Year one
Communication and Language
Year: 1
The module explores the complex relationship between language and communication, focusing on competing models of communication and the multi-layered multi-faceted nature of meaning in communication involving language. It explores how understanding features of language informs the study of communication and how reflecting on communication aids reflection on the complex nature of language and meaning.
Interpersonal Communication: Skills and Strategies
Year: 1
This module introduces the students to the concept of interpersonal communication as skill and strategy. It introduces the idea of different approaches to communication performance and the importance of context in selecting an appropriate or effective approach. It presents and discusses a series of core communication skills used in interpersonal interaction. The emphasis throughout is on the application of theory to practice and on developing skills of behaviour discrimination, self-awareness, critical analysis and skill enhancement.
Principles of Marketing
Year: 1
This module provides students with an appreciation of the nature, scope and breadth of the principles of marketing. It represents a key underpinning to subsequent marketing related modules within degree programmes.
Advertising
Year: 1
This module presents an introduction to the theory and practice of advertising. It
explores the role of advertising in marketing, the main creative approaches to
advertising and the main media available to advertising as well as providing a
fundamental understanding of the structure and regulatory system of the
advertising industry.
Consumer Behaviour
Year: 1
This module introduces students to the background and development of the discipline of consumer behaviour. It provides a foundation to the more applied subjects of marketing, advertising and digital communication. It provides theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the consumer decision making process and the factors that influence choice and highlights implications for marketing and marketing communication strategy.
Principles of Public Relations
Year: 1
The module introduces students to students to the study public relations. Students will examine theoretical concepts and examples of public relations practice to approach the subject, allowing students to experience and reflect on examples of public relations. With the module grounded in the wider study of the media and communication, it is intended that the student will gain a core understanding of how public relations operates within the wider media industries. Assessment is by two pieces of coursework, an essay (40%) and a report (60%).
Year two
Research Methods
Year: 2
This module has been designed to enable students to develop their skills in designing, executing and writing up quantitative and qualitative research projects. It provides an important foundation for the final year Project.
Written Communication for Public Relations and Advertising
Year: 2
Written communication is a vital part of being an effective communication professional. The module, by integrating theory and analysis with practical skills development, will enable students to develop the skills to write in a range of genres with technical accuracy, creativity and responsibility.
Marketing Management in Practice
Year: 2
This module develops the fundamentals of marketing and applies the perspective of managerialism to these core principles. In this respect, the module's focus is on the 4 core marketing management activities marketing planning, marketing implementation, marketing leadership and marketing control. The module also explores how these core managerial activities will operate in various marketing contexts.
Advanced Interpersonal Communication
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module extends the study of interpersonal communication by examining advanced interpersonal skills relevant to specific professional contexts. It offers the opportunity to explore underlying theories and concepts, which in turn provides knowledge and understanding of situationally specific communication processes. Behaviour analysis, critical reflection and skill enhancement are the heart of the module. A special feature is the use of CCTV laboratories in the Communication Skills Centre of the University.
Student exchange programme
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module allows students in second year to study abroad for the first or second semester. Students take the equivalent number of relevant credits offered by the host institution, during their period of study there. Decisions related to what students study in the host institution are taken in conjunction with the host institution adviser and their studies adviser at Ulster.
Digital Communication
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module offers a theoretical and practical insight into the dynamic area of online digital communication and explores some of the key questions and issues facing academics and practitioners. Students undertaking the module will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to support the implementation of digital communication objectives in support of business goals including customer acquisition, loyalty and community building. Students will be able to critically evaluate the characteristics of individual online digital media, and select appropriate tools from the range available to execute digital communication in support of organisational objectives.
Principles of Graphic Design
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module offers the opportunity for students to develop knowledge of how designers work. It aims to develop the ability to work with designers and to act as a intermediary between a client and a creative team. Students will learn how to brief creative colleagues efficiently and how to collaborate effectively and maximise joint resources. It offers demonstration and appreciation of computing skills and an understanding of how to improve visual output and presentation skills.
Year three
Work Placement
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement option is a complement to and extension of the work engaged in at the University and provides the opportunity for each student to apply theory to practice, enhance their employability portfolio and improve their career planning skills and knowledge.
International Academic Studies
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside in the US under the Study USA programme. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline and its applied contexts whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year four
Organisational Communication
Year: 4
This module offers a theoretical and practical insight into traditional, relational, cultural and network communication strategies used by organisations to address current challenges and achieve organisational goals. Such understanding forms the basis for an appreciation of a range of issues including challenges of leadership, organisational uncertainty and conflict, change and crisis management. Students undertaking the module will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the effectiveness of strategies adopted by organisations and to offer proposals for improved communication, innovation and performance
Advanced Advertising
Year: 4
The theory and practice of advertising is constantly evolving and this module affords students the opportunity to keep up to date with these changes. It provides a deeper exploration of the role of creativity in advertising and the changing media landscape within which advertising practitioners are engaged. It equips students with knowledge and skills to challenge academic research and to undertake practical advertising activities.
Dissertation
Year: 4
The project enables students to apply methods and techniques to exending and applying their knowledge and understanding of Communication and allows them to further develop their conceptual, rational and creative thinking within the field of Communication. It incorporates all aspects of completing a research project, from topic selection through to writing up and builds upon research skills acquired in Years 1 and 2.
Global Marketing
Year: 4
In an increasingly global environment this module seeks to develop students' understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, legal and political variables which will impact on the international decision making and planning processes of an organisation and influence international marketing mix strategies.
Rethinking Communication
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module considers the theoretical and conceptual trends that appear to be shaping future notions of the study of communication. The module extends the conceptual and theoretical appreciation of the student and enables them to engage with the disputes and debates out of which the future of the domain will emerge.
The Communication Consultant
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module presents students with a range of assessment and evaluation instruments currently in use in the measurement of communication and organisational behaviour. Students will develop their skills in analysing data, summarising their findings and presenting useful recommendations in a form that can assist in the achievement or organisational improvement.
Reading the Brand
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module considers how we 'read' the messages communicated by commodities, how we use those commodities to communicate our own messages and construct our identities, and how the media discourses surrounding commodities reinforce or challenge those messages. The schedule falls into three parts which each build on the last. It begins by using semiotics to analyse brands and adverts in detail, moves on to bring wider theoretical considerations to bear on the marketplace in general in order to see the 'bigger picture', and culminates in student-facilitated seminars that use the material from the first two parts to examine any aspect of the marketplace that interests the facilitating group.
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