Information & Communication Studies in the BSc Social Sciences is aimed at students who may wish to develop a career or pursue further studies in social media, communications, information studies, critical and creative media, and other related areas. The programme is designed to promote and deepen understanding and appreciation of the roles that information, communication, and digitisation play in all areas of life and society. It is structured to foster the development of academic and critical thinking competencies and practical skill-sets, including digital literacy, research, information management, storytelling across media, the basics of web design, and the creation and publishing of digital and other media. The programme provides the necessary groundwork for postgraduate study in these areas. It serves as an initial springboard for professional training, potentially leading to careers in such areas as Social Media Management, Web Design and Development, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) Design and Evaluation, Media & Communication Management, Digital Publishing, Digital Marketing, Information Architecture, Librarianship, and Information Management.
We value a questioning and analytical perspective on the key issues surrounding information, communication, digitisation, and the broader impacts and consequences of the digital revolution in society. We encourage students to adopt a reflective approach to our subjects and we endeavour to provide the basis for meaningful engagement with course content through the use of real world examples, case studies, and practical projects. We encourage responsible citizenship by considering the societal, cultural, and ethical issues surrounding information creation, communication and use, and provide a diverse and exciting learning environment that engages, motivates and supports students. Students work individually and collaboratively to debate and discuss social and ethical issues, to develop practical information and digital skills, and to design, create, publish, and share information products. We support our students’ learning through a blend of approaches, including traditional lectures, face-to-face and online tutorials, team projects and presentations, practical computing sessions, online learning, videos, guest speakers, and independent learning.