 II-Malti għall-Komunikazzjoni 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
CRC1010 Introduction to Marketing Communications 4 ECTS    
MCS1050 Internet Communications 4 ECTS    
MCS1070 Personal Communications 4 ECTS    

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Communication Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

Students are required to register for 4 ECTS credits from the Support elective study-units and 22 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Semester 1
 
Support Elective Units
 
CGS2100 Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
DGA2005 Editorial Design 4 ECTS    
IPG2001 Principles of Information Law 4 ECTS    
MCS2020 Video Production 1 4 ECTS    
MCS2040 Basic Photography 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Support Elective Units
 
PHI2038 Philosophical Approaches to Communication and Culture 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
CST2061 Media Aesthetics 4 ECTS    
IDG2000 Introduction to Digital Game Studies 4 ECTS    
MCS2030 Journalism 2 4 ECTS    
MCS2050 Cultural Theory and Semiotics 4 ECTS    
MCS2060 Ethics in the Media 6 ECTS    

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in Communication Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units

Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 4 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Year   (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MCS3940 Mentored Practice 4 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
CST3192 Media in Maltese Society 4 ECTS    
MCS3953 Social Media and 21st Century Communications 4 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
CST2121 Intercultural Communication 4 ECTS    
CST4311 Advanced Research Methods 4 ECTS    
GDS3001 Gender in Communications 4 ECTS    
MCS3010 Practical Graphic Design 4 ECTS    
MCS3050 Audio Production 4 ECTS    
MCS3060 Reporting 4 ECTS    
MCS3070 Video Production 2 4 ECTS    
MCS3090 Video Manipulation and Animation 4 ECTS    
MCS3100 Website Creation 4 ECTS    
MCS3110 Radio Production 4 ECTS    
MCS3200 Scripting Video 4 ECTS    
MCS3201 Film Theory 4 ECTS    
MCS3700 Economics in Media Studies 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
MCS3850 Synoptic - Theory 1 6 ECTS   (NC)  
MCS3851 Synoptic - Theory 2 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
CST3111 Film Appreciation 4 ECTS    
CST3281 Meet the Press 4 ECTS    
CST3651 Using Communication for Social Change 4 ECTS    
CST3811 Public Relations 4 ECTS    
CST3951 Cyberculture 4 ECTS    
IDG3000 Game Design and Conceptualisation 4 ECTS    
IPG3001 Practical Issues in Information Law 4 ECTS    
MCS3012 Analogue, Monochrome Photography and Darkroom 4 ECTS    
MCS3040 Photography 4 ECTS    
MCS3080 Online Journalism 4 ECTS    
MCS3120 In-Depth Reporting 4 ECTS    
MCS3130 Integrated Marketing Communications 4 ECTS    
MCS3161 Copyright, Business and Entertainment Law 4 ECTS    
MCS3300 Producing Film 4 ECTS    
MCS3400 Adaptation for Film and Television 4 ECTS    
MCS3500 Consumer and Organizational Buying Behaviour 4 ECTS    
MCS3600 Documentary Film Production 4 ECTS    

 
Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits, of which:
28 ECTS credits in Communication Studies
28 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A.Communications Studies and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in Communication Studies
80 ECTS credits in the other area
20 ECTS credits optional study-units


Social Studies

 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
SOC1012 Introducing Research Methods in the Social Sciences 4 ECTS   (NC)  
SOC1014 Family Life - A Sociological Investigation 4 ECTS   (NC)  
SOC1046 Urban Society and Culture 4 ECTS   (NC)  
SOC1061 Sociology of Island Life 4 ECTS   (NC)  

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
SOC1007 The Sociological Imaginary in Practice 2 ECTS   (NC)  
SOC1058 Health, Illness and Society 4 ECTS   (NC)  
SOC1060 Foundations of Sociology: Theories and Perspectives 4 ECTS   (NC)  

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 2:
26 ECTS credits in Social Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits in optional study-units
Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

Students are required to choose study-units to the value of 26 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT3020 Introduction to Child Anthropology 2 ECTS    
ENG2089 An Introduction to Cultural Criticism 2 ECTS    
IRL2075 Environmental Issues in International Relations 4 ECTS    
IRL2075 Environmental Issues in International Relations 4 ECTS    
MCS3953 Social Media and 21st Century Communications 4 ECTS    
SOC2000 Economic Sociology 4 ECTS    
SOC2010 Environmental Sociology 4 ECTS    
SOC2055 Quantitative Analysis: SPSS in Practice 4 ECTS    
SOC2067 Sociology of Disability 4 ECTS    
SOC2071 Intoduction to Demography 4 ECTS    
SOC2079 Sociology of Space and Place 4 ECTS    
SOC2125 Quantitative Research in Social Sciences 4 ECTS    
SOC3031 Sociology of Politics and the State 4 ECTS    
SOC3032 Sociology of the Professions 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT2050 Anthropology of Borders 4 ECTS    
ANT3049 Culture and Society in Modern China 4 ECTS    
ECL2000 Introduction to European Union Law 4 ECTS    
EST2020 Small States and the European Union 4 ECTS    
IRL3041 Contemporary Warfare 4 ECTS    
IRL3041 Contemporary Warfare 4 ECTS    
SOC2003 Qualitative Approaches in the Social Sciences 4 ECTS    
SOC2007 Theories in Sociology of Religion 4 ECTS    
SOC2018 Empirical Research in Sociology 4 ECTS    
SOC2063 Sociology of Cyberspace 4 ECTS    
SOC2073 Visual Sociology 4 ECTS    
SOC2121 Principles of Data Visualisation 4 ECTS    
SOC2123 Theories of Social Policy 4 ECTS    
SOC2124 Gender: A Sociological Exploration 4 ECTS    
SOC2345 Sociology of Social Movements 4 ECTS    
SOC3005 Sociology of Money 4 ECTS    

