If you’re a Creative who is thinking of getting a bachelor’s degree in Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), you might be wondering which course/programme to take. These two programmes spring in mind:
BSc Digital Media vs Bachelor of Communication
The university offers both these part-time programmes, and they focus on media and communication. However, they have different areas of emphasis and career prospects. Here’s a comparison of the two programmes:
BSc Digital Media
(School of Science and Technology)
Focus: This programme is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in digital media technologies, including interactive media design, web development, digital marketing, and content creation.
Technical Skills: Students will acquire practical skills in digital media production, including graphic design, video editing, animation, and web development. They will also learn about emerging technologies and trends in the digital media industry.
Career Prospects: Graduates of the BSc Digital Media programme can pursue careers in various sectors, such as digital marketing agencies, advertising firms, media production companies, and digital content creation. Job roles may include digital media specialists, multimedia designers, web developers, content creators, and digital marketers.
Bachelor of Communication
(School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences)
Focus: This programme provides a broad-based education in communication theories, principles, and practices. It covers areas such as public relations, journalism, corporate communication, and media studies.
Communication Skills: Students will develop strong communication skills, including writing, public speaking, strategic communication planning, and media analysis. They will also gain a deep understanding of media systems, cultural influences on communication, and ethical considerations.
Career Prospects: Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication programme can pursue careers in various industries, including public relations agencies, corporate communication departments, media organisations, non-profit organisations, and government agencies. Job roles may include public relations executives, corporate communicators, media analysts, journalists, and communication consultants.
In summary, the BSc Digital Media programme focuses on practical digital media skills and prepares students for careers in the digital media industry. On the other hand, the Bachelor of Communication programme provides a broader understanding of communication theories and practices, preparing students for diverse roles in communication and media-related fields.
My Take
Since I already have a Diploma in Interactive Media Design* back in 2009, I thought that BSc Digital Media** made more sense.
If you prefer the BSc Digital Media programme, it is because of technical focus and the specific software learning opportunities it offers, such as Blender and Unity. The programme provides a strong foundation in digital media technologies and practical skills, including graphic design, video editing, animation, and web development. This technical emphasis are beneficial if you have a keen interest in hands-on media production and working with digital tools.
I have to admit that learning these two softwares comes with their own set of challenges as I had zero experience! But hard work pays off and we just have to persevere.
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Note
* the course has since been reviewed and it is now known as Diploma in Communication Design, after merging with Diploma in Visual Communications
* in fact, when I enrolled in 2018, this programme was known as Bachelor of Multimedia Technology and Design (which explains the ‘MTD’ course codes)