• Mass Communication and Media requires you to have a strong command of language(s) in order to present persuasively and write effectively
• The industry value practical skills and work experience that you may gain through internships during your course of study
• You may study Mass Communication and Media through Diploma and/or Degree of your preferred course

Mass Communication and Media is an all-encompassing industry that has grown into multidisciplinary specialisations that relates to spreading messages, stories, promotions and brands. It involves various types of information — news, entertainment, branding, knowledge, advice — being relayed via newspapers, magazines, television, radio, advertisements and online channels.

If you choose to be part of this dynamic industry, you need to have a strong command of language in order to present persuasively and write effectively. This is key, especially when you will be responsible for crafting and developing messages to different types of audiences. You will also need to be prepared to work during odd hours to cover breaking news or to burn the midnight oil before presenting a branding concept. On the other hand, you will also be immersed in a fun and creative environment that constantly adapts with the new media trends, i.e. social media.

‘’being an excellent communicator means that you will be a valuable asset even in unrelated industries such as education, management, healthcare, business, publishing and politics’’

Training in Mass Communication and Media means you will be groomed to be an effective and persuasive communicator. It also provides you with a wide range of industry-related knowledge, while allowing you to specialise in a focused area.

Generally, you will have the opportunity to be exposed to multiple fields during the first year of your degree before choosing a major to specialise in. This is an industry value practical skills and work experience – internships will not only provide you with practical training, they may even lead to job opportunities.

Fields

• Advertising relates to sending message to promote or sell products, services or ideas.
• Broadcasting relates to radio and TV programming such as choosing the right story or concept, filming or recording, finding locations, checking facts and interviewing people, editing and presenting. Recently this includes New Media that relates to recently developed and developing technologies, such as interactive and social media.
• Journalism studies various journalistic platforms and processes, including how to work in a newsroom, find sources and present a story to the public. Some universities offer a separate journalism major.
• Public Relations relates to the communication between an organisation or a person with the public and media.
• Marketing relates to efforts to communicate the value of a company’s product or services to its customers, to maximise profitability while building a lasting relationship. Recently this includes New Media that relates to recently developed and developing technologies, such as interactive and social media.

Types of jobs

• Marketing researcher
• Copy writer
• Account executive
• Media planner
• Media buyer
• Broadcaster
• Community relations director
• News writer
• Advertising sales coordinator
• Marketing researcher
• Social media marketer
• Social media researcher
• Reporter
• Editor
• Script writer
• News service researcher
• Technical writer
• Publicity manager
• Marketing researcher
• Lobbyist
• Corporate public affairs specialist
• Account executive
• News writer
• Public opinion researcher
• Account executive
• Client services manager
• Communications planner
• Data planner
• Brand manager
• Campaign manager
• Marketing researcher
• Social media marketer
• Social media researcher

Successful people/ companies

• Grey Kuala Lumpur is one of the largest advertising agencies in Malaysia. It is dedicated to delivering big ideas that accelerate brand possibilities.
• Channel NewsAsia is a Singaporean English language Asian cable television news agency and news channel established by Mediacorp since 1999. Positioned to understand Asia, it reports on global developments with Asian perspectives.
• The Jakarta Post is a daily English language newspaper in Indonesia. After a change in chief editors in 1991, it began to take a more vocal pro-democracy point of view. It is noted for being a training ground for local and international reporters.
• BlueFocus Communication Group is the industry leader in brand management in the Chinese market. This agency is known for a great media offering through an impressive collection of services. This firm was indexed since February of 2010 on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange/ Growth Enterprise Market. Since 2013, it has shifted its focus to international market starting with buying 20% stake in London-based Huntsworth, a PR and health-care agency company and social media agency We Are Social.

There are several pathways to your desired degree after your Secondary Education. You can choose to pursue a Pre-University course, a Foundation in Arts in your chosen university or a Diploma in Mass Communication (which is the most common). Upon completion of any of those qualification, you will then be eligible to pursue a Degree in Mass Communication and Media. Some universities also offer complementary double majors such as Degree in Public Relations and Marketing.

Types of qualifications

• Foundation in Arts
• Diploma in Mass Communication and Media
• Degree in Mass Communication and Media

Entry requirement

• Good pass in Secondary Education. Subject prerequisites may apply.
• Minimum 3 credits in Secondary Education. Subject prerequisites may apply.
• Good pass in Secondary Education and a Pre-University course, Diploma or Foundation in Arts.*

Duration of courses

• 1 year
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years

*As a rule of thumb: ‘A’ Level minimum 2 Es; STPM minimum 2 Cs; Australian Pre-University minimum of ATAR 60.0; CPU minimum average of 60% in 6 subjects; Diploma minimum CGPA of 2.0; Foundation in Arts minimum CGPA of 2.0. All qualifications should include English.