Mass Communication is more than just the study of how content and information are transmitted. It's about understanding how this communication can influence the behaviour, attitude, opinion, and even the emotions of the people receiving the information, thereby shaping our society. At TMC Academy, our Mass Communication program is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in this dynamic field.
The future of Singapore's mass communication or InfoComm media sector is strong. With the number of well-paying jobs expected to grow to 80,000 by 2025, now is the perfect time to embark on a journey towards a Higher Diploma in Mass Communication through TMC Academy.
One unique aspect of Singapore's mass communication sector is the Singaporean government's concentrated effort to transform it into a global-Asia Digital Hub. To achieve this, the government has refreshed the Industry Transformation Map (ITM) to sharpen the focus on subsectors such as software, IT services, online services, and telecommunications.
The government is also facilitating cross-border collaboration and digital integration initiatives within the region in two main ways. First, it is expanding the network of Digital Economy Agreements to encourage cross-border data flows and deepen digital integration and connectivity in Southeast Asia. Second, it promotes flagship events such as Asia Tech x Singapore and the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW), which bring together global leaders and decision-makers to foster collaboration through innovation and standards development.
The government's unwavering commitment to innovation and the growth of the mass communication sector is a reassuring sign. This commitment ensures the industry remains competitive, providing a secure and promising career path for those interested in this field. You can be confident that a career in mass communication is backed by strong support and a promising future.
Three steps students looking to work in the higher diploma in mass communication sector can take
With the mass communication sector in Singapore poised for significant growth, students need to prepare themselves for exciting career opportunities. Here are three steps students can take to set themselves up for success in this dynamic field.
1 Academic qualifications
Academic qualifications are essential because they develop students' analytical techniques and problem-solving skills, which assist in evaluating evidence, arguments, and assumptions in mass communication.
Strong analytical skills are essential for students, particularly given the rise of disinformation and fake news.
The Higher Diploma in Mass Communication through TMC is designed to provide students with strong analytical skills and the knowledge base required to be successful in the industry.
The advantage of TMC Academy’s Diploma Course is that it includes the knowledge and practical skills necessary in the interdisciplinary fields of Journalism, Film, and Multimedia.
2 Skill Development
Working within the mass communication sector also requires a practical skill set, including digital content creation, integrated communications, and proficiency in using different media platforms.
The modules covered in the Higher Diploma course include the following:
Foundations of Writing
Advertising and Public Relations
Web Production
Documentary
Media Communications and Technology
Introduction to Media
Global Culture
Media, Popular Culture and Entertainment
Film Studies
Film Production
Media Representations
Researching Media
These modules combine knowledge and skill-based units to equip students for success in a career in the mass communication sector.
3 Exposure to the sector
This third step combines the knowledge and skills from steps one and two and allows students to apply them through mentoring and industry projects.
Having mentors and a supportive environment when applying knowledge and skills gives students the confidence they can be productive and contribute to the workplace.
TMC Academy provides these three steps for students to ensure they have a solid foundation when entering the mass communication sector.
Student's perspective on studying mass communication through TMC Academy
Previous student comments were asked about studying mass communication through TMC, and they said they:
Enjoyed the learning process provided by TMC.
Found the lecturers helpful and supportive when answering students' questions and doubts.
Benefited from the supportive environment of the TMC Academy, which included not just the lecturers but also the administrators and student services.
The knowledge gained from the course benefitted and enhanced the student’s skills.
Other advantages of studying mass communication through TMC Academy
There are other benefits to studying for a Higher Diploma through TMC.
Academic Pathway
Students who wish to study for a higher diploma in mass communication can do so if they have the following or equivalent qualifications.
Obtained at least an E at GCE A level in any two subjects
TMC Diploma/Foundation Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma (at least 24 points)
NUS High School Diploma
Polytechnic Diploma
Diploma (in Accounting/Business/Management/IT/Computing/Hospitality/ Psychology) from Private Education Institutions (assessed on a case-by-case basis)
Completed High School/ Year 12
There are also English entry requirements. For students from Singapore, they require:
At least a C6 at GCE O level English
Completed a Diploma or equivalent where the medium of instruction is English
Pass an English online test and an interview with the Dean/HOD/designate
For International students, the English requirements are
IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL (Paper) ≥ 547 or TOEFL (Computer) ≥ 210 or TOEFL (Internet) ≥ 78 or TOEIC ≥ 780
Other qualifications equivalent to High School or Year 12, where the medium of instruction is English
Attend and pass Certificate in English up to Upper Intermediate B level
Attend and pass EAP Level 3 with a final score >60%
Even mature-aged students who may not have these entry qualifications can still study for a Higher Diploma in Mass Communication if they have eight years of work experience behind them.
These pathways provide several entry points for students wishing to enter the mass communication sector or for mature-aged students who want to make a career change.
Part-time study
Committing to a full-time course of study can be challenging for mature-aged students, particularly if they have existing financial or family responsibilities. TMC Academy recognises these challenges and provides a part-time study option that only takes three months longer to complete than the full-time course.
Higher qualifications.
Another advantage of studying through TMC Academy is its partnership with Northampton University in England. Students who complete the Higher Diploma can apply for further studies at an overseas university or complete a bachelor’s degree awarded through Northampton University at TMC Academy.
It is an exciting and challenging time to study mass communication at TMC Academy.
As mentioned above, there is the push by the government to expand Singapore’s network of Digital Economy Agreements to promote cross-border data flows in Southeast Asia. The 5G rollout is also significant, and ensuring the domestic connectivity infrastructure can enable the sector to reach its full potential. Other challenges impacting the mass communication sector are AI and how to ensure its ethical use, the impact of cultural and language barriers arising from a multicultural workforce and how to provide mass communication that is nuanced and ethical for different cultures and language groups.
Hence, the growth and challenges in this sector ensure that students with a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required to make an effective contribution will have an exciting and rewarding career.