Diploma in Mass Communication

Introduction

Offered in collaboration with Singapore Media Academy which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MediaCorp offering world-class training, educational and consultancy services to local and regional media industries, the SMa Institute Diploma in Mass Communication is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mass communication and business concepts, practices and skills. It further provides an introductory view of the world of media, by immersing students into TV, Radio and Print media production environments and introducing them to today‘s leading-edge media creation skills.

Students are also imparted with critical thinking skills to analyse articles, and strong writing and journalistic skills to produce their own articles for public consumption. Students will be trained in the basics of public relations, so as to manage corporate communications for their organisations.

About Singapore Media Academy

Singapore Media Academy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MediaCorp, the national broadcaster of Singapore, offering training, educational and consultancy services to address the needs of the local and regional media industries. Incorporated since November 2005, Singapore Media Academy consolidates over 40 years of expertise in Broadcasting and Managing Media in Singapore to provide quality training to media professionals, mid-career switchers and new industry talents through accredited, practical-based and market-relevant programmes. Singapore Media Academy embraces partnerships with international partners who share the same mission to enhance the professional competencies of media companies and industry talents.

In 2008, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) officially appointed the Singapore Media Academy as the Continuing Training and Education (CET) centre for the local media industry. Enhancing the media competencies of non-media organisations and professionals is another key objective of Singapore Media Academy. Thus, Singapore Media Academy‘s training programmes are catered to people who aspire to nurture their creative and artistic potentials.

Structure & Content

This programme comprises nine (9) units of study and can be completed in ten (10) months. For each subject, a variety of delivery methods are used. This includes interactive lectures, group discussions, role playing, writing exercises and critique sessions, as well as practical media training sessions at Singapore Media Academy.

Core Units

• GN101 Academic Literacy
• BA102 Principles of Marketing
• MC101 Foundation of Mass Communication
• MC102 Principles of Public Relations
• MC103 Introduction to Journalism
• MA101 Introduction to the Narration & Audio-visual Script*
• MA102 Introduction to Radio & Sound*
• MA103 Photography & Digital Imaging*
• MA104 Media Content Creation*

* Classes will be held at Singapore Media Academy. Upon completion of these units, students will be awarded a Certificate of Participation from Singapore Media Academy.

Duration

This programme can be completed in 10 months.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should possess one (1) of the following:

• Full GCE ‘A‘ Level, OR
• ITE Higher Nitec, OR
• High School Qualification equivalent to Year Twelve (12) in the case of international students, OR
• SMa Institute Certificate in Foundation Studies

Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the English Language (EL1) or its equivalent:

• GCE ‘O‘ level with grade C6 & above, OR
• IELTS minimum band score of 5.5 -(Reading and Listening 5.5) and (Writing and Speaking 5.0) OR
• TOEFL score of at least 525 (paper-based) or 200 (computer-based) or 70 (Internet-based)

Assessment Methods

For each subject, a variety of delivery methods are used. This includes interactive lectures, group discussions, role playing, writing exercises and critique sessions, as well as practical media training sessions at Singapore Media Academy. Students are assessed formally through class quizzes, writing tests, group and individual projects, presentations, skills evaluation and finally, formal exams.

Progression Pathway

Upon completion of this programme, students will be awarded the Diploma in Mass Communication by SMa Institute of Higher Learning. Students will also receive a Certificate of Participation for each subject completed at Singapore Media Academy.

Graduates will be eligible for entry into the Murdoch University Bachelor of Communication programme with advanced standing of up to eight (8) units from Part I (Year 1), or the RMIT University Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication) programme with advanced standing of up to four (4) units.

Intakes

January / April / July / October

Programme Fees

The programme fees cover school registration, course notes, selected articles, assignments, main examinations, diploma upon completion and transcript. Programme fees are due and payable in two (2) installments.

* Fee includes course application and student’s pass application processing. Fee does not include student’s pass issuance fee imposed by Singapore Checkpoints Authority (ICA). All fees stated are subject to prevailing GST and in Singapore dollars. Fees should be made payable to “SMa Institute Pte Ltd” in accordance with the above schedule. Candidates who do not comply with the fee schedule will not be permitted to proceed with the programme

For a full schedule of the miscellaneous fees, please click here: http://www.sma.edu.sg/MiscellaneousFees.pdf

Application Procedure

All applications must be submitted to SMa Institute of Higher Learning (SMa Institute) before the closing date. Each application package must contain the following items:

Local Students

• A duly completed application form affixed with one (1) passport-size photograph
• Certified true copies of highest academic qualifications and relevant transcripts
• Photocopy of NRIC (front and back)
• Resume required for matured candidates

International Students

• A duly completed application form
• Duly completed Student's Pass application forms: Form 16 and V36
• Certified true / duly notarised copy of birth certificate
• Certified true / duly notarised copies of highest academic qualifications and transcripts
• Bank statement / fixed deposit account / savings account (applicable to visa-required countries only)
• Employer’s letter certifying applicant’s occupation and salary (if applicable)
• Employer’s letter certifying parent’s occupation and salary (applicable to visa-required countries only)
• Two (2) passport-size photographs of the applicant
• A copy of applicant’s passport

Last update 13 July 2011