BA (Hons) in Society and Communications

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Society and Communications

If you like English, you enjoy writing, you are curious and would like to know how to find out things, you think it is important to be able to express yourself and you would like to work in a job or jobs where you have the chance to make a positive contribution: then consider the new honours BA in Society and Communications.

This is an arts degree with a difference. The BA is the only arts degree in Ireland where you will be helped to build a portfolio of your strengths and skills over four years and where you will do a placement to get practical experience. In other words, it will combine the features of a university BA with the widely-recognised strengths of the institute of technology system. At the end of the course, you will have clear and concrete skills and achievements to present to a future employer in the form of an e-portfolio, as well as references from placement agencies, giving you a definite edge over other graduates.

You will be able to show that you can work as part of a team and that what you can do will complement the skills of others. You will know how to approach a problem, think something out and take the steps to find a solution. You will understand how organisations work in society and be reliable in your sense of what is right and wrong. You will be able to offer many things that employers want – an understanding of new media, excellent written and presentation skills.

So, what will you study on this BA? You will study how we express ourselves in different cultural forms such as literature, film, design and music. These studies will help you to develop a discerning and critical approach, to exercise choice and to consider issues of moral importance and will develop your ability to express yourself creatively. English language studies will ensure that you feel confident in any type of communication. You will learn how to learn and will be at home in a library or on the worldwide web. You will be an expert navigator of new media, and the doors they open for personal expression, social and work relationships. You will be exposed to psychology, politics and law, key subjects in understanding personal communication, interpersonal relationships and society as a whole. Most of all, the BA will celebrate both individual and group identity and will foster a positive, questioning approach that is underpinned by a strong sense of ethical values.

Graduates will find work at entry level and have the skills to progress quickly in a wide range of settings including social and community service, local government and development agencies, outreach schemes, NGOs, charitable organisations, business, journalism and media organisations, arts organisations and tourism bodies. Discussions are under way with the Teaching Council to gain programme recognition for entry to teacher training programmes. In addition, graduates may progress to a wide range of postgraduate programmes in a number of third level colleges. 

This exciting, innovative and up-to-the-minute new degree will open doors into many careers, and will kit you with the skills for which all employers are now looking.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

Grade C3 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade D3 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

FETAC

FETAC applicants to this programme must hold one of the following awards: Community Development (ECDXX), Cultural and Heritage Studies (ECHSX), Language and European Studies (ELESX), Liberal Arts (ELAXX), Media Production (EMPXX), Multimedia Production (EMMPX), Print Journalism (EPJXX) or Radio Production (ERPXX). They are also required to have obtained distinctions in three modules.

Modules

Year 1

English Language Studies, Social Media, Introduction to Psychology, Civic Engagement, Computer Applications, Introduction to the Text, Learning to Learn.

Year 2

English Language Studies, Social Media, Social Entrepreneurship, Computer Applications, Literature and Identity, Interpersonal Psychology, Problem-based Learning.

Year 3

English Language Studies, Social Media, Irish Literature, Computer Applications, Placement.

Year 4

Literature through the Ages, Human Relations and Diversity, Post-colonial Literature, International Development Studies, Community Development, Tourism and Regional Development, Integrated Capstone Project.

Progression

You may decide to pursue postgraduate training and research leading to Master’s and PhD (Level 9/10) qualifications. Our staff in the department or in the Careers Office can advise on the range of opportunities available in AIT, in Ireland and abroad for such postgraduate programmes.

Professional Recognition

N/A

Career Opportunities

It is envisaged that graduates of this programme will be able to work at entry level in a wide range of settings as follows: social & community service, outreach schemes, charitable organisations, NGOs & developmental bodies, journalism/media, marketing, public relations and tourism, amongst others.

Additional Information

Article by Dr Marian Fitzgibbon, Head of the School of Humanities, regarding the new degree, published in the Irish Independent, 16 December 2009.