Difference of Communication and Mass Communication Degree – Excel Education | Study in Australia, Malaysia, the UK & Canada

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We live in a time of connectivity, where communication is vital in ensuring accurate information is delivered to the masses. You’ll listen to a politician’s speech on TV and wonder how are they so articulate? Well, that’s thanks to script writers working hard in the Communication or even, Mass Communication degree field. Searching for the difference between Communication and Mass Communication? You’re in the right place!

What is Communication?

As a general definition, Communication is said to be the act of exchanging ideas or information. This act can be done in many ways, verbally, or through various other forms of media. Communication can involve individuals in a one-on-one interaction or an interaction between groups of people.

Communication is an integral aspect to life. Even in the context of business or corporations, Communication is not an option, it’s a necessity. In fact, Communication is one of the most valuable soft skills to have. The use of strategic, authentic, or skillful Communication is essential no matter the industry.

Additionally, Communication is a very dynamic and broad field encompassing many other fields. With a Communication degree, graduates will develop highly transferable skill sets, boosting their employability. Also, Communication graduates have varied and diverse career opportunities, allowing them to experience interdisciplinary fields.

What is Mass Communication?

On the other hand, Mass Communication is defined as the dissemination of information through mass media such as the television, the news, or the internet. For the field of Mass Communication, or Mass Comm, the emphasis is on how information is mediated through the use of technology, typically for the general audience or large groups of people.

Mass Communication degree is a more narrow field falling under Communication. In the context of Australia, Mass Communication degree is usually offered to students as a major instead of a whole degree. Instead, Mass Communication degree is found to be named with other alternative titles like Media Communication degree. Though in Malaysia, Mass Communication degree is commonly offered as a whole.

There is a very fine line of difference between Communication and Mass Communication but their similarities include that they focus on the sharing of information, allow for varying career options, and grants graduates with highly employable transferable skills.

Difference between Communication and Mass Communication

Communication	Aspect	Mass Communication
Typically uncontrolled and informal within an audience reach which is smaller in comparison.	Nature	Typically controlled within an audience reach which is larger or more public and general.
Communication is essential in effectively conveying information either between individuals, between organisations or between organisations and the public.	Purpose	The purpose of Mass Communication is to create narratives or accomplish goals through dissemination of messages in a way that is ethical and effective.
Ranging from being highly personal without much structure and vice versa.	Content	More structured, tailored, and standardised with less room for content to be personalised.
Feedback is more receptive. It is more interactive with faster and more immediate response or exchange of information.	Feedback	Feedback is limited. Commonly done through one-way interactions with a smaller chance for the exchange of information.
Originated from human evolution and the need to convey thoughts.	Root Origin	Originated from development of technological advancements.

Career Opportunities with Communications Degree

A degree in Communications opens up many career opportunities across diverse fields. What’s more, most, if not all, corporations and businesses will have a Communication department designed to help improve their brand, focus, or advertising strategies. Depending on personal interests, you can pursue these careers:

Copywriter
Communications Specialist
Journalist
Cross-cultural Worker
Digital Marketer
Editor
Editorial Assistant
Publisher
Public Relations Manager
Marketing Communications Strategist
Associate Brand Manager

Salaries can vary based on location, type of industry, years of experience, or study level, but listed below are some examples of average annual salaries for different professions in Australia. These salaries can be different depending on which state you plan to work in.

For a copywriter, an average annual salary ranges from $70,000 to $85,000.

An editor makes an average annual salary ranging from $85,000 to $105,000.

A communications specialist has an average annual salary of $90,000 to $110,000.

General Entry Requirements to Study Communications Degree in Australia

Academic Entry

Academic Entry	Minimum Score
STPM	Aggregate of 7 (Best 3 or 4 Subjects out of a Possible 5 Subjects)
Matriculation	CGPA 2.20
A-Levels	Aggregate of 8 (Min. 3 Subjects)
UEC	Aggregate of 5 (Best 5 Subjects)
IB Diploma	24
Australian Matriculation (ATAR)	50
Canadian Pre-University (CPU)	60

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

English Language Entry Requirements

Entry Level	Minimum Score
IELTS	6.0
TOEFL	64
Pearson Test of English (PTE)	50

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

Common Pathway for Communications Degree Holder

Pathways for a Communications degree holder may vary depending on personal interests and chosen field but generally:

First, pass SPM or equivalent examinations which enable you into a relevant pre-university or study programme.

Second, pass the pre-university or study programme noting any requirements needed to enrol into a Bachelor of Communication in Australia. You can also opt to study a Diploma in Communication for a duration or 8 to 12 months and gain entry into the 2nd year of a Bachelor Degree.

Third, enrol and complete the Bachelor of Communication. Internships, volunteering, or other work experiences in the field you want to professionally pursue are highly recommended.

Finally, you are qualified for employment in entry-level roles where you can gradually progress your career.

Optionally, you can enrol in a Master’s Degree of a specialised Communication field and get employed in more specialised roles.

Best Universities to Study Communications in Australia

1. University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney, widely called as UTS, is a leading public university in Australia. With a history traced back to the 1870s, UTS has currently developed commendable academic excellence proven through being ranked in the top 10 amongst Australian universities.

The Bachelor of Communication at the University of Technology Sydney offers seven majors, where students have the option to choose two majors out of the choices. The course permits skill development, creative explorations, with chances to build a professional portfolio through an internship programme. What’s more, a big named alumni of a UTS Communication degree is the actor Hugh Jackman.

Programme Offered	Bachelor of Communication Major Options: Digital and Social Media Journalism Media Arts and Production Strategic Communication Social and Political Sciences Writing and Publishing Media Business
Duration	3 Years
Intake	February, July
Indicative Fees (2024)	International Students: AU$121,248 – AU$139,392

Disclaimer: Intake for the Media Arts and Production major is only in February.