University of Nottingham Ningbo China
BA (Hons) International Communications Studies
Ningbo, China
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
CNY 120,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international students; 120,000 RMB/year - Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan students; 100,000 RMB/year
Key Summary
Key information
- Degree: BA (Hons) International Communications Studies
- Types of study: Full-time
- Duration: Three or four years depending on entry qualifications
- Start date: September 2025
- Faculty: International Communications / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Study model: 4+0
Note: For the 2+2 study model courses, the student will spend the last two years at our UK campus. For the 4+0 study model courses, the student will spend the entire degree programme in Ningbo, China with 'study abroad' opportunities from year three.
Course Overview
The programme provides you with an opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, including contemporary mass media, journalism, new digital communications, the history of European and American societies, communications theory, the psychology of communications, arts and communications, and cultural studies.
In addition, the study of a European language (French, Spanish, or German) or an Asian Language (Japanese or Korean) from beginners to advanced level will form a core element in years two to four.
You will also have an opportunity to enrich your studies by taking modules offered by International Studies and International Business.
Special features
International Communications degrees explore the complex world of communications, media, and culture. You will study different forms of visual and linguistic communication, new technologies, politics, popular and high culture, and news media.
- Learn with expert staff who conduct internationally acclaimed research
- Engage with objects, images, and media of the past and understand how they influence us in the present
- Develop critical tools to see and understand the world differently
Course structure
Year One (Preliminary Year)
The first year comprises a special programme of English for Academic Purposes designed by staff from the highly experienced Centre of English Language Learning (CELE) at the University of Nottingham. This is carefully integrated with the content programmes offered by each academic division so as to prepare students fully for years 2-4 of the degree. Three of the content modules on year 1 are specifically related to the study of communications: Introduction to Information and Technology, Media and Texts: Society, Introduction to Analytical Thought, and Media and Texts: Culture.
Year Two (Qualifying Year)
In this first year of specialist study, extensive twenty-credit modules are structured around a student-centred learning approach to learning with extensive reading set alongside practical exercises intended to familiarise students with contemporary communications theory and practice. These modules will also give you an opportunity to practice the study skills needed for more independent research later on in your degree.
You will also begin your language studies (French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Korean), which are designed to foster the multi-lingual communication skills needed to be successful in the international arena today.
Year Three (Part I)
During this year, you will build on the skills and knowledge you have acquired so far by applying them to a more in-depth study of issues relating to contemporary international communications in a variety of core and optional modules. Optional topics include global media and communication, cultural analysis, political communications, etc..
Two special compulsory modules will deepen your understanding of the role and importance of research in the field and help you develop a research dissertation project for the final year.
You will also continue your language studies at a second higher level in ( French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Korean).
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in an exchange or study abroad programme for one or both semesters of their third year.
Year Four (Part II)
In this year you can choose from a number of optional modules. Besides taught modules the focus of your study in this final year is an individual dissertation project. This is on a topic of your own choice and consists of guided research spread over the whole academic year.
You will also complete your language training with a third more advanced level in (French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Korean).
To encourage academic excellence, we offer a comprehensive and expanding range of full and partial scholarships.
Historically nearly 30% of our undergraduate students were awarded scholarships for their entry. Once enrolled, current students are eligible for additional merit and/or performance-based scholarships and awards, which covers approximately 32.5% of our whole student body.
Please check the school website for scholarship types and policies for applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas countries. If you are a mainland Chinese student, please visit the Chinese language prospectus.
Careers and further study
Understanding how to communicate, learn, express yourself, and do business on global digital media platforms with people from all over the world is at the core of our teaching programs. The skills and knowledge will lead you to a wide variety of industries including:
- Media
- Public relations
- Marketing
- TV station
- Advertisement
Our students prove to be highly articulate and develop good writing, presentation, teamwork, negotiation, research, and documentation skills.
Of the 168 undergraduates who graduated from the School of International Communications in 2023, 153 students sought further study. These graduates were admitted to the top 100 ranked institutions in the UK, Australia, China (Hong Kong), and the US. Destinations included the University College of London and Imperial College London in the UK, the University of Hong Kong in China (Hong Kong), the University of Melbourne in Australia, and New York University in the US.
Additionally, second (or third) language acquisition as part of their undergraduate degree enabled our graduates to pursue further study in Spain, France, and Japan.