Future leaders need to be conversant with appropriate communication skills, to win the hearts and minds of people. Communication is an art and science that connects our lives together. The success of any organisation lies in its power to communicate effectively. Successful leaders must know how to signal power and influence people by using appropriate communication strategies which can be easily learnt at this campus. The Department of Communication Science prepares students to integrate and succeed at all the three levels of Communication: Strategic, Operational and Tactical. Effective Communication is fundamentally an interactive social process. It is a process of continuous mutual adaptation to give and take or move and countermove. Learn how to be strategic in your communication. The Department of Communication Science also affords students the opportunity to excel in Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations by effectively using new communication technology.

Communication is important to all academic disciplines and therefore, the Department of Communication Science engages in horizontal and interdisciplinary research. The Department focuses on the following areas: Mass Communication, Media Studies, Public Relations, Digital Communication, Information Communication and Technology, Marketing & Advertising, Journalism, Organisational Communication, Electronic Communication, Educational Communication and Business Communication.

Undergraduate Studies

Diploma in Media Studies – 1CMDP1; NQF Level 6

Total No. of Credits: 360 credit
(Offered only at the Richards Bay Campus)

Description of the Diploma

The purpose of this qualification is to provide competent and responsible media specialists with market-related media skills to the private and public sectors of the economy. This course is suitable for those students seeking employment in the following areas: as camera operators, photojournalist, video and photo editors, advertising specialists, communication officers, spokespersons, personal assistants and journalists.

Diploma in Public Relations Management – 1CPDP1; NQF Level 6

Total No. of Credits: 360
(Offered only at the Richards Bay Campus)

Description of the Diploma

The purpose of this qualification is to provide competent and responsible Public Relations Practitioners with market-related skills for servicing the private and public sectors of the economy. This course will be suitable for those students seeking employment in the following areas: Public Relations, Business Management, Advertising, Communications Officers, Public Speakers, Spokespersons and Journalism.

BA in Intercultural Communication – 1CDEG1; NQF Level 7

Total No. of credits: 360
(Offered only at the KwaDlangezwa Campus)

Description of the Degree

The purpose of this qualification is aimed at those who wish to become professional communication practitioners and pursue careers in paths such as Communication Specialist, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Radio & Television Broadcasting, Corporate Communications, Business Communications and Electronic (digital and Internet) Communication. With this qualification, learners will be equipped to enter the field of communication as professionals. This programme includes specialised work in Social Change and Development Communication, Advanced Public Relations, Journalism and Visual Communication, Digital Communication and New Communication Technologies.

Postgraduate Studies

BA Honours in Communication Science – 1HON03; NQF Level 8

Total No. of Credits: 120
(Offered only at the KwaDlangezwa Campus)

Description

The Honours qualification provides research skills through projects that relate to Communication Science. This course allows students to conduct research projects in the following areas: Public Relations, Business Communication Management, Advertising, Organisational Communications, Public Speaker or Spokesperson and Journalism. The course is designed to teach the student the basic techniques of thesis writing. The graduate can enter into the Master’s programme upon completion.

Master of Arts in Communication Science – 1MAS03; NQF Level 9 Total No. of Credits: 180

Description

The Master’s qualification is research-based projects that relate to Communication Science. Research projects focus on the following areas: Public Relations, Business Communication Advertising, Organisational Communications and Journalism. This graduate can enter the Doctoral programme.

Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Science – 1DPH03; NQF Level 10

Total No. of Credits: 360

Description

The Doctoral qualification is research-based projects that relate to Communication Science. Research projects focus on the following areas: Public Relations, Business Communication Advertising, Organisational Communications and Journalism.