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Course review
Review by: Bridget M
University: University of Leeds
Course: Communication Studies
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
8 to 11
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Communication Studies, Media Studies, Film Studies, Government and Politics.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I enjoyed studying Communication Studies at A level. I wanted to have a chance to study different types of media texts and in more depth.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
The degree is very focused around media, and ending up getting a job in the media industry. In the first year you can feel, at times, slightly pushed into the television/film aspect of the industry, and you have to keep reminding yourself that there are other jobs that your skills will be useful in.
You cannot choose your modules until third year, so you cannot specialise until the third year. This means it's inappropriate for those people who already know what area of communications they are interested in.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
We have a combination of seminars and lectures. We also have practical camera and edit sessions in the second semester.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
We are required to read at least one text each week for each module; so this means there will be a (minimum) required reading of about three texts each week.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
The lecturers are very friendly and understanding. I have never felt uncomfortable on my course and I feel like I am listened to. The lecturers are always interested in hearing your suggestions to how the course can improve and it improves more and more every year. The students have a very big part in the improvement and development of the course.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
We are required to participate in a lot of different areas, so we can see which skills we best like using and what part of industry we would most likely to work in in the future.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
We work very closely with the Film course in our first year; this is fustrating if you are not interested in film. However, this changes after the first year.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Excellent. There is always the equipment we need whenever we need it. Our lecturers are very knowledgable and enthusiastic.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
Lectures are usually large (around 200 students, though a few will only have around 40 students), and around 20% of the lectures involve watching films or documentaries for information and case studies.
Seminars usually consist of ten to fifteen students with a PHD student as our seminar leader.
The year consists of 6 modules - 3 in each semester. Each module has around 2 lectures a week and one seminar.
The first year modules focus on:
The film industry - the history of, and practicle work.
History of communications - how communication methods have been used for war etc.
How communication is relevant to political studies/news studies.
Academic skills - an introduction to essay styles and research styles required at university.
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Other reviews for Communication Studies
Kate T, 1st Year doing Communication Studies at Cardiff University
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University review
Review by: Bridget M
University: University of Leeds
Course: Communication Studies
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
This university suits those people who like to work hard and play hard. There also is a strong political community at Leeds. The area is very student friendly; the university is situated in between the city centre and the densely student populated areas (Hyde Park and Headingly). I could not recommend this university enough; the staff are very friendly and there is always someone to help you whatever your need. This university is perfect!
What is the academic life like at your university?
Most students are hard working, the university's libraries are very well equipped and work is well spaced so you can work to your deadlines efficiently.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
The Fresher's fair was really well organised in the day, along with the welcome lectures. There were loads of evening events- clubs etc, something for everyone.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The Student Union is amazing. It is the best I have seen for any university. There are countless restuarants/eateries and lots of different clubnights. The university radio is fantastic. There is even a space for students called the Peanut gallery that they can use at their disposal for any purpose (it is usually associated with political campaigning groups).
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
There is every society imaginable. So there is definitely an activity for everyone. There are lots of sports facilities and teams with a choice to play for the university or just for your department or halls.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Although it is easy to see the social scene as alcohol orientated, it is required of each LUU society to provide events which are not alcohol orientated, aswell as those that are. The nightlife in the union is fantastic, and the nightlife in the city is also great (and often cheaper!).
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
The city is lovely, although it is big, it is easy to find your way around and once you know it it is not daunting at all. It feels very safe and there are lots of very cheap taxis so you never have to worry about walking home at night. The locals are very friendly and the city is well catered for students. There is never a shortage of good clubnights!
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
Halls of residence are a must for the first year. Leeds has an excellent range of halls to suit any budget. They are the easiest way to make friends and each hall has a JCR to arrange events and activites for the residents.
Usually in second and third year students move into a privately rented house, usually around the LS6 area. There are literally thousands of properties to choose from with many estate agents being exclusivly for students. The rent is very cheap and affordable.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Although I was in a self catered hall, I would recommend a catered hall. It is easier to make closer friendships when you live and eat together. Self catered halls provide a lot of independance and are fab for people who like to cook but sometimes it can be slightly harder to bond with your flatmates in self catered.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
Catered - 95 to £150pw catered (depending on en-suite etc).
£65 to £105pw self catered(depending on en-suite etc).
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