In a rapidly changing world, organizations need communication professionals with strong problem-solving skills. The University of Twente offers a modern Communication Science programme combining communication with design, organization and technology.
Technology has a profound impact on modern life. Our society is changing into a digital society. Organizations are in the process of becoming fluid, transparent, and flexible. Instead of stability and tradition, change and development have become the norm. The boundaries between home and work have blurred. People are permanently connected, spending much of their time in present absence and absent presence. Ongoing globalization is pushing organizations further and deeper into international and intercultural contexts. The media landscape has drastically changed: Traditional media are showing serious signs of fading, while new media continue to pop up and grow. While facing permanent information overload, people are often less informed and less involved than ever before.
At the heart of this technologized and rapidly changing world stands communication. Modern organizations need skilled communication professionals to survive and thrive in their turbulent environments. As a student you can only be properly equipped for this complex and demanding field if you learn to connect communication to the possibilities of design and technology – as well as to the complexities and challenges of contemporary organizations. In the Bachelor’s programme Communication Science at the University of Twente (UT), that is exactly what we do: focus on the knowledge, attitude and skills you will need to be a successful communication professional in the future.
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION SCIENCE?
Communication Science focuses on the ways people interact, share information, collaborate, and build lasting relationships. As a communication professional from Twente you will know all there is to know about the rise and fall of new communication channels, and about the best ways of using them. You will know how to use communication strategies to influence or facilitate the behaviour of individuals and organizations. You will understand the role of communication as a binding force between people, in and between organizations, and throughout society. You will have the ability to look at issues from different perspectives, to translate complex matter into meaningful information. You will understand the practical implications of policies and strategies. Framing, bridging and bonding will be among your core activities.
Communication can be studied at three levels:
- The micro level involves individuals. How do people interact with each other, in daily life as well as in professional contexts? How do they incorporate instant messaging or Facebook in their lives? How do people decide on buying certain products or services, how do they (consciously and subconsciously) process advertising messages? And how do they interact with technology?
- The meso level involves organizations. How do employees relate to the organization they work for, and how can communication best contribute to their development and satisfaction, to their attachment to the organization, and to the quality of their work? How can organizations ensure a good reputation and a high trust, even in times of crisis? What are effective strategies that brands can use to sell products and build a relationship with consumers?
- The macro level involves society. How do ICT developments affect the inclusion of less educated people? Which communication and Internet skills do people need to function in society? Does the use of social media cause people to live in ‘information bubbles’? What makes messages go viral? What are the main current and future privacy threats posed by ICT?
Everything in human life has to do with communication. In our Bachelor’s programme in Communication Science you will learn to understand the role of communication in our daily lives. You will see people, organizations, and society through the lens of communication. You will learn to analyse complex problems, considering the role communication can play in solving them. You will be taught how theories and research can bring clarity and prepare the way for solutions.
Of course, it is also important that you develop good communicative skills yourself. Every communication practitioner needs to be able to collaborate successfully with a lot of different people. You also have to be able to write and present effectively. Throughout the programme, you will get many opportunities to train these skills.
BSC DEGREE IN COMMUNICATION
Communication Science, the English-taught Bachelor’s programme at the University of Twente, is for students who have a talent for perceiving what is going on around them, connecting ideas, tools and people, and creating out-of-the-box solutions aimed at impacting their world.
Choosing to study the BSc Communication Science at the University of Twente means you are choosing an applied communication study programme (in English) in a high-tech environment. A degree in communication from the University of Twente will give you a head start on the job market! Have a look at the study programme, information about admission and enrolment, or why you should study Communication Science at the University of Twente.
We also offer a master's programme (MSc.) in Communication Studies.
why AT a technical university
The UT aims to educate the communication professional of the future. In our Bachelor’s programme in Communication Science, communication theories are connected with organizational contexts, technological developments, and design. The UT is the ideal environment for this ambition: many of the technologies that will affect our future are developed here on campus. Our teaching concept – the Twente Educational Model (TEM) – is geared to our ambitions. From the very first year, you will be encouraged to actively, critically, and creatively work with concepts, theories, and methods, and to combine strategic thinking with the development of strong personal communication skills.
Read more about the reasons to study communication science.
GETTING STARTED AS A COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONAL
Are you wondering what you can do with your bachelor's degree in Communication Science? After your Bachelor’s programme you can specialize by following the Master’s programme. Read more about the four specializations of the Master’s programme in Communication Studies. A communication professional with a degree from our university is a fully-fledged academic thoroughly capable of solving communication problems in practice. Graduates can, for instance, start work as communication advisors, press officers, consultants or (online) marketeers. More information about the jobs market after Communication Science.
MORE INFORMATION
Learn about the Communication Science programme and the University of Twente:
- Visit an Open Day
- Attend a Student-for-a-Day programme;
- Ask your question or chat with the Study Information Centre.