Bachelor Communication Science

Digitisation has greatly changed our lives. We can hardly imagine a life without internet, apps and social media, such as WhatsApp, Instagram or TikTok. Just think of all the devices in your home that are connected to each other through the Internet of Things. This offers many benefits, but also brings challenges – think of gaming addiction, fake news and the loss of online privacy. At the same time, communication possibilities in this digital world are greater than ever. During this study, on the one hand, you will discover how we can ensure that everyone, now and in the future, understands and can make the best use of these new digital communication tools. And on the other hand, you will learn to understand for yourself how digital tech can change our interactions - think about the impact of social media or dating apps on our self-esteem.

What impact do organisations have on society? Or, vice versa: how do our shifting needs and wants influence organisations? For companies that want to make a real impact, strong and consistent communication is essential - especially in times of crisis. Good organisational communication helps companies not only successfully bring innovations and new products to market, but also remain flexible and resilient in a world of change. You will learn how to develop strategies that connect companies with their environment and make them future-proof, allowing them to respond effectively to social and technological developments.

Imagine a roadside billboard that recognises your car, and adapts its advertising to your profile. Or think of apps and wearables that ‘read’ your emotions, and sensors in your smartphone that react to your heart rate and body signals. These are just a few examples of multisensory designs through which technology influences our behaviour. In this theme, you will focus on the connection between people, innovation and design. Products and services are increasingly smart and more and more responsive to our senses. How can you make the best possible use of this trend to stimulate desired behaviour? As a communication professional, you will know how to use multisensory design to positively persuade people and groups.

In the rankings, our programme has been one of the best communication science programmes in the Netherlands for years now. Our students especially appreciate the content of the programme, organisation of the courses and expertise of the lecturers, the level and combination of academic and practical skills, internationalisation, the quality of testing, and study guidance and personal contact.

Communication Science at UT is different. It is the only Netherlands-based Bachelor’s in this field that really familiarises you with the latest innovations and their influence – and dependence – on communication. We believe that communication in this day and age cannot be done without technology. And vice versa: technology offers endless opportunities to improve human contact and interactions! That is why we combine social science research with new technologies, using high-tech facilities like our BMS lab. You can directly test your design, concept, or prototype with the help of a 3D printer, or, say, with Virtual Reality glasses. All in all, UT is the ideal place to study, experiment and find your path!

We link communication theories to the real-life, global challenges of our time. In every module, you work on a team project in which you and your (international) fellow students deal with current issues - finding sustainable, societal solutions. And you don’t just come up with a theoretical approach, but you will actually design, make, test and even pitch your ideas to organisations. This way, you get to know the professional field in a very practical way. In the third year, for example, during the module Com@Work, you go on company visits to get an idea of your potential employers. The result: your own podcast about the field of communication studies!

Education at the University of Twente is known to be personal and informal, and this Bachelor's is no different. We have an open-door policy and you will receive more individual attention and guidance than at most other universities. The atmosphere between lecturers and students is friendly and informal: you can always approach someone with your questions. Together with our active study association S.A. Communiqué, we continuously improve our education and organise all kinds of study-related activities. Here, you will live your student life to the fullest and grow both professionally and personally!