Course Structure and Content

Communication Studies has six units, three completed
during AS and three in A2. The contents of each unit
become visible when you click on each orange bar.

1 presentation portfolio

Candidates are introduced to the theory and practice of personal communication skills through techniques of communication research and the theory, preparation, presentation and review of an oral communication.

2 texts & meanings in communication

Candidates acquire, practise and apply the techniques of critical reading of communication texts and the ways in which meaning is produced through communication.

3 themes in personal communication

Candidates are introduced to perspectives in personal communication. These are then related to concepts including verbal and non-verbal communication, intrapersonal communication and group communication.

4 project

Candidates extend their knowledge of communication theories through the research into, drafting and production of a communication artefact in terms of cost, identified audience need and a specific brief. The synoptic evaluation will relate to the brief and to candidates’ understanding of personal and cultural communication theories, their practical application and the connections between them.

5 culture, context & communication

This module develops more fully candidates’ knowledge of the role of communication in the creation and transmission of culture in personal, organisational, mass media and environmental contexts.

6 issues in communication

In this synoptic module, candidates explore in more depth debates and controversies in relation to personal and cultural communication theories and the links between them. These are discussed through issues such as competing theories about communication, the impact of new communication technologies, communication and socialisation, and ethical, moral and political debates in communication.