Mass Communication Education Options at Malaysia’s Top Private Universities & Colleges
- The content for the Mass Communication degree programme will vary from university to university, therefore, it is important for students to look at the subjects to see if they fit your future career goals.
- The Mass Communication course at a private university in Malaysia allows you to develop specialist knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and methods that characterise contemporary media, communication, and cultural studies.
- Education Pathway into Mass Communication after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels
Are you a student with that unique blend of expertise and out-of-the-box creativity combined with analytical, critical skills? In that case, Mass Communication is the perfect choice for you to study. Students with a good command of the English language, creative, enjoy using social media, and prefer practical courses would be ideal for the Mass Communication degree programme.
Mass communication revolves around disseminating information to the masses through various mediums such as social media, print media, film & television and digital media. It is the creative art of coming up with compelling messages for various purposes to capture the attention of the masses. A person can use a variety of channels to disseminate information through the various mediums mentioned. The field constantly evolves and has many specialisations, such as advertising, public relations, journalism, etc.
In Malaysia, the study of mass communication is often associated with the practical applications of journalism (Print media), television and radio broadcasting, film, public relations, digital or advertising. With the diversification of media options, the study of communication has extended to include social media and new media. With the rise in technological advancement impacting communications, it has open up many job opportunities for mass communication graduates to work in many fields.
Mass Communication is a field that explores the how and why behind every message and the medium through which it is sent to a large group of people. From broadcasting news to launching online marketing campaigns, the ability to effectively get your message across to your targeted audience is indeed a powerful skill that employers seek.
Where to Study the Best Mass Communication Programmes at Private Universities in Malaysia?
John Lai Wai Hong, Graduated in Mass Communication from KDU University College
The content for the Mass Communication degree programme will vary from university to university. Each university will have its own focus areas therefore, it is important for students to look at the subjects to see if they fit your future career goals.
You need to look at your strengths, interests, career goals and future job demand in order to choose the best university to fit your needs.
Malaysia’s private universities and colleges best for Mass Communication or Marketing Communications are:
- Taylor’s University
- UOW Malaysia (UOWM)
- Monash University
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
- HELP University
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Sunway University
- UCSI University
- First City University College
- Multimedia University (MMU)
What is the Education Pathway into Mass Communication after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels?
Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)
Students are SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels may enter the Diploma in Mass Communication programme. It introduces students to the world of communication. The duration is 2 years (6 semesters).
Upon completion of the diploma programme, you can continue on to Year 2 of the Mass Communication degree. The diploma is a fast track one-year programme for SPM or IGCSE/O-Level holders who are sure of pursuing a career in Mass Communication.
Both the Diploma and Degree are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and students are able to apply for the PTPTN Loan.
Alternatively, students may go for the Foundation in Communication or Foundation in Arts for 1 year and then enter into Year 1 of the Mass Communication degree programme. The degree is 3 years in duration.
Studying Mass Communication in Malaysia
Jacob Lean, Graduated with Mass Communication from KDU University College
A Mass Communication course prepares students for employment in a range of professions that cater to the changing needs of our media-saturated society.
Skills in communication practice and innovative creative outputs are developed in the various specialisations on offer. The specialisation allows you to tailor your interest towards a particular career route, specialising in specific modules that are directly applicable to your future employment, whichever career path you choose.
The specialisation will vary from university to university and would include areas such as advertising, public relations, broadcasting, journalism, event management and marketing communications. Some communication programmes in Malaysia are broad-based, while others are more focused.
Students acquire knowledge about the cultural impact of the media and gain critical insights into our local and globalised world to make a meaningful contribution to society. Students learn key disciplinary and employment skills such as effective communications, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The Mass Communication course at a private university in Malaysia allows you to develop specialist knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and methods that characterise contemporary media, communication, and cultural studies.
Moreover, you will develop your knowledge, skills and abilities on a course that will enable you to critically evaluate contemporary mass communications industries and to understand the technological, social and political factors that shape those industries.
Who Should Study Mass Communication?
Yee Mun, Mass Communication at UCSI University
Students after SPM, UEC, IGCSE/O-Levels, STPM or A-Levels interested in studying Mass Communication should be good in languages, like to socialise with people, have an outgoing personality, possess strategic thinking, like to write, organise events, a creative mind, and possess lots of energy.
