University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Course overview

The programme provides you with an opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, including contemporary mass media, journalism, new digital communications, the history of European and American societies, communications theory, the psychology of communications, arts and communications and cultural studies.

In addition, the study of Chinese (Mandarin) from beginners' to advanced level will form a core element in years two to four.

Students will also have an opportunity to enrich their studies by taking modules offered by International Studies and International Business. 

Special features

International Communications degrees explore the complex world of communications, media and culture. You will study different forms of visual and linguistic communication, new technologies, politics, popular and high culture, and news media.

• Learn with expert staff who conduct internationally acclaimed research
• Engage with objects, images and media of the past and understand how they influence us in the present
• Develop critical tools to see and understand the world differently

Course structure

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 two to four of the degree. Three of the content modules on year one 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. 

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 optional modules. Optional topics include global media and communication, cultural analysis, political communications, and etc.. 

You will also have the opportunity to participate in an exchange or study abroad programme for one or both semesters of their third year. See Exchange and Study Abroad Programme for more information.

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 Mandarin studies.

Careers and further study

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 include:

• 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, University of Hong Kong in China (Hong Kong), 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.