MA in Communication Studies

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 617Media 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.