Journalism and Social Communication, 1st cycle studies and 2nd cycle studies
Journalism education in the University of Silesia started in 1969.
The current course structure in Journalism and Social Communication includes a course block of general subjects such as political science, history, economics, psychology, sociology, and elements of law, as well as a course block of subjects directly related to the profession of journalist and other similar professions.
The fundamental idea of education in Journalism and Social Communication is to prepare students for employment in all contemporary types of media and media-related professions (in particular in Public Relations, promotion and advertisement, and spokespersonship), which in times of the progressing media convergence will strengthen their position in the labour market. Consequently, the curriculum does not include majors related to particular types of media, but instead, each student is required to complete a class focused on each of them. At the same time, a broad choice of practical classes and internships gives students an opportunity to specialise in a given type of media or in a given media-related profession.
Journalism and Social Communication graduates can find employment in all types of mass media: in press, radio, television, and on the Internet. They posses knowledge allowing them to work not only as journalists or editors, but also as leaders and managers of media institutions. Students gain knowledge and skills, which allow them to learn and understand the main development trends in particular segments of media markets and as a whole. They are able to evaluate their role in various aspect of functioning of a modern information society. Graduates are able to fulfil the role of a journalist as a profession of public trust. They understand the mechanisms of mass media functioning in a modern information society. They are aware of the significance of digital media in the life and functioning of a modern society.
Graduates also gain fundamental skills allowing them to undertake various professions related to the broadly defined area of social communication (promotion, advertisement, spokespersonship, and Public Relations). They are prepared for employment in institutions researching mass media and their effects and are prepared to cooperate with periodical research centres.
They can find employment also as specialists in media education in educational institutions and as communication coaches. They are also highly valued as negotiators and specialists in crisis communication. They can fulfil advisory roles for public institutions regarding image building and political communication.
Many practical classes are conducted by professional journalists, spokespersons, and public relations specialists. In order to provide students with practical training, the Faculty of Social Sciences has set up radio and television studios and an editing studio, all with professional equipment.
Employment prospects:
- work in all types of periodical mass media and social media,
- advertisement, promotion, Public Relations,
- media education and communication coaching,
- management of media institutions,
- media market and public opinion research,
- public and political communication.