The Master of Arts in Communication Studies programme aims to develop in students the mental and philosophical capacity to appreciate the changing field of communication and to respond adequately to it. By combining the strengths of different fields in communication industries such as journalism, advertising, public relations and development communication, the programme provides a theoretical and professional basis which prepares students for various careers in communication and media industries.
Programme Objectives
The objectives of the programme are to:
- prepare students to take up roles in media and communication industries including journalism, advertising and public relations.
- prepare students to take up managerial roles in media and communication industries.
- prepare students to take up roles in media development organisations.
Admission Requirements
Candidates must have a good first degree, at a minimum of second class lower, in a related field of study (e.g. Media Studies, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or cognate fields in the humanities and social sciences) from an accredited university. Applicants with third class may be considered for admission based on work experience and other qualifications.
Programme Duration: 15 months
Components of the programme:
Semester 1: Core courses
COMS 601: | Communication Theories and Models | 3 credits |
COMS 603: | Communication Research Methods | 3 credits |
COMS 605: | Journalism | 3 credits |
COMS 607: | Strategic Communication | 3 credits |
Semester 1: Electives
Each student chooses one from the following, as offered
COMS 609: | Graphics of Communication | 3 credits |
COMS 611: | International Communication | 3 credits |
COMS 613: | Communication and Public Opinion | 3 credits |
COMS 615: | Political Communication and Persuasion | 3 credits |
COMS 617 | Media and Information Literacy | 3 credits |
Semester 2: Core courses
COMS 602: | Development Communication | 3 credits |
COMS 604: | Data analysis | 3 credits |
COMS 606: | Communication Ethics and Law | 3 credits |
Semester 2: Professional Specialization
Each student chooses two from the following, as offered
COMS 608: | Print Journalism | 3 credits |
COMS 612: | Broadcast Journalism | 3 credits |
COMS 614: | Public Relations | 3 credits |
COMS 616: | Advertising | 3 credits |
COMS 618: | Digital Communication | 3 credits |
Semester 2: Electives
Each student chooses one from the following, as offered
COMS 622: | Media Management | 3 credits |
COMS 624: | Gender and Communication | 3 credits |
COMS 626: | Health Communication | 3 credits |
COMS 628: | Mass Media, Culture and Society | 3 credits |
COMS 632: | Political Economy of Communication | 3 credits |
Mandatory courses (Year-long):
COMS 600: | Dissertation | 12 credits |
COMS 620: | Seminar | 3 credits |
COMS 640: | Internship | 2 credits |
COMS 650: | Project | 6 credits |
NB: The Project option is default. Students may be invited to take up the Dissertation option.