1. What is CNM all about and how does this course relate to new media?

Communications and New Media is the only department in Singapore and Southeast Asia that offers a concentration in Communications and New Media studies within a single department.

On the communications front, our students learn about the economic structure and the regulation of the media industry as well as the impact media can have on society and culture. As communication managers, they learn how to create an online presence for an organization, how to write for the news media and how to create, conduct and evaluate a communications campaign.

On the new media front, our students are exposed to theories which help them understand the impact new media are having on society socially, economically and politically. Students will learn the answers to these and many other questions: How is the rampant use of computers affecting education of young people, how can Asian countries take advantage of new media to advance their economic development, how has the introduction of the internet affected traditionally authoritarian states, how do new and invasive technologies affect our right to privacy as individual etc. Such issues and problems are discussed from various theoretical perspectives such as sociology, social psychology, law, policy and political economy.

Apart from studying the impact of new media, students also engage in content creation through practice learning. For example, they learn how to design multimedia products such as websites, games and virtual environments.

2. What is the difference between NEW MEDIA & MASS COMMUNICATION?

New media is an area of academic enquiry that studies things like Internet studies, online communities and the impact of new technologies in the social, cultural, political and economic landscape of a country and the world. It also includes interactive media like Web design, gaming and virtual reality, among other subjects. In short "new media" includes any form of media that are NOT traditional mass media, such as converged media (the interrelation between telecommunications, computers and electronic media), wireless media, portable devices, wearable computers, etc.

On the other hand, mass communication usually deals with traditional mass media such as print and broadcast journalism. In addition, mass communication (or communication) programs usually offer modules in advertising and public relations. While some mass communication programmes may offer some modules in new media issues, their focus tends to be on the traditional mass media.

3. Do I have to be technically inclined to major in CNM (or Interactive Media)?

Students need not have any technical inclination/background to successfully tackle the interactive media component of our programme because the primary objective of CNM is to equip students with conceptual knowledge of Interactive Media.

We also welcome technically inclined students who are interested in studying cultural, aesthetic and social aspects of interactive media. Likewise, humanities and social sciences inclined students will have an opportunity to make their own creative projects. In advanced and honours-level modules we provide students with full opportunities to explore either theoretical approaches, creative projects, or both.

In short, CNM welcomes Creative Thinkers who are ready to challenge themselves.

An example of a question that could be explored in one of our courses would be: Why Singapore students play more Japanese-made games than their American counter-parts, and what is the difference between both types of games in terms of cultural or aesthetic interaction?

1. Is a good command of English essential for the course?

A good command of English is definitely an asset as the course materials are mostly academic texts and students are often assessed based on essays and reports.

2. What are the entry requirements for this course?

You will need to meet the entry requirements set by the National University of Singapore. Do visit the website of the NUS Office of Admissions where you can learn about the admissions process and even apply online. Once you've been admitted by NUS, you can then apply to study Communications and New Media.

CNM welcome students who love (or hate) interacting with new media (games, wireless devices, etc.) and want to test their emotions and attitudes to technology through academic rigor and interdisciplinary learning. Students interested in learning effective ways to communicate and who want to be visually creative are also welcome.

3. Is it possible to take CNM as a major and another subject as a minor?

Yes it is possible to do what is known as a double major, i.e. majoring in CNM and one other subject concentration, e.g. Chinese studies, Economics, Political Science etc. Communication Management students are encouraged to minor in Business.

In addition, CNM offers a Double Degree Programme in partnership with the NUS Business School.

1. What kind of degree do graduates of CNM receive?

Students in FASS taking this course will graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts after three years, or a Bachelor of Social Science with Honours after four years. CNM also offers master's and Ph.D. degrees.

2. What are the career prospects of graduates from CNM?

Graduates from the CNM Programme will be very attractive because they will have a very solid understanding of the new media industry locally, regionally and globally.

In the field of interactive media, students will be able to work in corporate communications, government agencies dealing with media development, media and design firms, research institutes specialising in interactive media content, public relations firms and a wide range of commercial, industrial and professional environments. In addition, graduates with a keen interest in interactive media would be able to venture into their own businesses.

In the field of communication management, students can work in traditional media as well as in new media, IT companies or other ICT-related companies. Graduates will be able to work in corporations, government agencies, public relations firms and not-for-profit organisations, all of whom need effective and strategic management of communications to be successful.

In the field of cultural studies, students may enjoy fruitful careers in galleries, libraries, art organisations and museums. Other sectors that will be interested in CNM graduates are tourism, banking and multinational corporations. In government agencies, graduates can work in policy analysis or facilitate communication between government officials and the private sector.