What is Journalism?
If you have a deep respect for those who bring you the latest news or aspire to be the one to share the updates, we might have the right course for you to embark on – Journalism. Journalism is one of the top majors among students in Malaysia who wish to further their studies in Mass Communication.
Putting in a layman’s term, journalism is all about the process of gathering, analysing, and disseminating information to a wider audience through different media channels, such as newspaper, social media, radio, etc. Journalists, who are employed in this field, spend their time researching and reporting on current events, trends, and issues that add value to our lives or may impact society.
The main goal of journalism is fairly simple which is to provide accurate, balanced, and objective information to the public. In addition, journalism comes in all sorts of types, encompassing a wide area such as commentary, opinion, investigation, and feature stories.
In short, journalism is all about keeping the public informed and updated on the latest happenings!
Types of Journalism
Potential areas of Journalism study include the following:
Types of Journalism | Specialisation |
Investigative Journalism | Engage in deep research and analysis to uncover hidden information or facts that are often being covered up. Investigative journalists often work on long-term projects that require extensive resources and time to uncover hidden news. |
News Journalism | Covering current events necessitates, delivering the latest updates on regional, national, and global news. This form of journalism demands the capacity to write with swiftness and precision, frequently with limited time constraints. |
Feature Journalism | Focus on stories that go beyond the surface-level of news item. Such work often comes with in-depth analysis, a fact check, and personal stories to help readers understand the broader context of a story. |
Opinion Journalism | Express their own viewpoints on the latest happenings and updates. Often, they leverage personal experiences to support their arguments and pique readers’ interest. |
Sport Journalism | Report on sports news and events, providing analysis, commentary, and interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans. |
Entertainment Journalism | Focus on news and events related to the entertainment industry, including the latest movies, music, and television shows. This form of journalism provides leisure reading or sometimes gossip news. |
Science & Tech Journalism | Cover topics on scientific research, new technologies, and discoveries. Such Journalists will make complex scientific concepts understandable and accessible to the general public. |
Photojournalism | Uses images to tell news stories. It involves the use of photographs to report and communicate important events, issues, and human interest stories to the public. |
Business Journalism | Covers the economy, businesses, finance, and markets. It involves reporting and analysing various business-related topics, including corporate news, industry trends, financial markets, and economic indicators. |
Lifestyle Journalism | Focuses on topics related to leisure and lifestyle, such as fashion, beauty, food, travel, entertainment, and culture. |
Do you require assistance in determining whether an Actuarial career is the right fit for you? Contact one of our experienced consultants immediately!
Skills of a Good Journalist
To be a successful journalist, there are several key skills that are required for long term success in this role.
1. Strong communication skills
You must be able to communicate effectively, whether in writing or verbally, to ensure that your message is accurately conveyed without misleading others. To know how to write, you must first know how to talk. It’s all about the process of gathering and presenting information.
2. Objectivity
As a good journalist, it is extremely crucial to report on stories in an unbiased manner, without injecting personal opinion or influence into the story. This is to help the audience make up their own mind about a story, providing the facts alone and letting audiences interpret those on their own.
3. Critical thinking
Critical thinking is a vital skill for journalists to have, as it allows them to make sense of complex situations and identify the most important elements of a story. With so much information available, it is important for journalists to be able to evaluate and analyse data critically. All in all, present only those that can add value.
4. Ethics
Adherence to ethical standards is a crucial aspect of journalism. This includes being transparent about any affiliations or relationships that may influence their work. Journalists must also protect the privacy of their sources, as many may be hesitant to share information if their identity is not kept confidential.
5. Good research skills
Journalists must be able to research and verify information, as well as find reliable sources to support their reporting. This involves conducting interviews, reviewing documents and other relevant materials, and fact-checking information. With the rise of fake news and misinformation, it’s more important than ever for journalists to be diligent in their research and ensure that the information they report is accurate and trustworthy.
Are you eligible to study Journalism?
Following are the general entry requirements to study Journalism:
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 2.00 |
Diploma | CGPA 2.00 |
STPM | 2 Principal Passes (Minimum grade C) |
UEC | 5 Bs (inclusive of English) |
A-Levels | 8 |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 5 subjects with ATAR of 55 |
IB Diploma | 26 points in 6 subjects |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | Band 5.0 |
MUET | Band 3.5 |
TOEFL | 40 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Journalism Career Options
One of the following jobs is possible for you:
- Broadcast Journalist
- Editorial Assistant
- Print Journalist
- Press Sub-Editor
- Publishing Copy-Editor / Proofreader
- Content Editor
- Features Writer
- Reporter
- Photojournalist
- News Anchor
Top Universities to Study Journalism in Malaysia
1. INTI International University and INTI International College
INTI International University and INTI International College well-known higher education institutions offering various programmes ranging from pre-university and diploma to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Since its inception in 1986, INTI has been recognised for its inventive and industry-centric approach to education, providing students with hands-on skills and knowledge that equip them for future careers in their respective fields.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Diploma in Mass Communication | 2 Years | January, April/ May, August | Local Students: RM34,482 – RM41,940 |
Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) Major Option:
| 3 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM68,786 |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (4+0) | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM88,260 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. UCSI University
UCSI University is recognised for its exceptional academic achievements, inventive pedagogical approaches, and cutting-edge infrastructure. The university caters to a huge student community from more than 110 nations, and collaborates with distinguished universities worldwide. The institution ensures that students receive an inclusive educational background that enables them to succeed globally in diverse areas of expertise, including medicine, architecture, engineering, business, and others.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
BA (Hons) Mass Communication (2+1) Major Option:
| 3 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM69,770 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Taylor’s University and College
Taylor’s University and College is a privately-owned institution situated in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. The university provides a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study, such as business, law, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and education. It prioritises delivering quality education, fostering originality and ingenuity, and developing graduates who are equipped for the industry and globally competitive.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Diploma in Communication | 2 Years | April, August | Local Students: RM54,020 |
Bachelor’s (Hons) in Mass Communication Major Option:
| 3 Years | January, March, August | Local Students: RM104,594 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. IACT College
Founded in the 1970s, IACT College (IACT) is the nation’s premier creative communication education provider that strives to nurture students to think both critically and out of the box. With its global partnership with various international institutions, IACT College offers a wide range of courses from pre-university, university and professional programmes in advertising, broadcasting, film, graphic design, mass communication, media studies and public relations.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Diploma in Mass Communication | 2.5 Years | January, April, June, August | Local Students: RM39,800 |
BA (Hons) Media, Culture & Communication | 3 Years | January, June, August | Local Students: RM71,000 |
BA (Hons) Mass Communication (2+1) | 3 Years | January, March, August | Local Students: RM42,000* |
BA (Hons) Media Communication (2+1 / 1+2) | 3 Years | January, March, August | Local Students: RM42,000* |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. UOW Malaysia KDU University College
UOW Malaysia KDU University College (previously known as KDU University College) is a private university, established in 1983 that has since grown to become one of Malaysia’s leading tertiary education providers. It offers a wide range of academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. UOW Malaysia KDU University College prides itself on its innovative and industry-driven approach to education, providing students with practical skills and knowledge that prepare them for successful careers in their chosen fields. It also has strong partnerships with leading universities worldwide, giving students opportunities to gain international exposure and experience.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Diploma in Communication and Media | 2 Years | January, March, May, July, September, October | Local Students: RM45,630 |
Bachelor of Communication (Hons) | 3 Years | January, March, May, July, September, October | Local Students: RM74,250 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Eric Chooi
Write, eat and repeat! A passionate and inquisitive writer, always looking for new ways to write. If you don’t see him writing, maybe he is hunting for some good food!