School of Communication
Where is School of Commnication?
The school of Communication is located at the building behind the CIMB bank inside of USM. This is where the administrative office and the lecturers’ offices are located. There is another building called the C10, Balai Media. It is located next to the Dewan Kuliah Sains Kemasyarakatan and opposite of the Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan. Balai Media is where the Communication students have their tutorial class and the place where the students majoring in Journalism do their job.
How to reach the School of Communication?
You may be seeking for bus AC, bus D, bus B, and bus C to reach the school of communication. There’s definitely a distance if we choose to walk from our hostel. In fact, the only hostel you can do so is hostel of Cahaya Gemilang.
When do you need to choose your MAJOR?
Basically we need to think of or start selecting our major during second semester of first year. The confirmation of your major usually will be released during semester break. Accordingly, your second year university life will begin based on your major choosing.
What is the bachelor degree course offered by School of Communication? What are the major available in USM?
The degree offered in the School of Communication is the Bachelor of Communication. It is a 4 years degree courses where students are allowed to choose among 3 major that are offered by the school.
The 3 major are listed as below:
1. Film and Broadcasting
A combination of critical and analytical understanding of screen studies and professional training in audio, video and film production. Students specialising in Film & Broadcasting will be able to produce quality media products as well as thought-provoking screen products that critically address various pressing issues in society.
2. Journalism
An area of specialisation offered under this programme. Students will possess critical understanding and knowledge on various issues pertaining to the sociological aspects of journalism as well as useful skills in writing, reporting, photojournalism and desktop publishing.
3. Persuasive Communication
Persuasive Communication integrates several academic fields related to persuasion and influence, namely advertising, public relations, public communication campaign and event management. Students specializing in Persuasive Communication will be able to understand various intellectual paradigms, theories and knowledge, which they will then be able to apply to various practical-oriented courses.
What are elective and minor subjects? Which should I choose?
Elective subjects are related to your major. They are considered deeper and concentrated study of a particular division of your major. However, students can try to take the elective subjects which are not in the field of the major too. This helps the students to learn more than just their major.
Minor subjects may not be related to your major. The subjects are for you to widen and explore second area of interest other than your major. Usually, each school in USM will offer a package of subjects for their minor students. (Example: Basic Psychology are minor subjects offered by School of Social Science.)
Let’s give extra information, the hottest minor that chosen by us were management or psychology. Most importantly, choice still goes to you.
Further information can be obtained from Buku Panduan of School of Communication, which is given during orientation week.
Is it hard to score “A” or pass for Communication students? Any tips to do well in exam?
Different subjects, different lecturers, different standards. As mentioned above, work hard and work smart. Try not to study during last minute. If you fail to catch up the syllabus during the starting point, then the following parts will be challenging for you. Understand instead of memorizing the facts and theories. Search and try to look for more readings related to the study. For tutorial or assignment, there are mostly group assignments in the course, so work hard and play well in the group to score well. Do not be the parasite of the group.
Do we have to do internship as Communication students?
All Communication students are compulsory to do their internship for one semester in order to graduate. Check your Buku Panduan of School of Communication for further information.
Are the lecturers of School of Communication nice?
The lecturers and professors are hired to teach us, not to scold or punish us. If you complete their task and pay attention to their lecture, there is no reason that they will treat you badly. Just remember to respect them, and also be punctual to their classes.
When can we know our timetable in School of Communication?
During Dean’s and Programme Chairman’s briefing, each of the first year students will get a copy of timetable of the new academic session. It may look a bit messy because all subjects of different major are on one piece of paper. So, you can highlight the subjects on first semester or using Microsoft Excel to make your own timetable.
Are we compulsory to buy any textbooks in School of Communication?
The lecturers usually do not force you to buy any book. Instead, they only recommend you which book to refer, or list you the books which they use to make lecture notes during the first lecture. The courses require more on reading article, journals and writing of the scholars.
Do we have to bring laptop all the time?
No need. Laptop is probably required only when you are doing presentation.
Can we register extra subjects for first semester?
Yes, but please make sure the classes do not crash. Usually during orientation week, the language course and KO-K briefing and registration is only conducted after you get your timetable, which means you should prioritize the classes your must-take subjects of the first semester before registering extra subjects.
For further information, please refer to the following link: