Diploma in Mass Communication

Course Overview

Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey – these household names (and countless others) all have backgrounds in communications. It is no coincidence that numerous creative, talented personalities chose to venture into communications. If you have similar aspirations, coupled with an imaginative mind, perhaps a career in communications is for you! 

This programme hones and nurtures your process of communication to prepare you for the creative industry. Fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifying Agency (MQA), this Diploma is accepted by 124 different programmes in 6 different countries.

Why Choose this Programme at IACT?

• Hone and nurture your communication process. 
• Prepare yourself to be future-ready by basing assessments on industry-standard, real-world client projects.
• Gain advanced standing into Year 2 of the BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Communication or for broadcasting track students, the BA (Hons) Film Production programmes from University of Sunderland.
• Gain advanced standing into the BA (Hons) Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production offered by the University of Northampton.
• Also obtain a Diploma from the International Advertising Association (IAA), New York.

COURSE MODULES

Year 1

Principles of Advertising

This module underlines basic advertising concepts and the roles that advertisers, advertising agencies, the media and other related professional bodies play in the industry, as well as how the industry works to reach its target audience.

Communication English

This module aims to help you develop and enhance your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills to express your opinions and views in English and write academic essays confidently. 

Video Production

You will dive into the world of video production and learn everything from pre-production to production and post-production, focusing on the creative aspects of single-camera video production.. Through practical workshops, supervised exercises, screenings, and discussions, you'll learn both the technical aspects and creative skills necessary to create videos. This module will also teach you how to use video equipment and apply the right techniques for field productions.

Presentation Skills

You will learn the skills needed for effective presentations. This module encourages you to think critically about your audience and the purpose of presenting when planning for and delivering the presentation.

Public Relations

This is an introductory module to facilitate your understanding of the Public Relations field and how it fits into the communications industry. By exploring real-world case studies, you will learn about the theories, tasks, roles, and impacts of PR in today's corporate landscape. You will gain a comprehensive grasp of the significance of Public Relations within the broader realm of communication.

Principles of Journalism

This module is designed to give you a solid grasp of the core processes involved in gathering information, honing your interview skills, understanding media ethics, and getting acquainted with the publication industry – all at an introductory level. Moreover, you'll have the chance to learn and apply practical skills in news writing and news editing.

Motion Graphics

You will learn how to create, choose, and edit both still and moving graphics for use in broadcasting and other media platforms. It's not just about creating graphics, but also about applying them to design media content effectively. You will also gain technical expertise in software like Adobe After Effects to effectively employ multimedia production techniques like green screen use, tracking, rotoscoping, and compositing.

Creative Thinking

This module sets out to change your mind-set by helping you understand creativity, what it takes to be creative and how to be a creative thinker. Besides enhancing your creative thinking ability, it also helps you hone analytical skills.

Introduction to Sociology

This module will expose you to the discipline of sociology, its theories and its research methods. It discusses the relationships between individual cultures and society, and how social and cultural forces influence personal experiences and group behaviour. 

Mass Communication

This module will introduce you to the various fields of mass communication. By understanding the historical development and current structure of the media, you will learn to reflect upon your relationship with mass communication and society. You will also learn the various elements and processes of communication to enhance your understanding of media messages, thus helping you to explore how media content impacts audience attitudes and behaviour.

Digital Media Graphics

This module will introduce you to the most fundamental design software used today. You will learn how to work with basic computer design functions and applications. Practical and theoretical assignments will help you build your understanding and proficiency with the software.

Photography & Digital Imaging

You will be introduced to various topics surrounding photography & digital imaging, ranging from display design to basic knowledge on how to use a DSLR, using case studies on famous photographs.

Year 2

Convergent Journalism

You will explore a wide range of media technologies used for disseminating news. You will learn the principles of media writing and curation in the digital era, tailored to modern online audiences. You will be expected to demonstrate your maturity and proficiency by creating articles that are ready for publication. You will also gain an understanding of how media convergence affects the business, culture, and technology landscapes, which will be valuable for your future career.

Research Methods

This module introduces you to the importance of research in today’s world, and helps you think critically about society.

Media Criticism

In this module, you will learn critical and theoretical approaches for comprehending contemporary media, specifically mass media like television, radio, and internet streaming platforms. You will explore the meanings, pleasures, and practices linked to how we create and consume media content.

