BA (Hons) International Communications Studies

at University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Year One (Preliminary Year) 
The first year comprises a special programme of English for Academic Purposes designed by staff from the highly experienced Centre of English Language Learning (CELE) at the University of Nottingham. This is carefully integrated with the content programmes offered by each academic division so as to prepare students fully for years 2-4 of the degree. Three of the content modules on year 1 are specifically related to the study of communications: Introduction to Information and Technology, Media and Texts: Society, Introduction to Analytical Thought, and Media  and Texts: Culture.

Year Two (Qualifying Year) 
In this first year of specialist study, extensive twenty-credit modules are structured around a student-centred learning approach to learning with extensive reading set alongside practical exercises intended to familiarise students with contemporary communications theory and practice. These modules will also give you an opportunity to practice the study skills needed for more independent research later on in your degree.

You will also begin your language studies (French, German,  Japanese, Spanish or Korean), which are designed to foster the multi-lingual communication skills needed to be successful in the international arena today.

Year Three (Part I)
During this year, you will build on the skills and knowledge you have acquired so far by applying them to a more in-depth study of issues relating to contemporary international communications in a variety of core and optional modules. Optional topics include global media and communication, cultural analysis, political communications and etc.

Two special compulsory modules will deepen your understanding of the role and importance of research in the field and help you develop a research dissertation project for the final year.

You will also continue your language studies at a second higher level in ( French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Korean). 

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in an exchange or study abroad programme for one or both semesters of their third year.

Year Four (Part II)
In this year you can choose from a number of optional modules. Besides taught modules the focus of your study in this final year is an individual dissertation project. This is on a topic of your own choice and consists of guided research spread over the whole academic year.

You will also complete your language training with a third more advanced level in (French, German,  Japanese, Spanish or Korean). 

Depending on your academic and English language qualifications, you may be eligible for a traditional three year degree programme, or a four year programme with a preliminary year enabling you to gain the subject-specific knowledge and skills required to embark on degree-level studies.

If you are a mainland Chinese student, your Gaokao score should be in the first division as a minimum requirement, and your English test score should be no less than 115/150. For more details, please check the Chinese version prospectus.

English language requirements 
If your first language is not English or your entry qualification was not obtained in the English medium (from an approved institution) you are required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. Minimum requirements:

• IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in writing) – eligible for three year programme;
• IELTS 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any element) – eligible for four year programme;
• PTE Academic 76 (minimum 65) – eligible for three year programme;
• PTE Academic 59 (minimum 53) – eligible for four year programme.

Minimum age requirements
You should be at least 18 years of age on admission to the University. The date of "admission" is defined as the first day of September in the relevant academic year. This requirement may be waived on an individual basis if your parents or guardians give their written agreement in advance to additional safeguards and requirements. Visit here for more information.

• Mainland Chinese students  - 100,000 RMB / year
• Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan students  -  100,000 RMB / year
• International students  -  110,000 RMB / year

Understanding how to communicate, learn, express yourself and do business on global digital media platforms with people from all over the world is at the core of our teaching programmes. The skills and knowledge will lead you to a wide variety of industries including:

• Media
• Public relations
• Marketing
• TV station
• Advertisement

Our students prove to be highly articulate and develop good writing, presentation, teamwork, negotiation, research and documentation skills.

Of the 116 undergraduates who graduated from the School of International Communications in 2016, 72% sought further study. These graduates were admitted to top 100 ranked institutions in the UK, Australia, China (Hong Kong) and the US. Destinations included University College of London and Imperial College London in the UK, the University of Hong Kong in China (Hong Kong), the University of Melbourne in Australia, and New York University in the US.

Additionally, second (or third) language acquisition as part of their undergraduate degree enabled our graduates to pursue further study in Spain, France and Japan.