.: Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most common questions asked by students interested in the CNM Programme.

ABOUT THE CNM PROGRAMME

Is this programme a course by itself?
Yes, this is a course by itself.

What is CNM all about and how does this course relate to new media?
Communications and New Media is the only programme in Singapore and Southeast Asia that offers a concentration in communications and new media studies within a single department. On the communications side, 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 side, 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.

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.

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?

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

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.

What are the entry requirements for this course?
First, 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. There are no formal pre-requisites or qualifying tests for entry into the CNM Programme. The Programme welcomes students with good results at GCE ‘A’ levels and a keen interest in the subject.

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.

Can I take CNM as one of my subject concentrations?
Yes.

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.

Is it possible for Arts2 & Arts3 student to take CNM as one of their non-concentration electives?
No. Priority is given to students doing CNM as one of their subject concentrations.

Can I have a shared major in CNM & a course from another faculty? For e.g. shared majors in CNM and Business/Computing?
No. The shared major programme is only available for subjects offered in FASS.

I have a problem with this module as at the start of the semester, I did not know what I wanted to major in. So, I took this GEK1511 to clear my GEM requirements. However, now that I have decided to major in CNM, I have found that that I am not allowed to take this module as a GEM. Is it possible that I convert this GEM into IT1001 and have it counted towards my major requirements?
GEK1511 is no longer cross-listed to IT1001. The University does not allow the conversion of code. From Cohort 2002 and after, IT1001 and IT1002 will not be used to fulfill CNM major requirements.

I would like to take GEK1511, Introduction to Computing, to fulfill one of my GE requirements. However, I read that students who read CNM as a 'subject/concentration' are not allowed to read this module. I am a little dubious about my understanding of that phrase. I am a Year 1 Arts student and have taken IF1101E as part of my exposure modules last semester. Will I still be allowed to take the module, GEK1511, Intro to Computing module?
IT1001 and GEK1511 preclude each other. As IT1001 is a prerequisite for higher level SoC module, CNM students are advised to take IT1001 rather than GEK1511.

CAREER PROPSECTS

What kind of degree do graduates of the CNM programme receive?
Students in FASS taking this course will graduate with a B.A. CNM also offers an honours degree and master's and Ph.D. degrees (the only programme in Singapore offering graduate degrees in new media studies).

In the near future CNM may also provide a minor.

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

Students who specialise in interactive media 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 in interactive media would be able to venture into their own businesses.

The communication management area will prepare students to 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.

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.

CREDIT TRANSFERS

I am presently studying in a foreign university. I wish to transfer to NUS. What is the policy on credit transfer?
As NUS does not at the moment have a system of direct credit transfer with overseas universities, we will not be able to consider you for a credit transfer. We do have an option for module exemption and /or waiver on the application form but these are subject to the relevant Faculty's/School's approval. If you are interested in a full-time undergraduate programme, you may submit an application online (Office of Admission). If successful, you will be admitted to the first year of study.

back to the Top