BA Communication Studies Programme

Welcome Message

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication programme is a four year degree programme. It is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge of concepts and practice in the field of communication. Graduates of the programme are expected to effectively serve the church and society in a variety of roles.

The programme is affiliated to the University of Ghana, School of Communication graduate programme. The BA Communication Studies degree programme emphasizes key theories, concepts and principles in communication. In selecting courses, students are encouraged to choose courses that lead to an in-depth mastery and expertise in one of the four areas of specialization namely: print journalism, broadcast journalism, advertising and public relations. Students are also trained to apply the acquired skills in corporate organizations, churches and government agencies.

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication programme is a four year degree programme. It is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge of concepts and practice in the field of communication. Graduates of the programme are expected to effectively serve the church and society in a variety of roles.

The programme is affiliated to the University of Ghana, School of Communication graduate programme. The BA Communication Studies degree programme emphasizes key theories, concepts and principles in communication. In selecting courses, students are encouraged to choose courses that lead to an in-depth mastery and expertise in one of the four areas of specialization namely: print journalism, broadcast journalism, advertising and public relations. Students are also trained to apply the acquired skills in corporate organizations, churches and government agencies.

Objectives of the Programme

Specifically, the objectives of the programme are:

• To facilitate the learning of the basic concepts and approaches to the study of communication and its application in everyday life;
• To give the student a foundational understanding of theory and practice in communication;
• To prepare the student to apply communication principles and best practices in the achievement of set objectives for the church, community, business, government and non-profit organizations;
• To provide the basis for in-depth evaluation and use of communication principles for effective communication.

Employment Prospects

Communication permeates every aspect of our lives – from churches, to families, communities and the whole nation. A degree in communication prepares and positions graduates strategically to influence decisions that affect our lives. They are taught and trained to think critically, creatively and to work in the church, in industry, in print and electronic media houses as well as in civil society. Graduates from the Department of Communication Studies, CSUC are better placed to secure jobs in media companies, banks, telecommunications, insurance, local government, churches, civil service and in education as media planners, multi-media specialists, public relations officers, broadcast journalists and producers, print journalists, copywriters and web designers.

Admission Requirements

1. SSSCE/WASSCE holders: Candidates should have credits (i.e. grades not below D or C6) in three core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, and (Integrated Science or Social Studies); plus credits (i.e. grades not below D or C6) in three elective subjects. The aggregate score should not exceed 24 for SSSCE and 36 for WASSCE.
2. GCE O’ and A’ Level holders:Candidates should have five GCE O’ Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. In addition the candidates should have two passes at the GCE A’ Level.
3. Holders of Diploma in Journalism and/or Communication studies or its equivalent from an accredited communication related institution may be admitted to Level 200.
4. Mature students must not be less than 25 years at the time of admission, and should have a reasonable degree of education and work experience. They will be required to pass an entrance examination in English Language, Mathematics and Introduction to Computing.

Progression and Graduation

Student progression from one year level to another level will be based on continuous assessment and examination. The continuous assessment includes class exercises, projects and assignments and the total score to be awarded is thirty percent (30%); and examination will constitute seventy percent (70%) of the total score and it will be conducted at the end of a semester. Students who fail a course in a semester will trail the course. They will, however, be allowed to progress to the next year level. Students who fail course(s) will have the opportunity to re-sit the course(s) at the end of the academic year.

Students who fail to score 1.50 GPA will be withdrawn. Students will also be required to satisfy a maximum of 18 credit hours and a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester for the duration of the course, depending on elective subject credits

Credit hours requirement for graduation

In line with the University of Ghana, Legon credit hours requirement, a student admitted to level 100 is expected to have accumulated 120 credit hours in order to graduate at the end of the programme. However, a student admitted to level 200 is expected to have accumulated 108 credit hours in order to graduate at the end of the programme.