MSocSci (Communication)

NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

OVERVIEW

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Social Sciences in Communication, hereafter referred to as the MSocSci (Communication), is offered by the Department of Communications and New Media in the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

In a relentlessly volatile media landscape shaped by technological advances and content proliferation, media professionals must be agile to keep pace with constant change.

Today, content is king, holding court on digital platforms that reach millions of people every day. The challenge for organisations in this age is to harness the power of content and wield it strategically to communicate effectively with their stakeholders.

The MSocSci (Communication) recognises that competency gap in the market, and is proud to be the first graduate programme to fill that void.

We provide mentorship to groom our students into leaders in the digital field, and equip our graduates with cutting-edge expertise to firmly grasp the essence of data in their communication plans.

Take the first step towards achieving those long-held aspirations by choosing from one of three specialisations:

 
MSocSci (Communication) Strategic Communication Specialisation
DataCOMM-CARD  
MSocSci (Communication) Data and Communication Specialisation
GlobalMediaCOMM-CARD  
MSocSci (Communication) Global Media Communication Specialisation

Why This Programme?

  • Reach for the stars while standing on the shoulders of giants, by learning from leading figures in the media industry through an integrated mentorship programme.

  • Tap on the strengths of the first graduate degree programme in Asia to focus on digital communication and leadership by shining a spotlight on new media and communication leadership, digital marketing, and data analytics.

  • Acquire job skills that are critical for success in the industry through a curriculum that examines and tackles current and emerging trends like those identified by the Singapore Government’s SkillsFuture Skills Framework for Media.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Application Period
An Academic Year (AY) at NUS consists of two semesters and a special term (which occurs during the Semester 2 Vacation, and is divided into two parts of six weeks duration each):

  • Semester 1: Aug–Dec
  • Semester 2: Jan–May
  • Special Term (Part 1): May–Jun
  • Special Term (Part 2): Jun–Jul

For the MSocSci (Communication) programme, there is one application period for each AY:

MSocSci (Communication) Specialisations Intake Application Dates
  • Strategic Communication Specialisation
  • Data and Communication Specialisation
  • Global Media Communication Specialisation
 Semester 1
(Aug Intake)		 1 Sep to 30 Nov of year preceding the intake year
  • Strategic Communication Specialisation
  • Data and Communication Specialisation
  • Global Media Communication Specialisation
 Semester 2
(Jan Intake)		 1 Dec two years before intake year to 31 May of year preceding the intake year

Programme at a Glance*

Upcoming Event(s):

Watch this space for updates!
Next Intake:
Application Period:
1 Dec 2022–31 May 2023

Apply now!

* For full details, please refer to main write-up.

For enquiries, contact us.

Video
Introduction to MSocSci (Comm)

Livestream 13
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the links below for more information:

How is this programme different from other similar programmes in the market?

  

The MSocSci in Communication programme, offered by the Department of Communications and New Media in NUS’ Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, is the only one in Singapore that gives students the choice of specialising in one of three specific areas: Strategic Communication, Data and Communication, or Global Media Communication.

The Data and Communication and Global Media Communication streams distinguish the programme from other programmes in the market, which traditionally focus more on Strategic Communication.

The Department of Communications and New Media also provides internships and mentorships, which enable students to learn from leading industry mentors:

  • Internship (designed for students with less than two years of work experience in the industry) – A formal opportunity for students to join organisations for a period of 20 weeks to take on an internship in positions and areas that are of direct relevance to their field of study, research and/or specialisations
  • Mentorship (designed for students with two or more years of work experience in the industry) – An initiative where students can join an organisation for a period of up to 20 weeks to take on a mentored position with a senior communications leader focused on areas that are relevant to their field of study, research and/or specialisations

How much of the programme is theoretical, and how much is practical?

The programme adopts a finely balanced 50-50 split between theory and practice. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in the industry. Hence, there will be elements of experiential learning and opportunities for practical applications (such as internships, mentorships and the final-year project), coupled with the academic rigour and research expertise synonymous with NUS.

What can you tell me about the “Final-year Project” course (e.g. overview, scope of work, organisations involved, choice of host organisation, etc.)?

The “Final-year Project” course is an application‐led innovative project that allows students to blend direct hands‐on industry experience with theory in conducting research. It situates the learning within an application framework by partnering students with a supervisor to conduct issues‐based research and consultancy. In doing so, students will access a platform for one‐on‐one supervision with professors, key communication with industry leaders, and peer-to-peer networking. Students will apply theory and practice to consultancy work to analyse and produce research reports that are industry-ready.

Can I apply for the Data and Communication specialisation if I do not have any coding skills or background?

  

Applicants may still opt for the Data and Communication specialisation without having the relevant coding skills or background. Basic foundations will be taught in the courses, and supplementary readings will be provided (as and when required).

What are some of the career prospects or pathways available upon completion of the programme?

 

The MSocSci in Communication programme is designed to groom the next generation of communication leaders: highly competent professionals who are primed for success amidst the challenges of a fast-changing world.

The programme will prepare graduates to take up key positions in the following areas:

  • Advertising and Marketing Communication
  • Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
  • Public Relations
  • Employee Relations
  • Communication Campaigns (e.g. Public Health)
  • Digital Marketing
  • Digital Media and Content
  • Fundraising
  • Integrated Marketing Communication
  • Investor Relations
  • Media Entrepreneurship
  • Policy‐making
  • User Experience
  • Data Analytics
  • Social Media Management
  • Journalism
  • Non‐profit and International Organisations

For enquiries, contact us.

We will guide you through the next steps of your transformative journey.

 
10 March 2023