A good command of the English language is very important for a successful career in Marketing Communication, Mass Communication, Public Relations, Advertising and Events Management.
A good command of the English language is very important for a successful career in Mass Communication. Students need to choose a university where the students speak mainly in English and experience in offering the programme. If you are weak in English, it will be very difficult for you to maintain the image of your company with bad English.
You will not be able to write good press releases and copy for the brochures. Coming up with good taglines or campaign ideas for your product or company will be almost impossible. Having a good command of both English and Mandarin would be very advantageous. However, if you are only proficient in Mandarin, you will not be able to get jobs in top multinational or global companies.
What is Mass Communication?
Jia Ping, Mass Communication Graduate from UOWM KDU University College
Mass Communication basically is the process of coming up with a message and sharing this message to a large group of people at the same time through the right communication channel. Mass communication is accomplished via mass media—that is, technology capable of sending messages to great numbers of people, many of whom are unknown to the sender.
The purposes of mass communication may include entertainment, education, branding, advertising, sales or political propaganda.
The channels includes media such as social media, newspapers, magazines, television, cinema, radio, billboards, or the Internet.
What you post onto the Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Youtube or other social media is communicating to a large group of people. Students learn the history and cultural effects of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film, and other media on society.
Among the fields of endeavour that engage in mass communication are marketing, public relations, and journalism.
Five Main Areas of Mass Communication Studies
The 5 basic areas of study are advertising, public relations, broadcasting, journalism and communication. In order, to be successful in the career in mass communication, students must choose the best universities in Malaysia to study this course. You need to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills. The cheapest university would not be able to provide such skills that you need.
The 5 basic areas of study in mass communication are:
- advertising
- public relations
- broadcasting
- journalism
- communication
1. Advertising
Advertising, in relation to mass communication, refers to marketing a product or service in a persuasive manner that encourages the audience to buy the product or use the service.
Because advertising generally takes place through some form of mass media, such as television, studying the effects and methods of advertising is relevant to the study of mass communication.
Advertising is the paid, impersonal, one-way marketing of persuasive information from a sponsor. Through mass communication channels, the sponsor promotes the adoption of goods, services or ideas. Advertisers have full control of the message being sent to their audience.
2. Broadcasting
Broadcasting is the act of transmitting audio and/or visual content through a communication medium, such as radio, television, or film. In the study of mass communication, broadcasting can refer to the practical study of how to produce communication content, such as how to produce a television or radio program.
When broadcasting through radio and television, the entertainment and information can be distributed by wire and wireless to other radio stations, television stations, and networks.
The channels offer informative and entertaining content of general and specific interest. Along with radio and television broadcasting, those presenting the information could present the information live or recorded.
3. Journalism
Journalism, is the collection, verification, presentation, and editing of news for presentation through the media, in this sense, refers to the study of the product and production of news.
The study of journalism involves looking at how news is produced, and how it is disseminated to the public through mass media outlets such as newspapers, news channel, radio station, television station, and more recently, e-readers and smartphones. The information provided pertains to current events, trends, issues, and people.
4. Public Relations
Public relations is the process of providing information to the public in order to present a specific view of a product or organization. Public relations differs from advertising in that it is less obtrusive, and aimed at providing a more comprehensive opinion to a large audience in order to shape public opinion.
Unlike advertising, public relations professionals only have control until the message is related to media gatekeepers who decide where to pass the information on to the audience.
5. Mass Communication
Although the job of an objective journalist reporting world events and that of an advertising executive promoting a product may seem worlds apart, both these professionals may have backgrounds in mass communications.
Mass communication is the transmission of information to large numbers of people through the mass media. Mass media includes newspapers, magazines, television, radio, film, websites, and any technology that allows the dissemination of information to the public.
Within the mass media are channels or vehicles of mass communication. These channels include news reports, books, movies, television programs, music videos, advertisements, and articles in magazines and newspapers and on websites.
Mass communication is mostly a one-way process, with little feedback from the audience, although the
Internet is bringing some change, with options that allow people to comment or otherwise provide feedback.
