Diploma in Mass Communication (N67)

You will acquire a suite of fundamental media skills in your first year, laying a strong foundation for you as you hone your skill sets in digital journalism and marketing, content marketing, market research and user experience design in the following year. You will develop your skills in top-notch purpose-built facilities that include TV and radio studios, and media labs. 

Our strong connections with the media industry open doors to a wide range of unique learning opportunities that will help you build an outstanding portfolio. You will work on industry-sponsored projects where you get to integrate your skills and knowledge to solve genuine business challenges for real clients; attend masterclasses and workshops by industry experts that give you insights into the latest media trends; and intern at dynamic media companies or pursue your passion at our in-house units such as Radio Heatwave, Hype Magazine and The Urbanwire. All of these experiences will get you career-ready for the fast-evolving media industry.

You may also get to go on an exciting overseas internship where you will gain exposure to regional and international media developments and work with top talents from all over the world.

As the most established media school in Singapore, we have the biggest network of alumni, many of whom have become top honchos in media agencies, successful communication practitioners and well-known media personalities. 

• Ian Loon, Chief Transformation Officer, Southeast Asia & Chief Executive Officer, Media & Digital, Singapore, Publicis Groupe
• Delicia Tan, Chief Executive Officer for Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, Edelman
• Dawn Lee, Head of Brand Marketing, Japan & Asia Pacific, Google Cloud
  

A testament to the versatility of the MCM course is the number of our graduates who are also making their mark in non-media sectors.

• Dr Samuel Wong, Creative Director of TENG Ensemble
• Noel Hidalgo Tan, Senior Specialist in Archaeology, SEAMEO Regional Centre for Archaeology & Fine Arts (Thailand)
• Lynn Tan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Powder Shampoo
• Vannessa and Joey Lee, Founders of A Poke Theory and Alter Ego dining establishments
  

Many MCM graduates have also won prestigious scholarships for further academic pursuits, including SPH scholar Aw Cheng Wei’s Chevening Scholarship in 2016 to read a Master’s degree at Oxford University, Jeremy Boo’s Weiser Emerging Democracies Fellowship to pursue a PhD at the University of Michigan in 2018, Colin Chan’s SG:D Scholarship from the Infocomm Media Development Authority in 2019, and Denyse Tan’s Enterprise Singapore Scholarship in 2020. 

Media Writing & Storytelling (3 Credit Units)

This module enables students to be able to identify and tell a good story - across multiple media channels and platforms - to engage emotionally with an audience. Through the module, students will be taught the tools to effectively ideate compelling story and content ideas and efficiently craft considered and professional written treatments and proposals, with which to present their content and engage audiences across media platforms.

Video Production (4 Credit Units)

This is a foundation module introducing students to single-camera video production. The module gives students hands-on experience with pre-production planning, single-camera operation, location lighting, grip work, sound recording and non-linear video editing. Students will gain an understanding of moving images and be able to combine them with simple soundtracks to create compelling content.

Introduction to Film & Media (4 Credit Units)

This module examines multi-platform content and the digital platforms and technologies by which the content is delivered (virtual conferences, streaming, blogs, social media, online videos, immersive experiences). Students will appreciate and analyse a variety of media with different perspectives based on multiple platforms to reach an audience. By the end of the module, students will become more literate “produsers” and critics of multi-platform media today.

Motion Graphics (4 Credit Units)

This module gives students hands-on experience in creating motion graphics for digital media. Students will be taught skills such as visual design and the creation of computer-generated graphics in service of multi-platform commercial media productions (video, immersive media, social media, etc).

Integrated Marketing Communications (4 Credit Units)

This module is designed to introduce students to the basic principles and concepts of marketing communications. The main emphasis of this module is the ‘Promotion’ aspect of marketing. Students will learn about marketing and how its promotional elements must be integrated to communicate effectively. Students will apply basic skills in research and market analysis to plan and develop a marketing communications campaign.

Career & Professional Preparation 1 (1 Credit Unit)

This module gives students a foundational introduction to their three-year diploma course curriculum and how it prepares them for industry. It will help them to embark on their course with the end in mind, through guided reflection of their personal characteristics and producing an overall game plan for heir their future education and career goals. The module aims to deepen students’ commitment to the sector that the course prepares them for.

English Language Express* (Credit Units - NA)

English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.

Exploring Contemporary Issues^ (3 Credit Units)

Health & Wellness (1 Credit Unit)

This is a Level 1 Core module for all Year 1 students. The module will introduce students to the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health through the knowledge and monitoring of health indicators, and application through appropriate exercises. The aim of the module is to empower students with basic knowledge and skills to be independent and responsible in maintaining overall personal health. 

Visual Communication (4 Credit Units)

This module aims to develop an awareness of design principles for the purpose of visual communication. Students will be introduced to design thinking, graphic design concepts, colour theory, typography and layout techniques applicable to print and digital mediums by manipulating vectors with raster imagery. The skills and knowledge acquired provides the support and practical applications to subsequent modules in the course.

 

Fundamentals of Reporting (4 Credit Units)

This module is an introduction to journalistic writing. It will focus on key concepts such as generating story ideas, news angles and story structures. Students will learn interviewing techniques for various scenarios and the importance of research and fact-checking.

Radio Production 1 (4 Credit Units)

Students will develop fundamental listening, writing and audio production skills. They will gain hands- on experience in the audio production studio, and be introduced to the recording and editing process, and the use of portable digital recorders. Students will also learn up-to-date digital audio editing techniques in line with industry standards.

