FAQ

How do I know if this is the right programme for me?

This is not a question that can be answered right off the bat. Some people begin this programme with an interest in communication. Some people discover their passion later. We suggest you come in and have a chat with our staff at the School of Creative Arts & Communication, and discover the different aspects of the programme as well as tell us your goals in life. Then we can advise if this is a good fit for your future.
 

I want to be a Communication major but I lack strong English writing skills. What should I do?

English writing skills are a crucial part of being a communication major but like all skills, it can be acquired with lots of practice, guidance and determination to be good at everything you do. If you do not meet the English entry requirement, there is an Intensive English Programme (IEP) to help you acquire the level of proficiency needed to read for a degree programme at Sunway University. Also, within the Communication degree programme, the School offers English language support through a module called English for Academic and Professional Communication for communication students to acquire oral and written skills in English to speak and write for an academic or professional audience.
 

I have no interest in Science and Math. I am outgoing and like to be social and communicate with people. Does this mean this programme would be perfect for me?

It is good that you are outgoing and love to communicate; this would be an added advantage to pursuing a Communication degree. However, it is also important to note that this programme comes with substantial theory and practical skills to prepare you for postgraduate studies (if you wish to further yourself) or work in the industry. It is crucial that you are equally as good and devoted to learning these skills and theories as you are to being sociable.
 

How does this Communication Programme differ from the Communication major offered at the American Degree Transfer Program(ADTP)?

After taking up a Communication major at ADTP for two years, you need to spend the last two years preferably in the United States to complete your American degree. In contrast, for the BA Hons in Communication at the School of Creative Arts & Communication (SCAC), you read for the whole (three years) degree here at Sunway University and graduate with two certificates: a Sunway University certificate and a Lancaster University certificate. As for the syllabus for the two programmes, they may overlap but the focus is different for each programme.
 

If I specialize in Advertising and Design, does that mean that I’m restricted to getting a job in the area of advertising and design?

Definitely not. A specialization in Advertising Design equips you with the skills to work on advertisements and design but since the degree offers first year common communication subjects plus compulsory research projects and internship in the third year, you should have sufficient knowledge and experience of the communication field to work in the communication industry and not just in the advertising design area; the specialisation is for your own personal interest and development.
 

Is it possible for me to finish this degree in less than 3 years if I take more classes?

This course has been designed specifically to fit the 3 year time frame and each semester we offer specific subjects in order that students build on knowledge and skills acquired in the preceding semester(s). Also, some subjects are of a higher difficulty level and requires maturity and intellectual development for students to benefit fully. Thus, it is highly recommended that students do not deviate too much from the original study plan to ensure that the programme is truly meaningful and rewarding to the student.
 

Why do I have to do an internship? Will it affect my studies? I don’t think I can work and study at the same time?

The BA Hons in Communication programme has a compulsory internship module for third year/final year students. The internship is an important part of the degree programme as its aim is to provide students with the opportunity to apply what they learn in class in a real work environment. The internship will not affect your studies because it is carried out during the final year semester break therefore you will not be working and studying at the same time.
 

How does a Corporate Communication degree differ from a Business Communication degree?

Our Communication degree with a Corporate Communication specialisation focuses on the principles of communicating at the corporate level. In this specialisation, you learn how to communicate with the media and the public in subjects such as Media Relations and Public Affairs. You also study the importance of a company’s branding and take up subjects such as Issues and Crisis Communication and Reputation Management to learn to project and manage an organisation’s image. Business Communication degrees are more business-focused thus they pay more attention to managing communication to enhance business objectives.
 

Are there any specific scholarships for the Communication Programme?

For the first intake in August 2011, an attractive inaugural bursary is available to all students. In addition, a number of scholarships are available for new students and for Sunway continuing students. Please contact the Information Centre at 03-7491 8622 ext. 3512/3513 for further information; the staff will be most pleased to assist you.
 

My parents think that communication is a fluff subject, how do I convince them otherwise?

Often people judge what they don’t understand or don’t know. It would be best for you and your family to come in and speak to our counselors and the staff of the School and the department. Communication is gaining prominence as a discipline of its own and is a serious career option, judging by the number of enquiries we receive and the number of jobs in communication-related industries, for instance, there are numerous advertisements for media specialists, media planners, creative directors, PR consultants, campaign managers, to name a few, which are often communication graduates.