Bachelor of Communications (Honours) (Media Studies and Journalism)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Malta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communications (Honours) in Media Studies and Journalism is a theory and practice-based degree that equips you with a strong foundation in media theory, journalism, and hands-on communication skills. You'll explore diverse aspects of media and communications while developing the analytical thinking and practical expertise employers genuinely value in today's dynamic media landscape.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building Your Foundation

Your first year introduces you to the core principles of communications across multiple disciplines. You'll take foundational courses like Introduction to Journalism, Visual Communications and Graphic Design, and New Media and the Social World, which give you a broad understanding of how media functions in contemporary society. You'll also develop essential professional skills through Writing for Media and Communications and choose between English Rhetoric and Writing Skills for Media and Communications Students or II-Malti għall-Komunikazzjoni to strengthen your communication abilities. To progress to Year 2, you'll need to complete 60 ECTS credits.

Year 2: Deepening Your Expertise

In your second year, you'll continue building specialized knowledge while choosing elective units that align with your interests—whether that's diving deeper into journalism, media theory, or emerging communication trends. This flexibility allows you to tailor your studies to your career ambitions while maintaining the breadth that makes Communications graduates so adaptable.

Year 3: Professional Application and Research

Your final year is where everything comes together: you'll complete a dissertation, undertake practical work through a placement, and engage in a mentored project. This applied focus ensures you graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with real-world experience and a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities to employers. You'll need 60 ECTS credits to successfully complete Year 3, bringing your total degree to 180 ECTS credits.

Focus Areas

Journalism, media analysis, visual communications, new media literacy, writing for professional contexts, and emerging communication technologies.

Learning Outcomes

You'll develop skills in analyzing media representations, understanding human communications across different contexts, mastering practical techniques like public speaking and presentation, and gaining competency with the latest media and communication trends and technologies.

Professional Alignment

This programme is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019 and the Bye-Laws for the award of the Bachelor of Communications (Honours) under the auspices of the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences.

Reputation & Employability

The University of Malta's Bachelor of Communications (Honours) prepares graduates for careers across journalism, media production, communications strategy, and related fields, with alumni working in publishing, broadcasting, digital media, and organizational communications roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Communications (Honours) (Media Studies and Journalism) at the University of Malta, you'll dive right into hands-on learning from day one, building real-world skills through practical courses like video production, photojournalism, investigative journalism, and reporting. These aren't just lectures—you'll get your hands dirty creating content, honing your craft with tools and techniques used by professionals in media and journalism today.

This practical focus means you'll work on projects that mimic industry workflows, giving you a portfolio to show employers:

- Introduction to Video Production (MCS1110): Learn to shoot, edit, and produce videos, essential for modern journalism and media storytelling.
- Photojournalism (MCS2260): Master capturing and editing images for news, developing visual storytelling skills with professional-grade tools.
- Investigative Journalism (MCS2250) and Reporting (MCS3060): Tackle real investigative assignments and field reporting, often involving group collaboration to simulate newsroom dynamics.
- Visual Communications and Graphic Design (MCS1040): Use industry-standard digital design software to create graphics, layouts, and visuals for media outputs.
- Writing for Media and Communications (MCS1080): Practice crafting stories across platforms, with feedback to refine your professional voice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

In the Bachelor of Communications (Honours) (Media Studies and Journalism) at the University of Malta, you'll dive straight into hands-on learning from day one, building real-world skills through practical modules like Introduction to Journalism, Visual Communications and Graphic Design, Writing for Media and Communications, Introduction to Video Production, Investigative Journalism, Photojournalism, and Reporting. These aren't just lectures—they're designed to give you the tools to create, report, and communicate like a pro, all under the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, which emphasizes practical communication skills alongside media theory. Whether you're scripting stories, shooting video, or designing visuals, you'll gain confidence with industry-standard approaches right away.

Here's how our program stands out with specific experiential opportunities tailored to media studies and journalism:
- Video production and photojournalism hands-on training: Get practical experience in MCS1110 Introduction to Video Production (Year 1) and MCS2260 Photojournalism (Year 2), where you'll produce actual footage and photos for journalistic use.
- Investigative and in-depth reporting projects: Tackle real reporting scenarios in MCS2250 Investigative Journalism, MCS3060 Reporting, and advanced electives like MCS3120 In-Depth Reporting (available across streams), often involving group-based fieldwork and story development.
- Visual and graphic design tools: Build skills with graphic design software and techniques in MCS1040 Visual Communications and Graphic Design, essential for modern media creation.
- New media and digital tools: Explore digital platforms and social media applications in MCS1050 New Media and the Social World, applying them to contemporary journalism.
- Research methods for media: Conduct practical research in MCS1311 Introduction to Research Methods and MCS1311 (repeated emphasis), preparing you for data-driven stories.
- Elective group projects for social impact: Choose from electives like CST3651 Using Communication for Social Change, which involve collaborative projects on real-world communication strategies.