Communication Studies

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  Our bachelor programme «Communication Studies», worth 90 ECTS credits, looks more closely into various aspects of communication as part of a study programme geared to in-depth examination of the significance and functioning of the media, strategic communication and the public sphere in a digital context. It focuses in particular on five aspects of communication:

  – Use and impact of media and digital media
  We analyse the latest trends in media use (e.g. in entertainment or on social media) and help you understand the impact of the different kinds of media and messages on people (in terms of their lives and health).
  – Media structure, system of governance and management
  We analyse the different media systems (digital or otherwise), media management and their implications for public policy in terms of regulation.
  – Journalism and the future of journalism in the Internet era
  We look at how the media and journalism function and how theory and practice have changed in the digital era.
  – Strategic communication
  We examine the communication strategies of political actors and businesses and changes in their communications through social media.
  – Political communication
  We examine the political and economic framework of media companies and online platforms.

  Thanks to this bachelor programme, you will learn theories and methods enabling you to independently analyse current communication issues and develop new solutions.

  Fribourg profile
  What makes our «Communication Studies» programme here in Fribourg so unique? It is versatile, analytically up to date, practical and personal:

  – Versatile: The training you receive will ensure that you are versatile when you enter the labour market. For example, if you are interested primarily in political communication and then later in business communication, you will have the skills to make a career change.
  – Analytically up to date: At the University of Fribourg, you will acquire key skills for understanding and explaining the media and communication in digital society, so you will be better prepared to help shape the future of the media. You will not only occupy a post in communications but will also play a role in reshaping it based on the latest trends in media and communication.
  – Practical: Unlike other universities, the University of Fribourg both offers a first-class academic education and helps you acquire invaluable knowledge about media and communication practice thanks to a strong focus on issues on which we are doing research and our numerous practical courses (such as video and online journalism, multimedia production for strategic communication, communication consulting and event management).
  – Personal: We emphasise innovative, interactive courses and excellent support for our students. Our teaching methods combine small work groups, workshops and class discussion groups. You are not a number, but an active member of a community which studies together.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  On graduating with a bachelor in communication studies, you will be equipped to occupy a post with responsibilities in the fields of information and communication. Former students of ours work in the following five fields:

  • Journalism: Reporter, freelance journalist, editor-in-chief, sports columnist, photojournalist, radio host, freelance journalist, culture journalist, web journalist, data journalist, newspaper journalist;
  • Strategic communications: Communications officer, digital content manager, employer brand specialist, digital marketing officer, online community manager, brand manager;
  • Political or institutional communications: Public diplomacy and communications specialist, parliamentary attaché, communications officer in a political party, communications officer in an international organisation;
  • Media management and policy: Data governance officer, digital platform media policy specialist, media public affairs officer;
  • Scientific careers: Analyst for a communications agency, media analyst, research assistant, content analysis expert.

  The course also provides academic openings, for example as a research associate, and gives you access to doctoral studies. To get an idea of what our department does, take a look at the different themes of our research projects.

  The bachelor programme «Communication Studies» also gives you access to a master programme in the same or a related discipline at the University of Fribourg, as well as at other universities in Switzerland or abroad.

  Combining this bachelor programme with one or two other study programmes, such as economics, management, history, sociology, political science, psychology and (business) informatics or languages, is an excellent means of complementing your communication and media studies according to your own interests.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

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Minor study programmes to be chosen