Communicating success in life
MASS communication studies is the effective dissemination of information to the public. The information can be delivered through various modes, channels or formats to bring about the desired outcome.
To succeed in this field, one must not only master the theoretical part of the subject matter but also gain complete understanding of the intricacies of mass communication through practical exposure. Hence, TAR College unwaveringly emphasises hands-on experiential learning in its mass communication programmes. This approach focuses on further developing students’ cognitive abilities to think out-of-the-box to achieve the intended results.
Offered at diploma and advanced diploma levels, mass communication programmes at TAR College’s School of Social Science & Humanities (SSH) include advertising, broadcast communication, journalism, media studies and public relations.
To ensure that students are well-trained in the practical aspects of mass communications, various initiatives have been established, such as student participation in projects as part of their coursework.
One such example is the fund-raising campaign spearheaded by students of the Advanced Diploma in Mass Communication (Public Relations) programme in collaboration with Truly Loving Company. The programme, conducted last year with the tagline Green a House, Gain a Smile, raised RM25,000 for the National Autism Society of Malaysia.
Named Mission Impossible, the campaign had 15 lecturers and the principal perform cleaning tasks if the fund-raising target was attained.
Students majoring in advertising initiated a campaign to promote civic-mindedness in December last year.
The campaign, called Bear-tahan which sounds like “beh-tahan” (in colloquial lingo, it means the inability to tolerate something or someone) sought to alter Malaysian mindsets and behaviours to encourage civic-consciousness.
The protagonist of the campaign was Bob the Bear who encouraged college students to adopt responsible behaviour such as throwing rubbish in the correct bins provided, parking their cars within the space demarcated and cleaning up the plates and cutlery after meals at the cafeteria.
Students in the mass communication programmes are also encouraged to participate in internal and external competitions.
In June last year, SSH held its first filming competition. Named Broscar Nite 2012, the competition had four categories – public service announcement, music video, documentary and short film.
External competitions such as the Shell FuelSave Challenge presented an opportunity for the students to conceptualise effective public relations campaigns.
TAR College students from the Advanced Diploma in Mass Communication (Public Relations) emerged challenge champions.
“TAR College emphasises on hands-on experiential learning to ensure we develop communication specialists who are wellrounded individuals able to value-add to the industry and make a difference in society,” said SSH head Lee Hwee Chuin.
“Many of our graduates are highly soughtafter in the marketplace. The TAR College qualification is well-recognised by academia with diploma graduates granted attractive advanced standing/ exemption to pursue Bachelor degrees.
“Similarly, the advanced diploma graduates are readily admitted into Masters programmes at many British or Australian universities. This translates to quality assurance of our education,” Lee said.
For details about TAR College mass communication programmes, the April intake and Open Day, log on to www.tarc.edu.my or visit their booth at all major education fairs and roadshows nationwide.