PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To develop knowledge, skills and competencies in the field Communication relevant to various employment capabilities and careers in the world of work and society. To prepare students for further studies and lifelong learning in the field of Communication.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A good honours degree in the field of English/Linguistics or Communication.

 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

3.1   AREA OF STUDY: Communication

3.2 SPECIALIST FOCUS: Communication theory, business communication,     public relations, public communication, practical aspects of communication, discourse, communication technology

3.3 ORIENTATION: Research and innovation-oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on both theoretical and practical aspects.

3.4   DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: The programme builds on communication needs in Zimbabwe and abroad and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1   Careers as Senior Public relations practitioners, Senior Researchers, Senior Consultants, Teachers and lecturers, Liaison officers, Marketing practitioners, Publishers, Editors, Advertisers and Translators

4.2   Doctoral studies in Communication or related fields

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

Code         Module Description                                                Credits

MASCS 731 Strategic Communications: Theory and Practice                     18

MASCS 732 Research for Strategic Communication                                   18

MASCS 733 Principles in Persuasion                                                        18

MASCS 734 Communication for Social Change                                        18

Elective Modules

MASCS 704 Professional Copy-Editing and Evaluation                             18

MASCS 705 Communication Variation and Register                                  18

MASCS 706 Advanced Occupational Discourse                                        18

Level 1 Semester 2

MASCS 735 Online Communication Management                                     18

MASCS 736 Communication Models                                                        18

MASCS 737 Communication within Organisations                                    18

MASCS 738 Global Communication and Culture                                       18

Elective Modules

MASCS 711 Performance Communication                                                18

MASCS 713 Non-Profit Communication Strategy                                      18               

Level 2 Semester 1

*MASCS 802   Dissertation                                                                          90

14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES

MASCS 731 Strategic Communications: Theory and Practice

This module emphasises theoretical and practical aspects of communication between organisations and their major stakeholders including employees, customers, donors, investors, government, NGOs and other associations.

MASCS 732 Research for Strategic Communication

The module covers the importance of researching a communication strategy. It focuses on the analytical skills, techniques and methodologies necessary to identify and gather useful data on social, economic, political, cultural and technological trends which affect communication strategy. Such information is important for making decisions that affect an organisation and its environment 

MASCS 733 Principles in Persuasion

The module introduces students to strategies and processes of persuasion and social influence while underlining the theories and concepts which underpin such strategies. The goal is to create professional communicators who can influence people’s beliefs and attitudes regarding various topics through advertising, political campaigns and activism, among other endeavours, while remaining ethically grounded.

MASCS 704 Professional Copy-editing and Evaluation

This is a practical module meant to equip students with practical skills in editing and proofreading, and the procedures required in the publication of print and web material. Attention is expanded to include information on production, design, market research, commissioning, product development, project management, quality control and product promotion.

MASCS 705 Communication Variation and Register

The module explores the varieties of language associated with various groups in society. Drawing insights from linguistic and sociological theories, the module pays attention to the distribution of specific registers across sections of society. In this regard, how identity markers such as gender, ethnicity, race, class and geographical origin sculpt communication shall be carried out. 

MASCS 706 Advanced Occupational Discourse

The module focuses on language development and use in occupational contexts. It examines how various professionals use technical language in communicating within particular discourse communities to get something done. Examples shall be drawn from several professions including law, medicine, politics and teachers.

MASCS 734 Communication for Social Change

The module looks at how communication techniques, principles and practices can be utilised to address real-life challenges and to foster a culture of dialogue and change. It emphasises innovative communicative approaches to reach out to marginalised communities with a view of facilitating change.

MASCS 735 Online Communication Management

The module is intended to offer conceptual and operational tools for administering online communications in organisations. It is cognisant of the evolution of communication processes in both small and big organisations.  The goal is therefore to equip students with the skills of organising and directing effective online communication strategies and tactics across a range of settings such as advertising and marketing.

MASCS 736 Communication Models

The module focuses on the various conceptual models used to explain the human communication process. It provides a historical and theoretical overview of the models that have been used to understand communication from classical times to the present. Models relevant to African and Zimbabwean contexts shall be emphasised.

MASCS 737 Communication within Organisations

The module addresses the various dimensions of communication among individuals within an organisation. Emphasis is on patterns, practices, processes and channels of communication among individuals of similar and different stations. Resultantly, questions of leadership, organisational culture and team dynamics become pertinent.

MASCS 711 Performance Communication

The module dwells on a number of verbal skills such as rhetoric, interviewing, story-telling, poster presentations and debating. It covers the conceptual and practical issues surrounding conversational practice and performance.

MASCS 738 Global Communication and Culture

The module emphasises the role of new communication technologies in shaping a global culture. Students look closely at the emergence of network societies, the benefits of global communication networks and the risks they pose to individuals and communities.

MASCS 713 Non-profit Communication Strategy

The module looks at communication efforts and programmes designed to cater for non-profit organisations. It focuses on the various ways in which non-profit companies engage in strategic communications to raise funds, carry out service campaigns and appeal to stakeholders.  

MASCS 802 Dissertation

This is a research module which culminates in the submission of findings to the Department for examination towards the end of the semester. The research shall be in an area of communication approved by the Department.