The field of mass communication includes:
- Advertising
- Corporate and institutional media (producing visual, audio, written, and multimedia materials for training and instruction, internal and external communications, sales, and public relations)
- Electronic media
- Journalism (magazines, newspapers, print, electronic, television, radio, broadcast)
- Production management
- Public relations
- Telecommunications (news or production)
- Visual communications (graphic design, production design, photography, video)
What are the Sample of Subjects that You will Study in a Mass Communication Degree Course?
Yee Mun, Mass Communication at UCSI University
Look at the subjects and the specialisations offered at the private universities and compare. Many students don’t realise that the subjects for Mass Communication vary from university to university.
In order to choose the right university, you will need to examine the syllabus to see if they fit your future career goals and aims.
- English
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Professional Development & Leadership Skills
- Public Speaking
- Principles of Journalism
- Communication Law
- Principles of Advertising
- Organisational Communication
- Introduction to Creative Media
- Introduction to Corporate Communication
- Communication Theories
- Intercultural Communication
- Visual Communication
- Critical & Creative Thinking
- Communication Theory
- Media, Culture & Society
- Innovative Media
- Media Writing
- Intercultural Communication
- Communication Research Fundamentals
- Publicity & Media Relations
- Public Relations Principles
- Promotional Writing
- Principles of Marketing
- Introduction to Managemen
- Interactive Media
- E-Marketing
- Consumer Behaviour
- Advertising
- Creativity and Innovation
- Media Culture and Society
- Multimedia for Presenting and Promoting
- New Creative Media Industries
- Public Relations
- Research Methods
- Script Writing for Radio & TV
- Crisis Management
- Promotional Management
- Brand Management
- Media Law & Ethics
- Public Relations Consultancy
- Issues in Marketing
- Relationship Marketing
- Professional Media Workshop
- Research Methodology
- Dissertation
A Corporate Communication Specialisation may include these subjects:
- Corporate Identity and Brand Packaging
- Event Management
- Public Relations Management
- Public Relations Campaign Skills: Theory & Strategy
- Public Relations Writing
- Media Relations
- Crisis Communication and Management
A Public Relations (PR) Specialisation may include these Subjects
- Theories, Roles and Models of Public Relations
- Principles of Public Relations
- Crisis Management
- Interpretation and Use of the Media
- Writing for Public Relations
- Consumer Behaviour
- Media Strategy Planning
- Brand Management
An Advertising Media Management Specialisation may include these subjects:
- Creative Industries
- Consumer Behaviour
- Integrated Marketing Communication
- Interactive Media Promotions
- Media Buying and Planing
- Principles of Marketing
- Strategic Brand Management
A Journalism & Broadcasting Specialisation may include these subjects:
- Broadcast Media Production
- Citizen Journalism and Participatory Culture
- Creative Industries
- Digital Photography and Imaging
- Print and Broadcast Journalism
- Radio Production
- Writing for the Screen
A Visual Communication Specialisation may include these subjects
- Broadcast Media Production
- Corporate Identity and Brand Packaging
- Design Fundamental
- Digital Photography and Imaging
- Principles of Marketing
- Publication Design
- Visual Concepts and Ideation
A Film & Television Specialisation may include these subjects
- Video Production 2
- Documentary Production
- Film Directing
- Screenwriting
- Screen Production
A Journalism Specialisation may include these subjects
- Photojournalism
- Editing
- Feature Writing
- Interactive Multimedia Authoring
- Advance Media Writing
- Media Publishing
A Marketing Communications Specialisation may include these subjects
- Copywriting
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Branding
- Consumer Behaviour
- Media Planning & Management
- Advertising Campaign
Internship during your degree Studies
Mass Communication Students of the undergraduate program are required to undergo internship for a period of time, usually a semester. Besides gaining real-life work experience, undergraduates have the opportunity to improve their communication skills, gain more confidence and enhance their employability
Mass Communication Education Options at Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)
Those serious about getting started in the field of communications should consider one of the top private universities and colleges in Malaysia offering programs in communications, advertising, broadcasting, journalism, mass communication, and related areas of study.
Diploma in Mass Communication courses are available for students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic. It is 2 years in duration including an internship. Students may apply for the PTPTN Loan for the Diploma course.
The Diploma in Mass Communication requires more hands on learning experience in the field of its study so that you are well trained and have specific knowledge the particular field.
Students will take 30-35 subjects in the diploma and it is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. Generally, students will take about 5-7 subjects including MPU subjects a semester.
