Communication, Media and Culture, 2015
“The course has provided me with an excellent understanding of the three themes of communication, media and culture, and how they relate to each other. It’s given me the opportunity to explore a range of theories and ideas from the three themes, while at the same time I’ve been able to specialise in the field which best suits my interests and career ambitions”
Before coming to university, Cornelia Ebbesen took two gap years as she wasn’t too sure what she wanted to do. The first year she spent working as an au pair in England, and for the second year she worked full time in Norway before moving to Italy for four months to study Italian art, culture and philosophy.
When I applied for this course I didn’t know what I wanted to do later in life, so it was important to me that the course wasn't too focused on just one thing, but that it covered a wide range of theories and ideas. I liked the fact that it combined all three themes – communication, media and culture – in order to understand how they influence each other.
The course has provided me with an excellent understanding of the three themes of communication, media and culture, and how they relate to each other. It’s given me the opportunity to explore a range of theories and ideas from the three themes, while at the same time I’ve been able to specialise in the field which best suits my interests and career ambitions. One of the aspects I like about the course is the fact that we often get to apply the theories we’ve learnt in our practical assignments. For example, we performed a persuasive speech in front of the class based on the theories and skills we had acquired during the course. I’ve felt that everything that I’ve been taught is actually something that I will make use of later on in life, and this has made me more certain about what I want to do next.
The lecturers are exceptionally helpful and are always available should you have any questions about coursework. I feel that the lecturers actually know me and I’m not just another face among many other students. The lecturers are really inspiring and encouraging and, at the same time, they have challenged me academically in a way that’s improved my critical and analytical thinking.
I’ve absolutely loved Oxford since the day I first arrived. Although it isn’t a large city, it has so much to offer. Should you need some time away from the library, there is a range of cafés, restaurants, pubs and cocktail bars where you can meet up with friends; you could go for a Sunday stroll in beautiful scenery along the river or in the university parks; visit the Ashmolean or the many other museums and galleries; and even swipe your card in many of your high street favorites.
I’ve never experienced any difficulties being an international student at Oxford Brookes University. The only advice I can think of is to never hesitate about raising your hand in lectures or seminars, because you’re not entirely sure how to phrase your point. And always ask if there’s something you’re not certain about. There’s always someone else who is wondering the same thing! After graduating I am going to do a master’s degree in Politics and Communication at London School of Economics and Political Science from September 2015.