Getting High Quality Education in Communication Courses from the Best Colleges & Universities in Malaysia
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.
Studying mass communication can give you the ability to understand and analyse the ever-changing landscape of the media. It can also help you develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively in a variety of settings. Whether you want to work in television, radio, print media, or new media, a degree in mass communication can give you the foundation you need to succeed.
In addition, most bachelor degrees in mass communications in Malaysia offer a choice of specializations, ranging from journalism to public relations to advertising. Students will generally select a specialisation during years two and three and internship opportunities are also provided at the end of Year 3. The specialisation allows you to tailor your interest towards a particular career route in your third year, 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.
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Top Mass Communication Programmes at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia
Jia Ping, Mass Communication Graduate from KDU University College
The Mass Communication degree course at a private university in Malaysia is an innovative media-based degree that allows you to develop specialist knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and methods that characterise contemporary media, communication, and cultural studies.
From day one, you will be supported in developing an independent critical understanding of the key advances within mass communication, a field of study that encompasses a wide variety of media organisations, technological innovations, cultural industries, and audiences.
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.
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.
Which are the Top Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Mass Communication?
Now that you have a brief idea about the variety of mass communication courses in Malaysia, you must be wondering about the prestigious universities you can choose to pursue your degree at. The next segment below will take you through some of the best private universities for mass communication in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s private universities and colleges best for Mass Communication or Marketing Communications are:
- Taylor’s University
- University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
- Monash University
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
- HELP University
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- First City University College
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- Sunway University
- UCSI University
Studying Mass Communication at Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)
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.
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. The channels includes media such as newspapers, magazines, television, cinema, radio, billboards, or the Internet.
What you post onto the Facebook or Youtube 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.
What is the Education Pathway into the Mass Communication Degree Programme for Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels?
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.
What Does Mass Communication Cover?
Yee Mun, Mass Communication at UCSI University
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.
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, or advertising. With the diversification of media options, the study of communication has extended to include social media and new media, which have stronger feedback models than traditional media sources. While the field of mass communication is continually evolving, the following 5 fields are generally considered the major areas of study within mass communication.
The 5 basic areas of study in mass communication are:
- advertising
- public relations
- broadcasting
- journalism
- communication
1. Advertising
John Lai Wai Hong, Graduated in Mass Communication from KDU University College
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 Communications
Jacob Lean, Graduated with Mass Communication from KDU University College
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)
Who Should Study Mass Communication?
Students who excel in languages with a passion to write and communicate are great candidates for the Mass Communication course. They should have a track record of activities such as reading, writing, making videos, taking great photos, designing, and the ability to communicate well across all platforms.
Creativity is also an essential requirement to pursue this course. Students should be able to come up with unique ideas to send out their messages.
Generally, mass communication students are sociable, able to talk publicly and love to organise events.
Education and Degree Options at Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
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 O-Levels. Today, more employers are looking for people with bachelor degrees, therefore, diploma graduates should continue on their studies after completion.
Most bachelor degrees in mass communications in Malaysia offer a choice of specializations, 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
What will you Study in a Mass Communication Degree at a Private University in Malaysia?
Throughout the programme you will learn the techniques required for contemporary public relations practice, understand the communication principles that underpin it, and an option to gain experience working with practitioners in a professional internship.
As a beginning practitioner you will know the legal contexts in which you will work, and the requirements of ethical practice. You will develop writing and professional practice skills, and analytical abilities for research, problem-solving, project planning and strategy development.
At some private universities, students will experience active engagement with the industry through the module Professional Media Workshop, which provides opportunities to participate in talks, workshops, forums and practical sessions conducted by industry professionals.
Will there be Internships during the Mass Communication Degree Course?
Degree students will normally undergo a 3-4 months working stints with Malaysia’s top media and advertising organisations. The internship experience with PR firms, multinational companies or public sector organisations provides real life experience and understanding of the various job functions. Furthermore, the internship stints will open doors and opportunities for people with the right qualifications and skills.
What are the Typical Majors in Mass Communication Studies?
The majors are Advertising, Broadcasting or Film & Television, Marketing Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media and Event Management.
Guide in Choosing the Right University to Study Mass Communication
Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)
Part of finding the right college or university in Malaysia for you will, of course, be picking out the criteria that matters to most to you, and then seeing if any of the top private colleges or universities in Malaysia that you’re looking at fit those criteria.
Make sure you’re doing what’s best for you
If you’re applying for university, make sure it’s because you want to go. When deciding on which course to study, make sure it’s because you enjoy it. When working out where you’ll go to university, make sure it’s a place you want to (and can afford to) live in for the duration of your degree.
All foundation, diploma and degree programmes at private universities in Malaysia must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Therefore, ensure that the course is accredited by MQA before you enrol.
Students should visit the universities campuses to look at the labs, libraries, sports facilities, etc. While visiting, you can also get a feel of the student culture to see if it fits you.