 
Requirement for regular progression to Year 3:
26 ECTS credits in Social Studies
26 ECTS credits in the other area
8 ECTS credits optional study-units
Total credits for this year: 60 ECTS credits

In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to choose study-units to the value of 16 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
 
Semester 1
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT3020 Introduction to Child Anthropology 2 ECTS    
ART2038 Gender Issues in Art 2 ECTS    
IRL2075 Environmental Issues in International Relations 4 ECTS    
LLT3410 Discourse, Ideology and Power 4 ECTS    
MSP3121 Maltese Popular Music 4 ECTS    
SOC2000 Economic Sociology 4 ECTS    
SOC2055 Quantitative Analysis: SPSS in Practice 4 ECTS    
SOC2067 Sociology of Disability 4 ECTS    
SOC3028 The Sociology of Deviance 4 ECTS    
SOC3030 Sociology of Sport 4 ECTS    
SOC3031 Sociology of Politics and the State 4 ECTS    
SOC3032 Sociology of the Professions 4 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
SST3001 Synoptic Study-Unit 1 6 ECTS   (NC)  
SST3002 Synoptic Study-Unit 2 6 ECTS   (NC)  
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ANT2050 Anthropology of Borders 4 ECTS    
ANT3049 Culture and Society in Modern China 4 ECTS    
CST3951 Cyberculture 4 ECTS    
IRL3041 Contemporary Warfare 4 ECTS    
MCS3080 Online Journalism 4 ECTS    
MCS3500 Consumer and Organizational Buying Behaviour 4 ECTS    
SOC2010 Environmental Sociology 4 ECTS    
SOC2025 Locating the Global Society 4 ECTS    
SOC2044 Sociology of Law 4 ECTS    
SOC2072 Demographic Processes 4 ECTS    
SOC2121 Principles of Data Visualisation 4 ECTS    
SOC2124 Gender: A Sociological Exploration 4 ECTS    
SOC2345 Sociology of Social Movements 4 ECTS    
SOC3005 Sociology of Money 4 ECTS    
SOC3030 Sociology of Sport 4 ECTS    

 
Requirement for successful completion of Year 3: 60 ECTS credits, of which:
28 ECTS credits in Social Studies
28 ECTS credits in the other area
4 ECTS credits optional study-units

Requirement for award of B.A. Social Studies and in another area of study: 180 ECTS credits, of which:
80 ECTS credits in Social Studies
80 ECTS credits in the other area
20 ECTS credits optional study-units

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts.

Communication Studies

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Identify some of the main models in relation to reflective writing.
  • Create structures for organisational communication practice.
  • Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative means of research.
  • Describe different types of psychological, attitudinal, and behavioural effects produced by exposure to mass communication.
  • Work collaboratively with a mentor to bring secondary research and/or practical project to fruition.
  • Formulate a critical opinion that is based on current literature on issues in media and communications.

Social Studies

Upon successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Carry out research and write academic essays through your refined use of critical thought and methodological research skills.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discussions and contribute your unique knowledge on the subject matter with your heightened capacity of problem-solving, critical thought and performative skills.
  • Recall historical events, key figures and theoretical concepts, theories and criticisms respective of the field of study or area at hand.
  • Have a better understanding of human behaviour in its relation to social phenomena and institutions.
  • Apply your theoretical knowledge of the subject matter on contemporary issues, both local and international.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 8,500

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

Communication Studies

Communication studies as a joint area will provide you with a plethora of transferable skills to choose from in order to integrate into the career that you would like to pursue. Provided the necessary requirements, alumni have found satisfying careers in journalism, media production, writing and publishing, public relations and social media marketing, just to name a few. You may also choose to enrol in a master's programme of your choosing if you would like to further your studies, either locally or abroad.


Social Studies

As a graduate in this programme of study you will have career opportunities, both locally and internationally, as a sociologist, historian, teacher, political scientist, market research analyst and human resources officer. If you are interested in furthering your studies, or are considering an academic career, then we encourage you to enrol in one of our local postgraduate courses.


Humanities Stream

 

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