Publicity and Media Relations

You will gain insights into the role media plays in publicity and promotions. You will learn skills and techniques for leveraging both print and electronic media from a PR perspective . You will be able to execute effective publicity and media relations by creating comprehensive plans and targeted strategies.

Public Relations Campaign Strategies

You'll learn to plan and execute PR campaigns step-by-step checklist. The focus is on creating socially responsible relationships rather than just communication campaigns. You'll also learn the crucial knowledge and cutting-edge tools necessary to organize events as part of these campaigns.

Writing for Different Media

You will learn a wide array of crucial writing techniques for today's media industry with an emphasis on creative writing strategies within media writing, covering both fiction and non-fiction approaches. You will learn to understand and apply techniques for generating ideas, creating outlines, and crafting written content tailored to various media sectors.

In-Company Practical Training

In this module, you will take your learning beyond the classroom. During your internship, you'll reflect on your experiences, to enhance your critical and analytical thinking skills, improve your communication abilities, and identify professions that pique your interest. You will document your in-depth analysis through a comprehensive report and a presentation. It's all about bridging the gap between education and the real-world industry.

New Media Applications

You will explore critical concepts and practical skills related to "new social media" which are actually reinterpretations of older media forms like film, television, graphic design, and print publication. You will also examine how certain new media developments, like the World Wide Web and multimedia communication, transform the way users interact with text, images, and sound in social communication.

ELECTIVE MODULES*

*Choose any 2 modules below:

Visual Communication

You will learn to conduct a cultural analysis of visuals and their meanings. You will also experiment with these connections and expand your technical skills and knowledge in workshops and studio time.

Copywriting

In this module, you will delve into the art of effective copywriting, with a focus on crafting copy for various media channels, including print, radio, TV, billboards, and more.

Corporate Communication

You will gain comprehensive knowledge of Corporate Communication, encompassing both its internal and external facets. This covers areas such as employee communication, community engagement, financial communication, and governmental PR. You will also explore the role of Corporate Social Responsibility in contemporary society.

Broadcast Portfolio

In this module, you will gain a deeper understanding of the terminology commonly used in the broadcast industry and the various production roles involved in video production. You will also improve your production techniques and learn to apply your creative and aesthetic skills to create video content for broadcasting.

Feature Writing

In this advanced news writing module, you will focus on the process of generating, developing, and crafting compelling feature stories. You will master various approaches to writing these stories, exploring different types of features, with an emphasis on all elements of effective writing and reporting, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization, conciseness, taste, and readability.

Contextual Studies

This module presents you with an opportunity to explore the history, theories and contexts of advertising, design and media. You will investigate the various causes and influences on advertising and design-related practices within broad cultural and contextual frameworks. You will also learn to analyse stereotypes, ideas, values, class, race, gender, spectatorship, psychology, and art movements, and apply critical theories and media theories to gain a deeper understanding.

MPU MODULES

Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban (Malaysian students) / Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 1 (International students)

Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban aims to provide a true understanding of the concept of ethical appreciation, especially in complying with the National Principles (Rukun Negara), government policies, unity efforts and national development. In this module, students will also be enlightened on Malaysian history before and after its independence, and efforts undertaken in building the nation's civilisation. Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 1 teaches international students the basics of the Malay language to help in their daily communication. You will also learn to read, write and understand simple sentences and paragraphs in Malay.

Integriti dan Anti-Rasuah

This module covers the basic concepts of corruption including the value of integrity, anti-corruption, forms of corruption, abuse of power in daily activities and organisations as well as ways to prevent corruption. Cases related to corruption are discussed. Teaching and learning methods are implemented in the form of ‘experiential learning’ through individual and group activities. At the end of this module, students will be able to understand the practice of integrity, the concept of corruption, anti-corruption, abuse of power, as well as the prevention of corruption in society and organisations.

Community Service

Community Service focuses on the development of students’ communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through community service and cooperative learning. This will include the values of social responsibility, leadership and teamwork. The primary emphasis is on community service and/or co-curricular activities that may require going beyond the university environment.

Bahasa Kebangsaan A (only for students without credit in SPM BM)

Bahasa Kebangsaan A helps in grasping the national language to effectively communicate, and express thoughts clearly and creatively through verbal and written communication.