University students covet media studies

Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Ven Sakol

 

Media is the backbone of our interpretation of the world, whether in rich or developing countries. This is why we notice that bachelor degrees in Media and Communication are very popular among students in university.

The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) began teaching media and communication courses in 2001. Since then, private universities have also started teaching in this field. As the result in 2012, we can find out that not only RUPP but also Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cambodia and Pannasastra Univercity of Cambodia (PUC) have this major in their course study.

It has been over 3 years that PUC had been providing Communication and Media Arts (MCA) and named as the last university in Cambodia that educates students in this field, according to Mr. Raymond, dean and professor of Media and Communication Arts at PUC.

He adds, “We just started but we focus on the quality; as the result, the number of students increases 50 percent per year, which is very interesting to us.”

Speaking slowly but surely, Mr. Raymond remarks that there were only two students in the first generation, but the number reached to 55 students in the last generation, while the two seniors is going to graduation Bachelor of Media and Communication Arts at the end of this year.

PUC has divided MCA into three majors: mass media, business for communication, and interpersonal communication. Mass communication can guide way for students to be spokesmen, journalists, or TV program producers. On the other hand, business for communication is for those who want to specialize in marketing, create advertisement, or work as public relation. For interpersonal communication, students will be able to work for social development, community service, or other NGOs.

Students studying MCA at PUC cangain not only knowledge from theories but also experience from practical by internship. Mr. Raymond explains, “At least, students have to complete an internship before graduated. It is a good chance for them to show their ability in working field by using the theories from school.

All in all, he gives some comments to students: “There are more available jobs for those who are knowledgeable at Media and Communication Skills. So, you have to find a place where you can gain both quality and profession for your own future.”