Study Mass Communication and Media in Singapore

Have you ever been mesmerised by creative yet educating ads which are not boring, but attractive, humorous or even touching? Ever been intrigued to create one by yourself? So, maybe Mass Communication and Media course is something you could pursue. Especially in the current world, what is not digitalised? The entertainment industry, intellectual property and many more require the role of a media specialist. 

Mass communication is the process of exchanging information through mass media to large segments of a wide range of people. Mass communication and media is a fast-paced field with a wide range of selection ranging from journalism, advertising, media publishing and broadcasting. For example, reading the newspaper daily, watching the news channel on TV or youtube videos are some forms of mass communication. 

If you’re creative in nature and passionate for media and communication-related roles, Mass Communication and Media courses allow you to explore your inner creativity and interact with the world around you. 

Keep reading as we will be guiding you with more important guides on a few subtopics:

1. What is Mass Communication and Media about?
2. What are the major fields in Mass Communication and Media? 
3. What are the important skills I need in this field?
4. What are the entry requirements and qualifications?
5. How long will I be studying in this programme?
6. How much are the average tuition fees?  
7. What are the job opportunities?
8. What are the best universities for Communication and Media studies?

But first, why study in Singapore? 

1. Neighbouring country
If you are a Malaysian living in Malaysia, Singapore is probably the nearest foreign country on the map. The distance is approximately 350KM from the KL city and can be travelled easily and frequently by road or air. 

2. Similar culture
You will not feel miss out when pursuing your studies in Singapore as the culture practised there is pretty similar to the Malaysian culture. It will make you feel a sense of closer to home.

3. Top International and English-speaking country
Singapore, being one of the top international countries and renowned globally. English has been one of the four national languages used there, hence there would not be any language barrier problem there. 

4. Ideal weather
Not too cold, not too hot. As Malaysians, we often complain it’s too hot in here but wouldn’t we still complain it’s too cold during winter too? So the ideal weather of our neighbour country who stands along with us on the equator would be bearable for us. 

Also read: Study in Singapore Guide

What is Mass Communication and Media about?

Why Mass Communication and Media, you may ask. Mass Communication and Media has been rising upward leading to lots of new opportunities. As media has become an exciting and fast-paced field, it gives you an insight into many forms of media and how it works. 

Mass Communication and Media is about how the media works and how it affects the mass public socially and culturally. This course offers a wide selection of career opportunities in areas like advertising, broadcasting, journalism, public relations and marketing. An optimum career to play with that involves 20-30 roles to play, namely from public relations to journalism and even sales. 

What are the major subjects in Mass Communication and Media?

In Mass Communications and Media, there are a number of major subjects that students can further into. Some of the branches in the course that could interest you are listed below. 

• English - English would be primarily used for communication. But students can also later further into other languages that interest them, namely Tamil and Mandarin as there are local TV programmes in languages other than English. 
• Videography- Students are taught the technical aspects of different forms of media from learning it to shoot and edit a video to recording it as the video plays a vital role in reaching the mass crowd. 
• Scriptwriting- As media communication would involve a lot of verbal communication, scriptwriting is a vital component of video taking or recording. 
• Broadcasting - Involving shooting and editing a video, broadcasting for radio and channels is something a broadcast journalist need to know it all. 
• Psychology - The discipline of psychology is a broad subject which aims to understand human mental processes, feelings and behaviours. Psychology covers aspects such as interpersonal relationships, perception, emotion, personality, leadership, language and culture.

Below is an overview of what you can expect to learn in the course:

What are the specialisations in Mass Communication and Media?

In Mass Communications and Media, there are a number of major fields that students can further into. Some of the branches in the course that could interest you are listed below. 

What are the important skills I need in this field? 

Furthering into this field one needs a number of skills to qualify. The field of Mass Communication and Media requires specific skills that you might have already possess.

1. Good command of Language 
Media is one of the most sought after industry for language. Apart from the presentation, may of the assignments be in written forms eg reports, scripts etc. Hence, you will need to have a polished grammar in order to deliver 

2. Leadership 
You’re a leader in nature. You love working on ideas purposefully and love leading a team. You’re confident.

3. Self-oriented
You’re someone who has self values and discipline. Your manager can trust you and hand over challenging tasks as management requires strategic thinking and planning skills to accomplish tasks.

How long will I study in this programme?

The study duration could vary from one institute to another. However, as a general estimate, we have compiled a general estimate of the duration according to the study levels and qualifications.

What are the entry requirements and qualifications?

To successfully get admission into the Mass Communication and Media programme, students must meet the minimum academic and entry-level English language requirements.

However, requirements could vary according to institutions. We advise you to refer to the institutions directly for more details.

• Foundations / A levels in any related field
• SPM with minimum 5 passes
• Pass 4 relevant subjects in STPM, including English
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and Media related subjects
• Completed any relevant Degree or any equivalent International Degree with minimum CGPA 2.0, completed a Masters Degree and/or PhD from a recognised Institutes or any equal International Institute.

English language requirements :

• TOEFL score 55
• IELTS score of 5
• MUET Band 3
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)  53

Also read: General student Visa Requirement in Singapore

How much are the average tuition fees?

The average tuition fees for Mass Communication and Media can vary from one institute to another according to different levels and qualifications. Below are the average estimated tuition fees:

Also read: 

• Living Costs in Singapore
• Lifestyle in Singapore

What are the job opportunities after Mass Communication and Media?

There are a number of job possibilities for a Mass Communication and Media major. The right job will be dependent on your personal skills, preferences and personality.

Here are the career choices available for a Mass Communication and Media graduate:

Also read: Salary outlay in Singapore

Top 3 universities that offer Communication and Media courses in Singapore

Mass Communication and Media opens many doors, applying to many kinds of mass media and communication job opportunities. Here are some of the best institutions offering the programme. 

1. National University of Singapore (NUS) 

National University of Singapore (NUS) is the first autonomous research university in Singapore. NUS is a comprehensive research university, offering a wide range of disciplines, including mass communication, arts, social sciences and many more. NUS is ranked at 11th place in the QS World University Ranking 2019.

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is the second oldest public autonomous research university in Singapore. NTU is ranked at 11th place in the QS World University Ranking 2020 and won the five stars under the QS Stars Evaluation. 

3. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is the fifth autonomous university in Singapore. The university offers industry-focused, applied degree programmes as well as specialised degree programmes with overseas universities.