Addressing young individuals aiming for a career in communication, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, stated: “Our faculty educates students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with an AI-driven modern curriculum, studios, and strong internship opportunities, directly at the heart of the industry. Our goal is to prepare well-equipped communication professionals who will become powerful players of this era.”
Explaining that many current topics, from AI-supported content production to personalized communication strategies, from new digital threats like deepfakes to ethical responsibilities, are covered in the courses, Prof. Atalay said, “We adopt an educational approach that closely follows developments in the communication world and keeps pace with digital transformation.”
With the university preference period approaching, Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, guided prospective students interested in studying communication and shared the faculty’s vision and the privileges it offers to students.
With double major and minor programs, students can specialize in multiple fields
Describing the faculty’s vision and advantages, Prof. Atalay said: “Our faculty is a great choice for students who want both a solid education in communication and hands-on experience. Alongside theoretical knowledge, students are prepared for the industry even during their studies through practical courses, projects, and internships. Thanks to our campus’s central location, it’s easy to establish connections with media and communication institutions. Additionally, with double major and minor program opportunities, our students can specialize in more than one field.”
AI-focused courses are offered as both core and elective options
Stating that we live in an era where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly significant and decisive, Prof. Atalay emphasized: “Speed and constant change are the defining features of this era. As a faculty, we keep our curriculum up to date to keep pace with this speed. AI-focused courses are included in our curriculum both as core and elective courses. Our academic staff is young and dynamic, and we continuously develop ourselves to meet emerging needs. While teaching our students, we also strive to improve ourselves. The practical courses we teach in our Mac and PC labs prepare our students to become strong players in today’s world.”
Curriculum is developed based on the latest technological advancements
Prof. Atalay also mentioned that the Faculty of Communication consists of eight departments, each developing its curriculum based on the latest technological advancements and industry needs: “Many current issues, from AI-supported content production to personalized communication strategies, from emerging digital threats like deepfakes to ethical responsibilities, are addressed in our courses. Additionally, through practical projects in areas such as VR/AR technologies, programmatic advertising, and SEO/SEM, we ensure that students both acquire theoretical knowledge and prepare for the innovations they will encounter in the industry. In short, we embrace an educational approach that closely follows developments in the communication world and adapts to digital transformation.”
Students are also offered hands-on training opportunities
Prof. Gül Esra Atalay also emphasized that the Faculty offers numerous practical training opportunities to ensure students are not limited to theoretical knowledge but are raised as industry-ready professionals. She continued: “Within our faculty, students can gain hands-on experience by producing projects in various facilities such as our television studio, the university’s television and radio studios, new media lab, and advertising and public relations workshops. Additionally, the university offers various internship programs in collaboration with media organizations, agencies, digital marketing firms, and corporate communication departments. Every student is entitled to participate in either a compulsory or voluntary internship for which the university handles the insurance procedures. These internships allow students to become familiar with the industry and build professional connections even before graduation. These practical experiences help students stand out in their career journeys, gain self-confidence, and find jobs more quickly after graduation. Many of our students voluntarily spend their summers closely engaged with the sector, going beyond the required internship period. Sector professionals are often eager to retain such enthusiastic communication students, making post-graduation employment almost inevitable.”
Erasmus opportunities draw attention
Reminding that the Faculty has Erasmus agreements with many universities in Europe, Prof. Atalay said: “Our students can take advantage of Erasmus opportunities both for studying and internships. Incoming Erasmus students from European countries are highly satisfied not only with the education they receive here but also with the warm and friendly atmosphere of our faculty. Many of them request to extend their stay for an additional semester. Moreover, our faculty has partnerships and collaboration agreements with institutions such as SOAS University of London in the UK, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro in Portugal, and Baku State University in Azerbaijan. These collaborations and joint events help broaden our students’ perspectives.”
Number of AI-related courses is increasing
Prof. Atalay also noted that in the 2025–2026 academic year, the number of courses in areas such as “Artificial Intelligence” and “Science Communication” will increase compared to previous years: “We are expanding the number of lab-based courses. We have already planned extracurricular activities and workshops to teach our students how to use artificial intelligence efficiently and ethically.”
What about scholarship opportunities?
Providing information about scholarship opportunities at the university, Prof. Atalay said: “In addition to the ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center) scholarship, various other scholarships are available, including the Top 5 Preference Scholarship, General Preference Scholarship, Sibling Scholarship, Science and Idea Festival Scholarship, Academic Achievement Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship, Board of Trustees Scholarship, Financial Need Scholarship, Institutional Scholarships, and Sports Scholarships. Furthermore, successful students are given the opportunity to work part-time on campus in exchange for scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are updated each year based on the needs of our students. We recommend that prospective students consult with our preference advisors, especially to review the terms of the Top 5 Preference and General Preference Scholarships and visit the 'Scholarships' page on our university’s website.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)