Advertising (4 Credit Units)

This module is designed to expose students to the basic principles and concepts of advertising with an emphasis on the creative and media processes to develop an advertising campaign plan for a consumer product or service. Topics include a review of advertising agency models, creative strategies for advertisements, media planning and the evaluation of advertising campaigns.

 

Public Relations (4 Credit Units)

Students are introduced to the fundamental principles and practices of public relations. They are taught strategic planning skills to apply both traditional and online tools and techniques to develop campaigns in the various specialist areas of public relations. They are also introduced to market, social media and consumer research, as well as the skills to manage and optimise relations with various media channels.

 

Content Marketing (4 Credit Units)

This module familiarises students on the different types of content and how these can be used to create compelling and immersive stories for brands. They will be taught to develop, organise and implement a content marketing strategy to fit the relevant consumer journey of their target. Students will also learn about the ideation process which leads to the creation of strategic and effective content for various platforms.

Digital Journalism (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to data storytelling and short-form video storytelling. Students will learn basic spreadsheet skills that allow them to analyse public data, uncover newsworthy ideas in numbers, and develop them into compelling narratives with interactive charts. Students will also work in teams to produce tightly edited video stories which appeal to their target audience. They will also learn to promote their story on social media, using a mix of captivating visuals and keywords-rich captions.

Studio Production (4 Credit Units)

This module is a continuation of Video Production that is designed to help students acquire skills and techniques in both multi-camera studio and single camera production to produce programmes in various genres. Students learn and explore different treatments for content to be re-purposed for TV and multiple media platforms to engage different audiences.

Interaction Design (4 Credit Units)

Students will explore and design interactive experiences to engage audiences using a combination of digital and physical interfaces. Interaction design concepts and theories will be covered with special emphasis on the ubiquitous web browser that will expose students to coding fundamentals. Through the process of building prototypes, students will have the opportunity to experiment with motion tracking, augmented reality and 3D printing.

Contemporary Media Issues (4 Credit Units)

This module engages students in examining media issues and practices in society with references to media concepts that focus on analysis of media content production and distribution, the application of psychology and ethics to the media environment. It aims to sensitise and engage students to critically analyse and evaluate a range of media issues, and their implications at within and across countries.

Feature Writing (4 Credit Units)

Students will be guided to add depth, colour and flair to their writing. They will learn how to write different types of feature stories such as how-to, issue, profile, and trend articles. Students will also develop professional journalistic attitudes, ethics and a collaborative spirit as they work in groups to produce an online magazine.

Radio Production 2 (4 Credit Units)

Students will expand and refine their audio production skills as well as their radio DJ on-air presentation skills. They will explore digital production and editing, practise content research and interview techniques, and write for various types of radio programmes. Students are also taught how to manage panel discussions, talk shows, phone-in segments and "live" radio presentations.

Digital Marketing & Analytics (4 Credit Units)

This module aims to equip students with the strategic frameworks and tactical know-how that synergises various tools and platforms to implement an integrated digital marketing campaign. Students will learn research and data collection techniques that turn audience and customer behaviour into actionable data for campaign decision-making. They will learn to unlock the potential of social media platforms using both paid and organic strategies, e-mail marketing, website marketing, location-based services and other media platforms and technologies to reach audiences in a holistic fashion. These will enable them to strategically read market sentiment for products and services, drive advertising and public relations campaigns seamlessly, build brand loyalty, and engage target audiences at all stages of the customer journey.

User Experience Design (4 Credit Units)

This module aims to provide students with an array of skills to conceptualise and create successful digital user experiences. Students will be introduced to web design concepts, user interface considerations, and interactive media strategies. They will develop an appreciation of user-centric, iterative development processes – a lifelong skill valuable in any product or service project in their media careers.

Career & Professional Preparation 2 (2 Credit Units)

This module is part of the Education and Career Guidance framework to provide students with the tools and resources necessary for their further career and/or education. In this module, students will explore basic job search strategies, practise writing effective resumes and cover letters, and learn interview skills. Students will also learn professional and intercultural communication skills to prepare them for a dynamic and diverse workplace.

World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^ (2 Credit Units)

Media Entrepreneurship (4 Credit Units)

This module introduces students to the key aspects of managing a media business, including understanding concepts such as ROI, and profit and loss statements. Students will learn the skillsets of a successful media entrepreneur. This includes opportunity recognition, pivoting and innovation, HR skills and ethics in business. They will also build on their knowledge from Marketing & Media Research to understand enhanced applications of data analysis and data visualisation.

Capstone Project (10 Credit Units)

Using the conceptual and applied knowledge learnt in Year 1 and 2, students hone and integrate their skills through managing and operating our flagship units such as HYPE, The UrbanWire, Radio Heatwave, CTV Productions, Inspire Design, Metamorphica and/or working with external clients on real-time projects. Opportunities include:

1. Strategising and planning an integrated brand communications campaign for a selected client
2. Using data insights to position and produce news and other programmes for different target audiences and across platforms
3. Producing engaging multimedia stories, photo essays and mobile specials for clients
4. Creating animated videos, digital posters, interactive websites or content for social networks

All projects will provide students with hands-on experience in incorporating various skills, platforms and mechanisms to achieve the desired impact in the marketplace.

Project ID: Connecting The Dots^ (4 Credit Units)

Internship (Local/Overseas) (16 Credit Units)

Students will be placed on an internship with companies and agencies matching their abilities and interests. The internship gives students opportunities to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to the work environment. Students gain valuable work experience and exposure to the rigour, demands and excitement of the media industry, enabling them to adapt effectively to future employment. Many of our students are offered employment by these same companies.