As China is taking an increasingly bigger role in world politics and the global economy in the twenty-first century, a future generation of media professionals faces renewed challenges and responsibilities. The new programme of Media and Communication Studies (MCOM) aims to provide our students with a rigorous curriculum grounded in media literacy and communication, training them in both critical theories and creative abilities in a world of media convergence.
Beginning the academic year of 2019, MCOM admits the first batch of students from mainland China and beyond. In the programme, our students study media theories and practices in and outside of China, and critically analyze the role of media within multiple contexts and levels. Through comparison and contrast of real-world examples, we prepare students with a grounded knowledge of the fast-changing media industry and society in China and globally. The key fields of study in MCOM include Chinese media, media law and history, the global media landscape, and critical cultural studies.
To achieve a balanced curriculum between critical theories and skills training, our programme also keeps alive core courses in writing, reporting, and editing as well as digital technologies in broadcast and documentary filmmaking to cultivate both the brains and hands of a future generation of media leaders.
Also, MCOM courses follow these Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs):
PILO 1 Develop solid writing competence in reporting breaking, feature, and investigative news stories in print and multimedia formats within a set time frame (deadline), according to professional standards.
PILO 2 Demonstrate sound knowledge of theories and practices in one or more of following media industries: newspaper/magazine, radio, television, documentary film, and digital media.
PILO 3 Acquire interdisciplinary perspectives of communication and media studies, as well as distinguishing Western and Chinese societies and histories, that enable a critical understanding of global media.
PILO 4 Apply theoretical concepts and critical reasoning in understanding and analysing contemporary issues of media and communication.
PILO 5 Produce in-depth news reports and/or analytical essays on an independent topic of social significance by conducting first-hand investigation and research.
PILO 6 Gain working knowledge of the evolving techniques and innovative approaches to digital journalism and media production.
