Luis Enrique is finishing the fourth year of Audiovisual Communication at the Vicálvaro campus of the Rey Juan Carlos University. He began university studies in the 17-18 academic year, although it was not his first contact with communication studies. When he finished high school, he decided to take a higher degree, but this was not enough for him and he decided to continue training, taking a leap to university studies.

The student from Madrid decided to study at the URJC, mainly to acquire greater knowledge thanks to its excellent teachers and a large number of resources and materials to develop a very practical career.

Q: When did you start to feel interested in the world of communication and audiovisual media?

A: I began to be interested in the audiovisual world between the first and second years of high school. It was still not very clear to me that I wanted to continue studying and it was my passion for cinema that helped me decide. I have always really liked watching movies and analyzing everything that happened in them. For this reason, I thought it would be a good idea to study something related to the audiovisual.

Q: Why did you decide to study the degree in Audiovisual Communication?

A: I wanted to have a very solid and theoretical base on everything that communication entails, that is, the form and substance of being a communicologist in all aspects. This is something that in four years of university education is acquired and learned by the wide range of subjects.

Q: For someone who is thinking of studying this degree, what do you like the most about the degree?

A: It could be just that, variety of subjects. At first, you see that some have a lot to do with communication itself and others that initially not so much. Communication Theory, Audiovisual Language, or Filmmaking are subjects that by name you already know are closely linked to the world of communication; but others such as Communication Law or Sociology, at first it may surprise that they are part of the degree. But, you end up seeing and learning how they are all very necessary within the training of communicologist.

Q: What is learned in this degree?

A: You learn many things and very diverse among them. To give examples, you learn laws that you have to know regarding image rights; current and past film theories are studied; you learn to make television and what are the guidelines to follow within a journalistic structure; advertising is studied and how it is focused in relation to the audiovisual, analysis of cinematographic language is studied... In short, everything necessary to have a global vision of the world of communication, its various areas and forms of audiovisual expression.

Q: What have been your favorite subjects? For what reason?

A: There are many, but to name one, I would say Screenwriting and Law. Audiovisual Script, for all the formulas that are learned to create the structure of a work, mainly cinematographic. Audiovisual Law, because of how surprising it was for me to study the laws of what is allowed and what is not allowed within audiovisual rights, something very interesting and curious. In addition, both teachers knew how to pass on to us with passion, and in a very entertaining way, their knowledge of the subjects.

Q: Before entering the race you did a superior cycle, what was it? What is the difference you have noticed with the university degree?

A: I studied the higher cycle of “Realization of audiovisual projects and shows”. In the cycle you learn a lot in the practical aspect, in how things are done. They are two years where the constant practice stands out in editing programs, productions on set, recordings for cinema and even stage management. By being more focused let's say it trains you for the world of work in the short term. But the main difference, with a university degree, I would summarize it in that the cycle trains you completely to know how to do, and in the degree it goes much further; you learn to do, but also why to do one thing or another. Despite this, I consider that double training is a very positive and fruitful aspect within the audiovisual world. 

Q: For those who are considering enrolling in Audiovisual Communication and have already done a cycle, how many subjects did you validate?

A: A table with the possible validations appears on the university's validation website. These are voluntary and if I remember correctly there are about five or six, including the internship period. In my case, I only wanted to validate two subjects throughout my career: Camera and sound, and Editing.

Q: For newly admitted students, what advice would you give them?

A: Don't worry if the first year everything seems weird, or even boring. You have to be clear that there are always subjects that you may like more or less. As the courses progress, the subjects improve and become more practical. My advice is that you have to take advantage of everything learned in each subject. There are many subjects and not all of them seem equally interesting or fun, but they all count the same. Also, if they are there it is because they are really important, and in the end you realize it. With enthusiasm and perseverance you will be able to graduate in Audiovisual Communication and be able to work in what you like. 

Q: Now that you have finished your degree, what are your expectations for the future?

A: I wish I could work, that would be his thing. Although, I want to continue training, at least one more year, doing a master's degree. It is always important to have plan A, B and C.

Q: And finally, how would you define your time at university?

A: Faster than I imagined. With a bittersweet and truncated ending due to the pandemic, something that saddens me very much. But also fruitful and professional, because, without realizing it, you leave the degree with four years of learning, both academic and personal, that will be part of you forever.

For those interested in studying the degree in Audiovisual Communication, you can visit this website: https://www.urjc.es/estudios/grado/507-comunicacion-audiovisual. Or you can also read more student experiences on the FCCOM News page.