Today, more employers are looking for people with bachelor degrees, therefore, diploma graduates should continue on their studies after completion.
Once you complete the Diploma in Mass Communication, opportunities include progression to the second year of the degree programme in Media and/or Communication, or an entry level position in advertising, PR, media or communication organisations.
Most bachelor degrees in mass communications in Malaysia offer a choice of specialisations, ranging from journalism to public relations to advertising. Some communication programmes in Malaysia are broad-based, while others are more focused.
Degrees in journalism are also available at top private universities and colleges in Malaysia, as are degrees in media studies. Media studies degrees tend to focus more on the operation of mass media, but specifics vary by school. Some schools combine studies in mass communication and mass media.
Students should look at the subjects offered at top universities and college in Malaysia to see which ones fit their career goals.
- Advertising, including options in areas such as art direction, brand management, copywriting, strategy, or creative technology
- Media studies, including courses such as mass communication theory, media history, media law and ethics, public opinion, research methods, sports or politics and media, women and media, and production work in film, audio, video, and digital media
- Strategic communication management focuses on the management of communication in an organization
- Professional media practice, which could include media message design, media policy, and media management
Mass Communication Skills that you will Gain at Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
Mass communication educational programs at private universities & colleges in Malaysia teach many skills useful not only in fields directly related to mass communications but also for many other professions. These skills include:
- Communication: Verbal and writing skills to organize and express ideas clearly and appropriately, observation skills, the ability to evaluate ideas and content, and the abilities to inform, explain, influence, persuade, mediate, and negotiate
- Attention to detail and organizational skills: Planning, working both as part of a team and independently, meeting deadlines, striving for accuracy, being accountable, and making decisions
- Critical thinking and how to use independent, objective, and precise reasoning
- Creativity: Designing projects, generating and adapting ideas, developing programs, evaluating situations, and presenting information and data
- Problem solving: How to look at complex problems, understanding both the whole picture and its individual parts, recognizing patterns, using analytical and intuitive skills, and evaluating and monitoring results
- Research and analysis of information and data: The ability to understand diverse cultural, social, legal, and ethical considerations in mass communication processes
Career Options for Mass Communication Graduates in Malaysia
Many career options are available with a degree in mass communications. Graduates from top private universities and colleges in Malaysia can work in the following areas:
- Advertising/Marketing: Account manager, advertising salesperson, digital marketer, designer, graphics and production specialist, Information specialist, marketing communications trainee, media buyer or planner, promotion representative, publicity director
- Business: Account coordinator, assistant buyer, business manager, customer service representative, information specialist, research analyst, sales representative
- Broadcasting, cable, and corporate video: Broadcast technician, director, disc jockey, engineer, film editor, floor manager, lighting director, news director, newscaster, producer, production manager or supervisor, program director, scriptwriter, sound mixer, special effects specialist, station manager, technical director, video graphics artist
- Journalism: Assignment editor, columnist, critic, editor, news analyst, news director, newspaper editor, photojournalist, print coordinator, proofreader, reporter, sports director, videographer, writer
- Publishing: Booking agent, literary agent, editor, writer
- Other: Community affairs director, event coordinator, photographer, program administrator, public relations representative
May I know which university or college offers broadcasting degree instead of generalizing in mass communication?
None that I know of
Which university or college offers advertising degree instead of generalizing in mass comm? Do advertising graduates have good future in Malaysia?
UCSI University provides the degree in Branding and Advertising. All companies big and small advertise, therefore, advertising professionals will always be in demand. For more info you can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number.
Is there any other universities or colleges besides ucsi?
None that I know of.
Hello. In your opinion, which is the best college for studying mass comm ?
UCSI University, HELP University, KDU College Penang, LIMKOKWING University or Curtin University Sarawak depending on your budget and which environment suits you best. You can email me at info@eduspiral.com.my with your full name and mobile number for more details.
Hello, I would like to know which college or university would accept 1 or no credit in IGCSE if I’m taking Diploma in Mass Communication. My first choice is INTI Subang but I’m afraid they won’t accept me. Thank you.
You should call them and ask.
What college or uni offer media or communication studies? Btw, where is it recommended to take this course?
You can consider APU, UCSI or KDU. For more details, you may email me at info@eduspiral.com.my with your full name and mobile number. Cheers!