What is mass communication?
Mass communication is an exciting and fast-paced field with a wide selection of career opportunities in areas like advertising, broadcasting, journalism, public relations and marketing. As a mass communication student, you will examine how media works and how it affects our society socially and culturally. You will learn more about the history, theories and criticisms surrounding mass media—from how mass media are used to drive an economy to the ways they are used to disseminate news and entertainment. The study of mass communication also includes the psychology and behavioural aspects of media messages. Because the use and effects of mass communication are far reaching, there needs to be regulations, laws and policies to help monitor and control its practice.
What you will study
SEGi offers several options in the field of mass communication. SPM school leavers can choose to study a diploma, whereas STPM or A-levels or UEC or foundation studies holders can pursue a bachelor degree. At bachelor degree level, you can choose from five programmes; all programmes will introduce you to the fundamentals of communications but each programme has a slightly different focus. So do get in touch with them to find out which programme suits you best in terms of your interests and career aspirations.
Their programmes also give you the opportunity to work on projects that prepare you for real-world work in different forms of media like working for a magazine, a television network, or a public relations company.
While the actual subjects you will study depends on the particular programme you have chosen, the subjects that are typically included in a mass communication programme are:
- An introduction to journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, etc.
- Principles of communication
- Law and ethics in mass communication
- Media, culture and society
- Presentation skills
- Desktop publishing
- Communication theory
- Intercultural communication
- Marketing communications
- Media technology and practices
- Crisis management
- Research methods
Courses offered:
- Diploma in Broadcast Media
- Diploma in Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Hons)
- BA (Hons) Mass Communication (3+0) awarded by University of Sunderland, UK
- Bachelor of Communication (3+0) awarded by University of Southern Queensland, Australia
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English and Public Relations (Dual Award) awarded by SEGi University, and University of St Mark & St John, UK
- Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Dual Award) awarded by SEGi University, and University of St Mark & St John, UK
Is this course right for you?
- Do you have an inquisitive mind and a passion for storytelling?
- Are you creative, analytical and good with details?
- Do you have good language skills, both written and spoken?
- Can you work well under pressure and strict deadlines?
- Are you interested in the impact of mass media on a local and global scale?
- Would you like a job that is involved in informing, educating or entertaining people?
- Are you always the first to know about a piece of breaking news, whether it concerns fashion, technology, business, politics or entertainment?
- Would you like working for a magazine or newspaper, radio station or television network, publishing house, or an advertising or PR company?
If you answered yes to more than half of the questions above, you may be a good candidate for a communications degree.
Career prospects
Some of the career prospects found in this field are:
- Advertising/Marketing – Advertising & Promotions Manager, Brand Manager, Copywriter, Marketing Analyst, etc.
- Business – Corporate Relations Officer, Communications Trainer, Media Relations Specialist, etc.
- Media/Broadcasting – Announcer, Art Director/Producer, Graphic Designer, Presenter, Station Manager, etc.
- Public Relations – Media Planner, Publicity Manager, Special Events Coordinator, News Writer, etc.
- Journalism/Publishing – Reporter, Editor, Newscaster, Sports Information Director, Media Interviewer, etc.
- Community Relations – Health Communications Analyst, Activities Director, Fundraiser, Human Rights Officer, Mediator, Counsellor, etc.
- Politics/Government – Speech Writer, Campaign Director, Lobbyist, Elected Official, Public Information Officer, etc.
- International Relations – Foreign Correspondent, Diplomat, Foreign Relations Officer, Translator, etc.
Why study mass communication
Still deciding? Here are some great reasons why you should study mass communication:
- this degree offers many career options when you graduate
- you can work in many different fields
- with society all around the world becoming so dependent on media, the career opportunities in this field are bright
- you don’t need any prior experience or qualification to enrol for this programme (both arts and science stream students have the opportunity to do well in this course)
- studying communication gives you important personal insights into the world that can broaden your horizons and concepts of the world
What SEGi said:
1. Why study with SEGi
With four decades of experience in delivering education excellence, SEGi has successfully nurtured and groomed thousands of graduates who have gone on to become leaders in their chosen fields. We know what it takes to get where you want to be in the future—we will provide you with a strong educational foundation and equip you with fundamental soft skills for career success.
SEGi is supported by reputable and experienced academicians who are linked with the industry through various collaborations and engagements that include industry-driven programmes. These engagements benefit our students in their educational journey by providing research opportunities and promoting knowledge transfer in the classroom.
We, at SEGi University & Colleges, are always on our toes to reinvent strategies and find innovative methods to ensure improvements in all capacities, and to enable us to keep abreast of the global trends and developments to produce work-ready graduates.
2. Why study mass communication at SEGi
SEGi gives a winning edge to its mass communication students by ensuring an optimum combination of theory and practice. This is made possible by providing a variety of professional-level facilities and equipment to create real and hands-on experience on top of routine coursework. There is a newly built studio in two campuses, Subang Jaya and Kota Damansara, which caters for student photographers wanting to hone their skills.
Students in our dual award programmes will graduate with two parchments – one from SEGi University and the other from University of St Mark & St John, UK, which would enhance their qualification and employability. Apart from that, SEGi also offers 3+0 programmes where graduates will earn their qualification from our UK or Australian university partners.
Source: Studymalaysia.com Research Team